Concierge Service: Best 1-1.25 Ct Lab Created Round Brilliant Diamond

Brief
Type: Lab Created
Cut: Round Brilliant
Carat: from 0.9 ct to 1.25 ct
Color Range: Colorless (D-E-F)
Clarity: VS1-VS2
Message: I don’t like the “cloudy” look. 6 prong solitaire setting in platinum. Budget $3k total if possible. 1 carat would be nice but not a requirement.
DiamondImagePriceVendorSetting
Lab-Created 1.01 Carat round diamond
D Color | VS2 Clarity		$1,920

Plat. 2mm Comfort Fit Solitaire (Six Prong)

Lab-Created 1.25 Carat round diamond
D Color | VS1 Clarity		$2,088

Classic High Set Six-prong

My Overall Score is a measure combining a number of factors including:

  • the AGS cut guidelines potential cut grade; What is AGS? See this article;
  • how confident I am that the recipient will absolutely love love love the diamond;
  • good contrast
  • optical precision
  • the value I believe it represents;
  • must be deemed eye-clean by me;
  • how well it fits the brief.

6 prong setting is a great choice over 4 prong settings as there are more instances of recipients returning 4 prongs in favor of 6 prongs than vice versa. Reasons cited include six prongs giving the appearance of a more secure hold on the diamond, as well as looking more rounded with a crown-like appearance.

Thomas J Stevens GIA DG CSG