Christmas Present - diamond help

[TiogaLion]

I'm looking at getting my wife a new diamond ring and need some opinions. Lab-created diamonds can be about 30% - 60% (or less depending on the specifics) of the cost of earth-created diamonds. I love saving money, but I'm having trouble pulling the trigger on lab-created. Both have the same exact hardness and coefficient of thermal conductivity so the lab diamonds are actually diamonds.

What do you guys recommend?

 

[wbcbus]

A friend just got his new fiancé a rock the same 2 carat size as what he got his prior wife. He went lab created this time and paid 1/3 as much, with better clarity and brightness. Having seen it, I’d never pay the premium for the earth type again. You wouldn’t know if you weren’t told, and you get to avoid any blood Diamond guilt you might have. If the point is just how it looks, and they’re the same, I don’t see any reason it needs some poor kid to have dug it out of the ground to like it.

 

[bdgan]

I bought my wife a diamond engagement ring back in the day. Years later she said she wanted a bigger one. I said the one you have is the ring I proposed to you with. Why would you want a different ring? Doesn't it have sentimental value to you? Obviously that didn't work so bought her a new ring with a big honking diamond. Then I asked if I could sell the original diamond ring but that didn't work either. For the record the old ring has never since come out of the box. In fact she never looks at it but heaven forbid we sell it.

P.S. My wife wouldn't knowingly settle for a lab made diamond any more than she would settle for a cubic zirconia.

 

[TiogaLion]

I bought my wife a diamond engagement ring back in the day. Years later she said she wanted a bigger one. I said the one you have is the ring I proposed to you with. Why would you want a different ring? Doesn't it have sentimental value to you? Obviously that didn't work so bought her a new ring with a big honking diamond. Then I asked if I could sell the original diamond ring but that didn't work either. For the record the old ring has never since come out of the box. In fact she never looks at it but heaven forbid we sell it.

P.S. My wife wouldn't knowingly settle for a lab made diamond any more than she would settle for a cubic zirconia.

Cubic zirconia isn't actual diamond. I don't have to tell her and it's unlikely she'd ask.

 

[bdgan]

I don't have to tell her and it's unlikely she'd ask.

You're playing with fire

 

[wbcbus]

I bought my wife a diamond engagement ring back in the day. Years later she said she wanted a bigger one. I said the one you have is the ring I proposed to you with. Why would you want a different ring? Doesn't it have sentimental value to you? Obviously that didn't work so bought her a new ring with a big honking diamond. Then I asked if I could sell the original diamond ring but that didn't work either. For the record the old ring has never since come out of the box. In fact she never looks at it but heaven forbid we sell it.

P.S. My wife wouldn't knowingly settle for a lab made diamond any more than she would settle for a cubic zirconia.

Im curious her reasoning, if you know it. A lab made Diamond is still a Diamond. It is chemically a Diamond. A CZ is something different, so I get that. But if lab and earth are both the same thing, I don’t quite understand why it matters (wouldn’t be the first time, I don’t understand almost anything about women, I have references to confirm if needed).

 

[SleepyLion]

The only value in any diamond for jewelry is in appearance and "rarity". If your wife would be okay with a lab diamond your are luckier than me. The only difference is the certificate.

A diamond is forever...unless your wife wants an upgrade.

I'm just glad the diamond was upgraded and not the husband.

 

[Connorpozlee]

I bought my wife a diamond engagement ring back in the day. Years later she said she wanted a bigger one. I said the one you have is the ring I proposed to you with. Why would you want a different ring? Doesn't it have sentimental value to you? Obviously that didn't work so bought her a new ring with a big honking diamond. Then I asked if I could sell the original diamond ring but that didn't work either. For the record the old ring has never since come out of the box. In fact she never looks at it but heaven forbid we sell it.

P.S. My wife wouldn't knowingly settle for a lab made diamond any more than she would settle for a cubic zirconia.

My wife and I pitched in on her ring equally. We in the midst of two years doing Christian mission work in Appalachia and were pulling in $100 a month stipend each (I’m sure it’s a whole different ballgame now with NIL money and all, but I digress). Very, very simple ring. She’s never asked for an upgrade, luckily.

 

[TiogaLion]

You're playing with fire

If she asked I'd tell her, but I wouldn't expect her to ask.

 

[PSU_Lions_84]

Wimmen (as it's pronounced here in North Carolina) can be funny. (Furtively looks left and right.)

My wife and I were young when I proposed and her engagement ring reflected as much light as does Pluto (the planetoid, not the dog) i.e., the diamond was tiny. She actually lost it while working at Penn State while I attended. That was in 1981. She STILL will not let me buy her a new one. I've lost count of how many times I've asked her - after 44 years of marriage, it's one of those things I've given up on.

 

[Tgar]

Steven singer Jewelers in Philly gives away a lab grown diamond with every purchase of a real diamond or so their rdio commercials claim.

Buy your girlfriend the diamond. Give the lab grown thing to your wife. Live like the boss while you have time.

 

[Manofsteel200]

We just updated my wife’s wedding ring with lab created diamonds. We spent 1/3 of the money and were able to bigger than we normally would have with better color and clarity. It all comes down to what is important to your wife. Is it the look or eventual valie of the diamonds in the future? My wife wanted the look and could care less what the diamonds might be worth down the road. As they create more and more of these the value will drop. She designed her own custom stone setting and ring design. We love the diamonds. We made a great decision.
Each lab created diamond is etched with a serial number.

 

[LionJim]

Wimmen (as it's pronounced here in North Carolina) can be funny. (Furtively looks left and right.)

My wife and I were young when I proposed and her engagement ring reflected as much light as does Pluto (the planetoid, not the dog) i.e., the diamond was tiny. She actually lost it while working at Penn State while I attended. That was in 1981. She STILL will not let me buy her a new one. I've lost count of how many times I've asked her - after 44 years of marriage, it's one of those things I've given up on.

Let’s have “Great posts to read while having my morning coffee” for $1000, Alex.

 

[FTLPSU]

Let’s have “Great posts to read while having my morning coffee” for $1000, Alex.

LOL this is great LJ...as I finish my last sip

 

[Niassne]

For all things other than engagement ring my wife has gone with lab made diamonds. When we got insurance review, person had no clue they were not from the earth. Engagement ring was from an estate sale store, she let me upgrade band but would not change the diamond.
Agree sentimental but doubt wife could tell so I would go with nicer lab diamond

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

Watch this

 

[Lion84]

I told my Wife (mistake) that I never paid as much for something as I did for her engagement ring that I couldn't drive.

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

I told my Wife (mistake) that I never paid as much for something as I did for her engagement ring that I couldn't drive.

Moms and I got married young and broke. We split her engagement ring $400 ea

 

[Obliviax]

I'm looking at getting my wife a new diamond ring and need some opinions. Lab-created diamonds can be about 30% - 60% (or less depending on the specifics) of the cost of earth-created diamonds. I love saving money, but I'm having trouble pulling the trigger on lab-created. Both have the same exact hardness and coefficient of thermal conductivity so the lab diamonds are actually diamonds.

What do you guys recommend?

Agree with those that say nada on a fake diamond. Its like buying a knock off D&G. And I mean Dolce and Gabbana not Dollar General. The diamond is a symbol of your value of your relationship. If that symbol is fake, ouch. My wife wanted an upgrade so I bought one through Blue Nile and had a local jewler put it into a simple set. She wanted just a diamond and the band. All you have to do is pay attention to the four C's: Carot size, Cut, Color, and Clarity. I wanted a the largest I could afford that was really white. As long as it didn't have occlusions that I could see with the naked eye I didn't care about that. Honestly, I'd have her pick it out and forget the surprise except to see it mounted.

 

[bdgan]

Im curious her reasoning, if you know it. A lab made Diamond is still a Diamond. It is chemically a Diamond. A CZ is something different, so I get that. But if lab and earth are both the same thing, I don’t quite understand why it matters (wouldn’t be the first time, I don’t understand almost anything about women, I have references to confirm if needed).

You try to use reason with your wife?

 

[bdgan]

My wife and I were young when I proposed and her engagement ring reflected as much light as does Pluto (the planetoid, not the dog) i.e., the diamond was tiny. She actually lost it while working at Penn State while I attended. That was in 1981. She STILL will not let me buy her a new one. I've lost count of how many times I've asked her - after 44 years of marriage, it's one of those things I've given up on.

Don't take this personally but is your wife a woman?

 

[PSU_Lions_84]

Don't take this personally but is your wife a woman?

LOL - not taking it personally at all! Yes, she is very much a woman. And, just for further clarification, I am a man.

P.S. Good luck, TiogaLion! I'm from that neck of the woods - proud graduate of Canton high school.

 

[fairgambit]

I'm looking at getting my wife a new diamond ring and need some opinions. Lab-created diamonds can be about 30% - 60% (or less depending on the specifics) of the cost of earth-created diamonds. I love saving money, but I'm having trouble pulling the trigger on lab-created. Both have the same exact hardness and coefficient of thermal conductivity so the lab diamonds are actually diamonds.

What do you guys recommend?

If you want your wife to stand out in a crowd, consider the MEGAFAKE, an exclusive from Fairgambit Worldwide Enterprises. Just $48,000 in small unmarked, bills. Hope she has really big fingers. Sizing is extra.

 

[ChandlerPearce]

Cubic zirconia isn't actual diamond. I don't have to tell her and it's unlikely she'd ask.

Seems you are using cost as the #1 factor in choosing....nothing wrong with that....some guys like fake/enhanced body parts also....it all comes down to personal choice. Since our family manufactures "real" gold and authentic gem jewelry....and i purchase jewelry reflecting the value i feel for my wife...i rarely buy lab created gems. Best answer may be would "you" be happy with replica Penn State memorabilia?

 

[Connorpozlee]

Moms and I got married young and broke. We split her engagement ring $400 ea

I think that’s about twice what my wife and I chipped in for.

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

I think that’s about twice what my wife and I chipped in for.

You should see her Re do

 

[maypole]

Seems you are using cost as the #1 factor in choosing....nothing wrong with that....some guys like fake/enhanced body parts also....it all comes down to personal choice. Since our family manufactures "real" gold and authentic gem jewelry....and i purchase jewelry reflecting the value i feel for my wife...i rarely buy lab created gems. Best answer may be would "you" be happy with replica Penn State memorabilia?

“Replica”? What is the difference?

 

[bdgan]

Since our family manufactures "real" gold and authentic gem jewelry....and i purchase jewelry reflecting the value i feel for my wife...i rarely buy lab created gems.

So maybe you can help me. A decade ago my mother purchased a lot of gemstones and I don't know how to sell them. People want gold, silver, and diamonds but nobody wants gemstones.

 

[TiogaLion]

Seems you are using cost as the #1 factor in choosing....nothing wrong with that....some guys like fake/enhanced body parts also....it all comes down to personal choice. Since our family manufactures "real" gold and authentic gem jewelry....and i purchase jewelry reflecting the value i feel for my wife...i rarely buy lab created gems. Best answer may be would "you" be happy with replica Penn State memorabilia?

I highly recommend that you read two books; "Who moved my cheese?" and "How to win friends and influence people".

Have a good day.

 

[ChandlerPearce]

I highly recommend that you read two books; "Who moved my cheese?" and "How to win friends and influence people".

Have a good day.

HaHaHa

 

[ChandlerPearce]

“Replica”? What is the difference?

Guess you never heard of game used.

 

[ChandlerPearce]

So maybe you can help me. A decade ago my mother purchased a lot of gemstones and I don't know how to sell them. People want gold, silver, and diamonds but nobody wants gemstones.

A high end auction house....or a custom jeweler.

 

[Catch1lion]

So maybe you can help me. A decade ago my mother purchased a lot of gemstones and I don't know how to sell them. People want gold, silver, and diamonds but nobody wants gemstones.

Jewelers row in Philly you can hit a few easy

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

Jewelers row in Philly you can hit a few easy

I took a knee in house of milner overseen by our Jewish jeweler Barry. Asked her if she wanted it at dinner, she said give to me now lol. Got golf claps from the house, off we went

 

[ApexLion]

I'm looking at getting my wife a new diamond ring and need some opinions. Lab-created diamonds can be about 30% - 60% (or less depending on the specifics) of the cost of earth-created diamonds. I love saving money, but I'm having trouble pulling the trigger on lab-created. Both have the same exact hardness and coefficient of thermal conductivity so the lab diamonds are actually diamonds.

What do you guys recommend?

 

[TiogaLion]

Have you seen the Hope Diamond? I was shocked the first time I laid eyes on it.

 

[Catch1lion]

I wouldn't go the lab route, but I am also done with the diamond purchases. It does look like the market trend is moving in favor of the lab stones.
A couple clips from 12/9/2023 WSJ
Man-made diamonds are catching on, despite some lingering stigma. This year was the first time that sales of lab-made and natural mined loose diamonds, primarily used as center stones in engagement rings, were split evenly, according to data from Tenoris, a jewelry and diamond trend-analytics company.
The average retail price for a one-carat lab-made loose diamond decreased to $1,426 this year from $3,039 in 2020, according to the Tenoris data. Similar-sized loose natural diamonds cost $5,426 this year, compared with $4,943 in 2020.
Lab-made diamonds have essentially the same chemical makeup as natural ones, and look the same, unless viewed through sophisticated equipment that gauges the characteristics of emitted light.

At Ritani, an online jewelry retailer, lab-made diamond sales make up about 70% of the diamonds sold, up from roughly 30% two years ago, says Juliet Gomes, head of customer service at the company, based in White Plains, N.Y.
Philadelphia jeweler Steven Singer only stocks the natural stuff in his store and is planning a February campaign to give about 1,000 one-carat lab-made diamonds away free to prove they are “worthless.” Anyone can sign up online and get one in the mail; even shipping is free. “I’m not selling Frankensteins that were built in a lab,” Singer says.

Some brides are turned off by the larger bling now allowed by the lower prices. When her now-husband proposed with a two-carat lab-grown engagement ring, Tiffany Buchert, 40, was excited about the prospect of marriage—but not about the size of the diamond, which she says struck her as “costume jewelry-ish.”

Good luck with you shopping.

 

[Catch1lion]

My daughter just came home on break. She is probably on the cusp of engagement. Anyway she is in the sweet spot age wise 24-28, so quite a few of her friends are getting engaged this year. So 5 of them bought lab diamonds recently. The consensus was 1. larger diamond, 2. cool science can create it, and 3. avoids societal issues with mined diamonds. I would guess the overall trend is going to continue to move in this direction. I was surprised she was on board with the lab diamonds. But here are 6 votes for lab diamonds .

 

[EdwardoCarrachio]

I feel pretty lucky that my wife has no desire for a larger diamond. I went for quality over size (the wife and her ring). In fact, she doesn't go for big and gawdy in terms of jewelry or overly expensive clothing and accessories. She would much rather go on a hike or kayak than do some expensive or high society event. I love that about her. We generally live well and don't want for or even desire things so much.