Please share your thoughts in the comments 😀 Do YOU have a preference? It will be fascinating to see how the diamond industry evolves in the coming years. 💛Interested in having me create your GORGEOUS diamond ring? 👉 Get In Touch Here: www.VanessaNicole.com
Hi, I’ve been married 20 years & raised 3 beautiful children. Never had ring. My husband recently told me to get ring I wanted. I could have gotten a small diamond but I always wanted at least a 3 kt. So I did get lab grown excellent cut and clarity. It did cost between $1,500-2,000 which for me is quite a bit for ring. I’ve seen same ring (lab) as much as $3,500. Ring has same sentimental value but I also got ring I’ve always wanted and deserve. It’s just as beautiful as “earth” grown diamond!
That's such a heartwarming story! It's great that you finally got the ring you've always wanted after 20 years of marriage and raising your children. You deserve it! Feel free to come back for next Monday's video about Lab Growns and the current state of the industry. :)
After 30 yrs of marriage, upgraded from my 1.7 ct earth grown diamond to the 3 ct lab grown diamond and I ❤❤❤ it!! Was able to keep my original diamond AND got the diamond size I wanted. Plan to wear my original as a pendant. #financialsense for us
That's amazing! Congrats on the upgrade and keeping the sentimental value intact! Thank you for sharing your journey with us - It's heartwarming to see your thoughtful approach.
My partner and I recently got engaged. We have been together 15 yrs and we finally feel we're in the right place in our lives to get married. I have always dreamed of the "perfect proposal" and what my future ring would look like. Fifteen years ago I just know I would have wanted a natural diamond and that I would have to compromise on a lot of things to have it sit comfortably within our budget. However, two weeks ago I got to choose my ideal engagement ring with no fear of compromising on any of the centre stone criteria because I have finally overcome my personal prejudices when it comes to lab grown diamonds. I look at my ring finger and everything is perfect; no regrets.
Congratulations on your engagement! It's wonderful to hear that you found your ideal engagement ring without any compromises. Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness together! ❤
Lab diamonds are real diamonds. I have a 3 ct natural diamond and a 5 ct lab diamond and I love them both!! I think I will probably get more labs though because they are so beautiful.
It’s about size IF your dream ring is at least 3K. I would never be happy with anything less so I’m getting lab grown. It absolutely gorgeous! Makes me happy every time I look at it. No it’s not superficial! At 67 I DESERVE IT!
I got engaged over 10 years ago. I have a 2ct natural diamond. If I were to get an upgrade and/or buy substantial diamonds again, I think it would be lab grown.
Thank you for your thoughts! I love hearing it - Since you're one of the people who has a 2ct, which is straddling the line of 1ct natural vs. 3ct lab we are seeing engaged in this hot topic, do you feel anything different about switching from a natural to a lab? Or are they the same for you?
To me they are the same as they are identical from a physics standpoint. I see the diamond industry taking a serious tumble with lab grown getting more and more widespread. (with the exceptions of course of true investment rare natural diamonds ) But for the 1-3 ct range it makes no financial sense buying a natural diamond anymore. Then again it depends what is the person s priority. I care about the quality, and the cost. Not the origin. @@VanessaNicoleJewels
I appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective! You raise a really good point that lab-grown diamonds are becoming more popular in the 1-3ct range, while more rare investment-grade natural diamonds still hold significance for many people. The diamond industry is definitely evolving, and it will be so interesting to see how consumer preferences continue to shape the market in the years ahead. You're very insightful to point out the relevance of the person’s priority when making the origin decision. I'm recording a more in-depth video on this topic that I'll be posting on Monday going deeper into the distinctions between natural, lab-grown, and simulated diamonds from the perspectives of other industry colleagues. I'd love to hear your thoughts after you see that video! Dialoguing about this shifting landscape is enjoyable. Thanks again for adding your voice to the conversation - you've given me some great food for thought!
I have a natural elongated heart diamond that's about.70 carats. It doesn't have lots of sparkle but it's special. We planned on upgrading and hubby said it was time. We bought a 1.55 carat oval lab grown that is being set in my existing band and original stone will become a pendant.
We will be celebrating our 10th Wedding Anniversary in June. We were high school sweethearts when we graduated in 1965. We went our separate ways and he would drop in and out of my life for years. To make a long story short he moved north and I moved South. It was his college roommate that found me a job in the South. 35 years after we graduated from high school it was our reunion in 2000 that brought us back together. We have never been apart since then. I want a real knucklebuster ring. Oval preferably. Do you have ready made rings? Thanks
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story with us. Congratulations on your upcoming 10th wedding anniversary! It's heartwarming to hear your love story. We don't have ready-made rings since each one is custom-made exclusively for YOU, but please do reach out about getting started having me create your very own. It would be an honor! www.VanessaNicole.com/Contact (I'm still with my teenage sweetheart as well 20+ years later :)
It walks the line between mid/large for typical wearers. Especially when considering the setting, which can make it appear even larger if there's a halo. For celebrities who like to be talked about by the press, it would fall into the small category ;)
Interesting point! This could be a good opportunity for jewellers to help existing customers upgrade their old rings to larger lab grown diamonds. The appeal is real. Maybe market it to husbands as a good Valentines, birthday, or marriage renewal gift to surprise their wives!
Thank you for your comment! Upgrading to larger lab-grown diamonds is definitely a fantastic idea for special moments if she is open to it. Some women still love the idea of a natural that took billions of years to naturally form, while others don't mind the origin story and simply love the big look for less. Now there are options for everyone! :)
I think if a man is buying a woman a diamond gift or engagement ring he should try to find out what her opinion is on lab diamonds before purchasing. She might feel like he bought her a fake...or she might prefer the lab diamond because the money gets something more substantial. I still prefer the natural stone, even if it is smaller...I could change my mind with more knowledge or if the lab grown show they hold their value over time.
You make a great point! Communication is key when it comes to such meaningful gifts. Understanding her preferences can really make the moment special. Thank you for watching!
Thank you for your curiosity! It's always great to have viewers like you who are interested in the details - With any shape, it's indistinguishable from the naked eye without magnification, whether it's lab or natural. Generally, there will be an inscription on the diamond if it's lab-grown viewable under magnification.
@@VanessaNicoleJewels that's what I keep hearing but I wanted the perspective of someone in the trade. I cannot make an apples to apples comparison but the oval lab I have is somewhere btwn CZ and natural diamond in terms of appearance. It does not possess the same crispness, depth, fire or scintillation of my natural round diamonds. I wish I had a natural oval to compare it to, but another jewelry channel just did a vid asking people on the street to spot the diff btwn natural oval and lab oval and a fair # of people were able, myself included. Maybe for rounds it's indistinguishable, but I think rounds are easiest to perfect no matter the substance. Fancy shapes are much harder.
@@UESGrl21your entire comment is incorrect. Lab grown diamonds have the same properties (RI and dispersion) and are the exact same 4R cubic isotropic carbon lattice. So no, you cannot tell them apart.
My boyfriend told me he wants to get me a ring so we are planning it together, which I love. We're going next week and when he gets the ring he'll do a proper proposal. He had a hard time keeping the secret from me and ultimately wanted me to choose the ring I'd like the most
I LOVE this! Yes, many of our clients are couples where you're involved to some degree. Even if it's only at the beginning stages to ensure that what he'll eventually get is your DREAM ring. If I can be of any help, simply let me know. www.VanessaNicole.com 80% of our clients are all over the world, not local to San Diego where out studio it. We ship worldwide :)
I have been married and divorced twice to two different very abusive men. I have settled my whole life and didn't know my worth. I am soon to be engaged to my current boyfriend and at 54 years old. I want what I want. I don't think that makes me superficial. I think its knowing my worth and I am willing to wait for it. So if the engagement doesn't happen as soon as I would like due to price, I will wait. I love him and he me, we are not going anywhere.
Thank you for sharing your story. Knowing you're in a healthy and loving relationship now is wonderful. Your strength and resilience are truly inspiring, and I'm glad to hear you've found love and know your worth now.
@@VanessaNicoleJewels Thank you. I love your channel. For someone talking about jewelry you are just a breath of fresh air, full of positivity and it shows. I am from the East Coast but would love to come visit you for a ring maybe? :)
For me I feel if someone has a very large carat ring, and they share its lab grown, it’s not as impressive. I don’t know why that is, but part of the wow factor is knowing how expensive it is. I have a natural diamond and lab studs. The labs are just not as valuable.
I think it's because of the inherent unlimited nature of lab grown. If more can always be made, it's *not* as special or rare as something that took billions of years to form naturally. It's just a theory, but I think over time lab grown diamonds will become the CZs of the jewelry world.
I hear you both of on these points - It will be so interesting to see how this all plays out within the industry. Some think Labs will become part of costume jewelry, while others believe the market of young new buyers with "champagne taste on a beer budget" will drive the market to accept them in engagement rings for the long term. Many jewelers wouldn't offer them in the beginning and are hopping on board now because business depends on it - The market demand drives the sales. Only time will tell.
Also many people appreciate gemstones because of how expensive some of them are. If anyone is this way, I regret to communicate that they absolutely don’t deserve to admire them… extremely superficial and bullshit appreciation sorry
Several of my daughters friends have gotten engaged in the last two years. 26 yr olds just out of school getting started in life. All wearing 3 carat ovals. It’s so common now to see that size on very young women. For me I know what it is and I am old school. I would rather get a super high quality natural diamond even if it’s smaller.
Please share your thoughts in the comments 😀 Do YOU have a preference?
It will be fascinating to see how the diamond industry evolves in the coming years.
💛Interested in having me create your GORGEOUS diamond ring? 👉 Get In Touch Here: www.VanessaNicole.com
Hi, I’ve been married 20 years & raised 3 beautiful children. Never had ring. My husband recently told me to get ring I wanted. I could have gotten a small diamond but I always wanted at least a 3 kt. So I did get lab grown excellent cut and clarity. It did cost between $1,500-2,000 which for me is quite a bit for ring. I’ve seen same ring (lab) as much as $3,500. Ring has same sentimental value but I also got ring I’ve always wanted and deserve. It’s just as beautiful as “earth” grown diamond!
That's such a heartwarming story! It's great that you finally got the ring you've always wanted after 20 years of marriage and raising your children. You deserve it! Feel free to come back for next Monday's video about Lab Growns and the current state of the industry. :)
What you got for 2K is amazing. I have never seen that size for that price. I am so glad you are happy
After 30 yrs of marriage, upgraded from my 1.7 ct earth grown diamond to the 3 ct lab grown diamond and I ❤❤❤ it!! Was able to keep my original diamond AND got the diamond size I wanted. Plan to wear my original as a pendant. #financialsense for us
That's amazing! Congrats on the upgrade and keeping the sentimental value intact! Thank you for sharing your journey with us - It's heartwarming to see your thoughtful approach.
My partner and I recently got engaged. We have been together 15 yrs and we finally feel we're in the right place in our lives to get married. I have always dreamed of the "perfect proposal" and what my future ring would look like. Fifteen years ago I just know I would have wanted a natural diamond and that I would have to compromise on a lot of things to have it sit comfortably within our budget. However, two weeks ago I got to choose my ideal engagement ring with no fear of compromising on any of the centre stone criteria because I have finally overcome my personal prejudices when it comes to lab grown diamonds. I look at my ring finger and everything is perfect; no regrets.
Congratulations on your engagement! It's wonderful to hear that you found your ideal engagement ring without any compromises. Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness together! ❤
Lab diamonds are real diamonds. I have a 3 ct natural diamond and a 5 ct lab diamond and I love them both!! I think I will probably get more labs though because they are so beautiful.
That's awesome! It's great to appreciate the beauty of both natural and lab diamonds. 😀
Love your compassion and kindness towards all walks of life. I couldn’t agree more with your sentiments.
Well that is just the nicest thing to say - THANK YOU for appreciating my perspective and being so kind online. Your comment just made my day :)
It’s about size IF your dream ring is at least 3K. I would never be happy with anything less so I’m getting lab grown. It absolutely gorgeous! Makes me happy every time I look at it. No it’s not superficial! At 67 I DESERVE IT!
That's great to hear! It's important to treat yourself and get something that makes you extremely happy, at all ages. Enjoy your gorgeous ring! ❤
I got engaged over 10 years ago.
I have a 2ct natural diamond.
If I were to get an upgrade and/or buy substantial diamonds again, I think it would be lab grown.
Thank you for your thoughts! I love hearing it - Since you're one of the people who has a 2ct, which is straddling the line of 1ct natural vs. 3ct lab we are seeing engaged in this hot topic, do you feel anything different about switching from a natural to a lab? Or are they the same for you?
To me they are the same as they are identical from a physics standpoint.
I see the diamond industry taking a serious tumble with lab grown getting more and more widespread. (with the exceptions of course of true investment rare natural diamonds )
But for the 1-3 ct range it makes no financial sense buying a natural diamond anymore. Then again it depends what is the person s priority. I care about the quality, and the cost. Not the origin.
@@VanessaNicoleJewels
I appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective! You raise a really good point that lab-grown diamonds are becoming more popular in the 1-3ct range, while more rare investment-grade natural diamonds still hold significance for many people.
The diamond industry is definitely evolving, and it will be so interesting to see how consumer preferences continue to shape the market in the years ahead.
You're very insightful to point out the relevance of the person’s priority when making the origin decision.
I'm recording a more in-depth video on this topic that I'll be posting on Monday going deeper into the distinctions between natural, lab-grown, and simulated diamonds from the perspectives of other industry colleagues.
I'd love to hear your thoughts after you see that video! Dialoguing about this shifting landscape is enjoyable. Thanks again for adding your voice to the conversation - you've given me some great food for thought!
I have a natural elongated heart diamond that's about.70 carats. It doesn't have lots of sparkle but it's special. We planned on upgrading and hubby said it was time. We bought a 1.55 carat oval lab grown that is being set in my existing band and original stone will become a pendant.
That sounds like a beautiful upgrade! It's wonderful that you're keeping the original stone as a pendant.
We will be celebrating our 10th Wedding Anniversary in June. We were high school sweethearts when we graduated in 1965. We went our separate ways and he would drop in and out of my life for years. To make a long story short he moved north and I moved South. It was his college roommate that found me a job in the South. 35 years after we graduated from high school it was our reunion in 2000 that brought us back together. We have never been apart since then.
I want a real knucklebuster ring. Oval preferably.
Do you have ready made rings? Thanks
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story with us. Congratulations on your upcoming 10th wedding anniversary! It's heartwarming to hear your love story. We don't have ready-made rings since each one is custom-made exclusively for YOU, but please do reach out about getting started having me create your very own. It would be an honor!
www.VanessaNicole.com/Contact
(I'm still with my teenage sweetheart as well 20+ years later :)
is a 2.5 radiant cut considered in the small, mid, or large category?
It walks the line between mid/large for typical wearers. Especially when considering the setting, which can make it appear even larger if there's a halo.
For celebrities who like to be talked about by the press, it would fall into the small category ;)
Interesting point! This could be a good opportunity for jewellers to help existing customers upgrade their old rings to larger lab grown diamonds. The appeal is real. Maybe market it to husbands as a good Valentines, birthday, or marriage renewal gift to surprise their wives!
Thank you for your comment! Upgrading to larger lab-grown diamonds is definitely a fantastic idea for special moments if she is open to it. Some women still love the idea of a natural that took billions of years to naturally form, while others don't mind the origin story and simply love the big look for less. Now there are options for everyone! :)
I think if a man is buying a woman a diamond gift or engagement ring he should try to find out what her opinion is on lab diamonds before purchasing. She might feel like he bought her a fake...or she might prefer the lab diamond because the money gets something more substantial. I still prefer the natural stone, even if it is smaller...I could change my mind with more knowledge or if the lab grown show they hold their value over time.
You make a great point! Communication is key when it comes to such meaningful gifts. Understanding her preferences can really make the moment special. Thank you for watching!
Curious of visually, w/the naked eye, you can see a diff btwn lab & natural, particularly for oval shape (I think round is the easiest to emulate).
Thank you for your curiosity! It's always great to have viewers like you who are interested in the details - With any shape, it's indistinguishable from the naked eye without magnification, whether it's lab or natural. Generally, there will be an inscription on the diamond if it's lab-grown viewable under magnification.
@@VanessaNicoleJewels that's what I keep hearing but I wanted the perspective of someone in the trade. I cannot make an apples to apples comparison but the oval lab I have is somewhere btwn CZ and natural diamond in terms of appearance. It does not possess the same crispness, depth, fire or scintillation of my natural round diamonds. I wish I had a natural oval to compare it to, but another jewelry channel just did a vid asking people on the street to spot the diff btwn natural oval and lab oval and a fair # of people were able, myself included. Maybe for rounds it's indistinguishable, but I think rounds are easiest to perfect no matter the substance. Fancy shapes are much harder.
You cannot because its the same material. Cheers
@@UESGrl21your entire comment is incorrect. Lab grown diamonds have the same properties (RI and dispersion) and are the exact same 4R cubic isotropic carbon lattice. So no, you cannot tell them apart.
Love your info and personality
Thank you so much 🤗 That's really kind of you to say!
My boyfriend told me he wants to get me a ring so we are planning it together, which I love. We're going next week and when he gets the ring he'll do a proper proposal. He had a hard time keeping the secret from me and ultimately wanted me to choose the ring I'd like the most
I LOVE this! Yes, many of our clients are couples where you're involved to some degree. Even if it's only at the beginning stages to ensure that what he'll eventually get is your DREAM ring.
If I can be of any help, simply let me know. www.VanessaNicole.com
80% of our clients are all over the world, not local to San Diego where out studio it. We ship worldwide :)
I have been married and divorced twice to two different very abusive men. I have settled my whole life and didn't know my worth. I am soon to be engaged to my current boyfriend and at 54 years old. I want what I want. I don't think that makes me superficial. I think its knowing my worth and I am willing to wait for it. So if the engagement doesn't happen as soon as I would like due to price, I will wait. I love him and he me, we are not going anywhere.
Thank you for sharing your story. Knowing you're in a healthy and loving relationship now is wonderful. Your strength and resilience are truly inspiring, and I'm glad to hear you've found love and know your worth now.
@@VanessaNicoleJewels Thank you. I love your channel. For someone talking about jewelry you are just a breath of fresh air, full of positivity and it shows. I am from the East Coast but would love to come visit you for a ring maybe? :)
p.s. my ring guard and wedding band have “earth” grown diamonds, so I have a bit of both “worlds.”
Ooh, I just saw your P.S. :) Mixing lab-grown diamonds with natural ones is a unique touch!
For me I feel if someone has a very large carat ring, and they share its lab grown, it’s not as impressive. I don’t know why that is, but part of the wow factor is knowing how expensive it is. I have a natural diamond and lab studs. The labs are just not as valuable.
I think it's because of the inherent unlimited nature of lab grown. If more can always be made, it's *not* as special or rare as something that took billions of years to form naturally. It's just a theory, but I think over time lab grown diamonds will become the CZs of the jewelry world.
I hear you both of on these points - It will be so interesting to see how this all plays out within the industry. Some think Labs will become part of costume jewelry, while others believe the market of young new buyers with "champagne taste on a beer budget" will drive the market to accept them in engagement rings for the long term.
Many jewelers wouldn't offer them in the beginning and are hopping on board now because business depends on it - The market demand drives the sales. Only time will tell.
Also many people appreciate gemstones because of how expensive some of them are. If anyone is this way, I regret to communicate that they absolutely don’t deserve to admire them… extremely superficial and bullshit appreciation sorry
I would rather give a 1 carat natural than a 4 carat synthetic. Real deal or bust.
I appreciate your perspective. It matters! Thank you so much for watching! 😀
Several of my daughters friends have gotten engaged in the last two years. 26 yr olds just out of school getting started in life. All wearing 3 carat ovals. It’s so common now to see that size on very young women. For me I know what it is and I am old school. I would rather get a super high quality natural diamond even if it’s smaller.
I hear you! It's a fascinating discussion that we've never had to have in our lifetime. Thank you for your input... Your words are valued!
There’s absolutely no difference chemically exactly the same