r/Diamonds

Hey, I went to a well-known/high-end jeweler in NYC shopping for an engagement ring recommended by a few people and purchased/ordered the ring just yesterday.

For a ring with 4.1 ct pear-shape, lab grown diamond, D/VS1 with excellent cut, and a white-gold band with hidden halo, they asked for 12,500. The stone itself they asked for 8,000 for, the setting 4,500.

I want to propose very soon and the ring will be ready in 2-3 weeks, so I just went ahead and bought it.

But, now based on everything I've seen here - it seems I very much overpaid for the diamond.

I see rare carat has the same stones for $5,700 (https://www.rarecarat.com/diamond-search/dfc52737-b225-4860-a5b9-4986bcfec9e6?shape=pear). I guess if I'd only be saving 2,000 I can live with it.

So now I'm not sure if I should try to cancel my order and find the stone online - want to hear thoughts?

Hoping to get some opinions on this GIA report as I’m not well versed in diamonds lol … being sold for around $40k. Thank you!

Shape: Emerald Cut

•	Measurements: 9.60 x 6.89 x 4.66 mm

•	Carat Weight: 3.01 carat

•	Color: H

•	Clarity: VS1

Proportions

•	Table: 69%

•	Depth: 67.7%

•	Girdle: Thick to Very Thick (polished)

•	Culet: None

Finish

•	Polish: Excellent

•	Symmetry: Excellent

•	Fluorescence: Faint

.

So I work at a thrift store/flea market that doesn’t accept donations but we go and clear out spots so we find genuine jewelry a lot of times. I’m new to this stuff since I just got hired a week ago, but other than diamond testers, I can only name gemstones by color and look.
I cannot tell apart CZ and real diamonds so I kinda need advice since I already have a diamond tester but it’s breaking on me since it’s like a couple years old.
If anyone has any advice on how to find out real diamonds of any size and color or certain gemstones without a tester. While I’m at it, if anyone has tips on finding real gold in rings, chains etc.

Hello!

I’m looking for some advice from people who know a lot more about diamonds than I do.

I’m shopping for a lab-grown oval diamond with roughly these specs:

• Budget: around $1,500 USD for the stone
• Shape: Oval
• Carat: ~1.5 ct
• L/W ratio: around 1.40
• Color: D–E
• Clarity: VVS2 or higher

I’ve been researching for the past couple of weeks and have mostly been looking at GCAL 8X stones, which seems helpful for someone inexperienced like me since it removes some of the guesswork around light performance.

These are the stones I'm considering:

https://www.gcalusa.com/certificate-search.html?certificate_id=360166420

https://www.gcalusa.com/certificate-search.html?certificate_id=360246148

https://www.gcalusa.com/certificate-search.html?certificate_id=360556009

Thank you!

thinking about going with VS2 clarity for a marquise cut diamond. I've heard that VS2 is generally eyeclean for Marquise but I'm going on the slightly larger size with 2.5 i wanted to know if anyone has real experience seeing this.

Shape Marquise

Carat 2.56ct

Length 13.68mm

Width 7.2mm

Depth 4.53mm

Colour F

Clarity VS2

Polish EX

Table 60%

Hi everyone,
I’m planning to propose and want to commission a custom bespoke ring. Instead of going with the big luxury houses (like Cartier or Tiffany), I'm looking for a highly refined, understated piece — a top-tier NY-based atelier where the budget goes entirely into exceptional hand-craftsmanship, precise proportions, and stone purity rather than a brand name.

The Logistics:
My sister lives in NYC and can visit the studios/view stones in person over the next few weeks. I will be flying to NY from August 10th to 17th, which is when I plan to pick up the finished piece.

The Design & Specs:
Center Stone: Princess Cut. Not looking for a massive, flashy rock. Targeting the 0.2ct – 1.0ct range with exceptional specs (VVS/VS, Colorless).
The Metal: Solid Platinum.
The Band: Ultra-delicate, hand-forged micro-pavé. I want that "thread of light" look, aiming for about 1.5mm to 1.7mm in thickness so the diamond appears to be floating.

Inspiration: Structurally similar to the Cartier Étincelle (Princess), but executed with superior bespoke precision, no bulky baskets, and perfectly seamless prongs. (Cartier Link for Inspiration - looking for platinum and better custom execution).

My Questions:
1 I've been looking into Leon Megé because of his reputation for platinum micro-pavé work. Does anyone have experience with him for this specific ultra-thin style?
2 Are there other top-tier, highly exclusive ateliers in the Diamond District (or nearby) that excel at this kind of delicate work?
3 Given my timeline (approving the CAD/stone in June, picking up mid-August), does this sound realistic for these top-tier jewelers? (If not, that's OK).

Any advice or photos of similar rings you've had made would be hugely appreciated!

Im looking to lock in this elongated cushion diamond for approx. ~$16k.

I am not super experienced but my jeweler is telling me this is a good diamond and decent value.

People who actually know about diamonds - what are your thoughts?? Thank you!

https://loupe360.com/diamond/1557012921

I see posts very often on here asking if their ring is too small. With the rise of lab grown and maisonette (which are also nice - no hate at all but I think it’s more common to go for larger stones) I usually always assume the stone is natural if it’s “small”. “Smaller” stones to me look elegant, sophisticated and more akin to quiet luxury. Some of the coolest girls I know have 0.25ish diamonds or even gem stones instead of diamonds and it looks so chic.

Obviously everyone has their own taste and karat preferences but I had to say this given the amount of posts re small diamonds I see in this sub.

Just my opinion!

Hi all,

I’m currently considering this diamond for an engagement ring and would really appreciate some honest feedback from people who know more about this than I do.

I’ve included two links below:

• GIA report: GIA - Report Check
• Retail listing with video: Oval Cut Loose Diamonds - 77 Diamonds

I’m particularly interested in your thoughts on the bow tie effect - where is it on the spectrum from bad to great?

More broadly, I’d love any input on:

• Overall appearance and light performance
• Whether anything stands out (good or bad)
• Whether this seems like a solid choice overall

I’m trying to make a confident decision, so candid opinions are very welcome. Diamond alternatives too.

Thanks in advance!