Women: Is a lab grown stone or alternative stone OK?

[GeoffD]

Originally Posted by RedZin

I like lab stones, but my ring is a conflict-free diamond. I just prefer diamonds in general for engagement rings, but that's me. Prefer quality over size. Mine's a 1.48 carat D color, VVS1.

With a round brilliant cut diamond, I’ve never understood spending the money on that level of color and clarity. On your finger from 12”, it’s impossible to tell the difference between an SI1 and VVS1. You need a loop to magnify enough to see the carbon deposits in an SI1. Unless you put the stone side by side matching color, you’re not going to see any yellow in a stone in that 1 1/4 carat to 1 1/2 carat size up through an I or J. Your stone is probably ~$13,000. I could drop in a $6,000 ideal cut stone, tell you it’s D & VVS1 and nobody but a jeweler would notice the difference.

[ellie]

Once you’ve been together awhile, you can always look for a special token to reflect your relationship. A sensible engagement ring can be the beginning, not the ultimate destination.

We didn’t get expensive rings when we married. I work with my hands so it didn’t make sense. This year he wants me to choose anything I want. I’m looking for an alternative stone in a piece of estate jewelry. There’s a lot out there and I’m enjoying educating myself.

I have a Pinterest page for what inspires me so we can talk about them.

[TashaPosh]

Originally Posted by GeoffD

With a round brilliant cut diamond, I’ve never understood spending the money on that level of color and clarity. On your finger from 12”, it’s impossible to tell the difference between an SI1 and VVS1. You need a loop to magnify enough to see the carbon deposits in an SI1.

It's not impossible to see a difference...specially if it isn't eye clean & many SI1 clarity diamonds aren't. AND....it totally depends on the type of occlusion like cloud, wisp, cavity, feather or crystal......because it can have an effect on the sparkle just like the cut of the diamond will & how light hits it. It's all about the sparkle. AND..where the occlusion is will make a super big difference....like if it's under the table & what type of occlusion....so how light reflects it. AND different types of flaws can also affect the durability & stability of the diamond when it's cut. So...IMO..you have to be super careful....specially for a larger solitaire AND even more for an emerald cut.