Natural vs Altered Diamonds

[dmw16]

So the time in my life is getting closer...that time being the time to buy a diamond engagement ring. I am faced with a choice...

I work for GE and as a result I can get a discount (and a good one at that) on bellataire diamonds. They are stones that start life as slightly colored and then are exposed to high pressure and temperatures and made colorless (or nearly colorless).

I don't think my girlfriend would have any objection (as we've discussed it), but I am wondering what people here think.

I can get a larger, less included, less colored stone that is "modified" than i could afford if it were natural, but should I choose to get a natural stone anyhow?

I'd like anyone's input on this (ladies in particular ), but anyone with experience. I need to make a decision soon as I want the ring in a few months and I am having a family friend who is a great jewler make a custom setting for me.

Thanks.

 

[LS20]

personally id say fck natural diamonds because the prices are so artificial and the whole debeers history deal. ideally, id get a sapphire because it has good tangible properties... however, how the other party will respond to it is another matter.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

I like artificial diamonds

Jewels with actual color to them are better though. I personally don't understand why people are so wowed by the look of diamonds. I like them best in industrial cutting equipment.

 

[BigToque]

Get whatever you and your gf feel most comfortable with. Some people prefer to know the stone is completely "natural", others like to think that they got a real deal on their stone because they got a "higher quality stone" for less money. In my honest opinion, I don't think there is such a thing as a "bad diamond".

The most important thing is to find a price you are comfortable with and willing to spend. Then start doing your research on what combination of attributes you can find at your selected price point.

I always suggest people go to this website: Pricescope.com

There is a message board with a lot of people who know a lot about the industry and you find more information than you know what to do with

Have fun

 

[FoBoT]

it really depends on the woman, some are ok with fake and some want the real thing no matter what

you need to ask her not us

 

[AreaCode707]

I like gemstones - diamonds are setting stones, nothing more.

 

[dmw16]

Thanks for the input so far.

FoBoT, they arent fake, just altered. They are artical diamonds or anything.

Thanks for the link, that will be very helpful.

I guess the question is...is a .5ct natural diamond "better" than a .75ct altered diamond?

 

[iamwiz82]

They will be worth less if you ever decide to resell, but no common wyw will be able to tell it's enhanced.

 

[AreaCode707]

Addressing your actual question about real vs altered - unless the alteration has a tendency to reverse (like some heat treated stones will eventually change back), it shouldn't make a difference. You might want to consider whether your girl wants a "rock" or something more delicate though. Not everybody wants a larger stone.

 

[BigToque]

Originally posted by: dmw16
Thanks for the input so far.

FoBoT, they arent fake, just altered. They are artical diamonds or anything.

Thanks for the link, that will be very helpful.

I guess the question is...is a .5ct natural diamond "better" than a .75ct altered diamond?

It is almost impossible to tell the difference between a "natural" stone and one that has undergone HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) treatment. There is now a law (AFAIK) that states that all stones that have undergone HPHT treatment must be engraved as being HPHT treated.

The only way a .5ct "natural" diamond would be "better" (assuming the same color, cut and clarity) would be if you "thought" it was better because it was "natural", or if your GF has smaller hands and a .75ct stone simply looked too big on her finger.

 

[dmw16]

Thanks for the input. She has larger hands, so I wanted a larger stone. The treatment does not reverse, so that isn't a concern. The dollar value isn't important to her (or I wouldnt be with her). I want something she'll love always, that's all that matters to me. I am 23 and so is she and we are talking about saving for a house so it seems silly to spend way too much. Please keep the input coming.