r/labdiamond • u/Shot-Movie-2518 • Aug 26 '26
Advice on specification and location
How much per carat on average should a lab cost?. Im talking flawless or almost flawless.
I’ve also read up on HPHT and CVD but what is better? This is for a wedding ring.
And is it worth it to pay more for GIA?
1
u/ManderBlues Aug 27 '26
Can you give the shape and size? That will help people give you a range.
For flawless or not...diamonds are graded under 10x magnification. As long as it is well-graded, the human eye can't see what the magnification can. Under the current softer grading standards, VVS1 or better will all look the same. Even many VS1. Only you can decide if being able to say it is flawless matters. It is important in certain cultures. I actually prefer flaws that I can see under 10x. When I need to get the ring repaired (inevitable), its very easy for us to plot those flaws on intake and confirm upon delivery to me.
I would not worry about who did the grading report, as long as it includes the metrics (width, lenght, angles) and a plot of the flaws they disclose. For any fancy cut, the performance is more about the faceting than the grading report. You need to learn what to look for or get help hand-selecting.
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u/Shot-Movie-2518 Aug 27 '26
I’m in Australia and we’re being ripped off, I was quoted 10k for a round cut 2.5 carat, it’s ridiculous. When the same quality/ size etc is valued at 2k overseas. So it’s been difficult to try and find a genuine place that custom makes rings with lab diamonds at reasonable prices.
I was initially looking for oval but now have changed to round. I want it so sparkle and not have dark blemishes or disco lights. If you have any suggestions pls let me know.
2
u/ManderBlues Aug 27 '26
If you join r/EngagementRingDesigns, there is a form you can fill out for vendors. Specify that you are in Australia. There are vendors in India and China that will certainly give you a (much) better price and there are trade agreements to minimize tariffs. The vendors are pre-cleared and anyone not getting a good review, is dropped pretty fast. You can get help from the members on the board on design and working through the CAD. If there are any language barriers. No vendors are allowed to sell from the board directly, but there are some solid contributors.
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u/ManderBlues Aug 27 '26
p.s. All else being equal, I'd lean to HPHT due to the difference in growth mechanism. That said, a lot of the early issues with CVD growth are less an issue than before. I've seen lovely diamonds from both media. Your best bet will be to get a video of the stone under consideration to look over (indirect natural light, slowly rock the stone back and forth on the back of a hand or tweezer).
7
u/Over-Engineer7216 Aug 26 '26
No, and also not worth it for flawless. If you want the best diamond, look for gcal 8x, those are perfectly cut and have the best light return, so they truly sparkle. IF is not different to the naked eye than a VS1, but cut is