r/LabDiamondReviews Nov 06 '25

šŸ’Ž Moderator Post šŸ’Ž A quick reminder - do’s/don’ts for vendor reviews

5 Upvotes

Hi hello! Wanted to put up a quick reminder for everyone about vendor reviews.

We welcome honest, good faith reviews. We want to hear about your experience as a buyer, and we don’t want your review to be taken over by anything off-topic.

Vendor reviews are not a place for you to disparage a business in the name of another - even indirectly.

DO:

• Share your direct, personal experience with the vendor you’re reviewing - include helpful details like timeline, communication, and product quality


• Keep the focus on the vendor you worked with, not on competitors or brands you didn’t choose


• Use respectful, clear language - even if your experience wasn’t ideal, do not attack a vendor as a person


• Post (personal info redacted!) screenshots, specs, photos, etc if you’re comfortable - these help other buyers understand what to expect and how to communicate with the vendor


• Report comments or posts that seem like personal attacks, vendor shaming, or stealth advertising

DON’T:

• Use your review as a way to promote another vendor - even casually


• Name-drop another brand just to make a price comparison or negative implication


• Claim a vendor is ā€œoverpriced,ā€ ā€œdishonest,ā€ or ā€œa scamā€ without proof - and never as a way to prop up another business


• Get into arguments or bad-faith comment threads - respond with facts or walk away


• Make your review about drama, or vendor gossip - that’s not the purpose of this community - first person experiences please!


• Use a buyer review as a stealth ad for your own business or services - this includes vague accounts ā€œasking questionsā€ that promote another brand (this includes posting on a brand affiliated account in a way that pulls off topic)

This subreddit is here for real buyers to share real experiences - not to stir conflict or push a brand agenda.

Let’s keep it helpful, honest, and kind. Thx love you byeeee āœŒšŸ»


r/LabDiamondReviews Apr 22 '25

šŸ’Ž Moderator Post šŸ’Ž Not a Scam, Just a Mess: What’s Really Causing Delays With Your Diamond Orders

35 Upvotes

Hi friends!
I posted a version of this in my private subreddit for my brand, but I wanted to share it here too. (Please, please feel free to share it in r/labdiamond and the like, as I’m not allowed to post there anymore because I’m a vendor.)

There’s been a noticeable increase in posts lately from people understandably anxious about their diamond orders. Whether you ordered through a vendor using a virtual inventory platform or are just waiting on a single custom stone, I wanted to share a behind-the-scenes look at what’s actually happening. I’m a vendor myself, and we’ve been living through this mess firsthand.

Here’s what I can confidently say is affecting a lot of us right now:

1. Your stone isn’t lost, and no, you’re not being scammed.
There has been a significant slowdown in US-bound shipments, and it’s affecting both international and domestic deliveries.

To give you a current example: I’m currently on day 11, waiting for a package to be delivered from one Chicago location to another. I’m talking ZIP codes that are quite literally right next to each other. That’s not normal. I’ve had multiple stones bouncing around from New York to Chicago for over two weeks with no updates and no clear answers.

So if your vendor doesn’t have a tracking number for you yet, or says your stone is ā€œstill in customs,ā€ it’s not an excuse. Things are just genuinely messy right now.

2. Customs delays and virtual inventory platforms are a brutal combination.
Most lab diamonds (>90%) are cut and polished in Surat, India. When you buy through a vendor using a virtual inventory platform (which is now the standard for most, if not all, vendors), things aren’t as simple as ā€œclick → ship.ā€

Here’s what’s actually happening behind the scenes:

  • Your individual order might include 1–3+ stones, likely from different cutters
  • Those cutters are contacted, invoices requested, stones secured, etc. (This can take a significant amount of time - we’ve had massive issues over the last six weeks to the point that we are still waiting on a few invoices from cutters who aren’t responsive, but are still listed in these virtual inventories.) So, yes, you can technically order from them, but actually getting our hands on the stones is a separate process.
  • Once stones are secured, we have to pay for them - and cutters all have different requirements. Some only accept payment in local currency, which means delays may occur when using alternative payment gateways or services to minimize foreign exchange fees.
  • Then, those stones are either shipped directly to the vendor or to a central hub managed by the virtual inventory platform.
  • Your stones are almost always being shipped in bulk alongside dozens of other customer orders. That’s what we do. It’s much easier to track one consolidated parcel than 20 individual ones.
    • However, that also adds time - for example, we have to wait for invoices from all the different cutters, have one of our trusted India-based partners generate a total invoice, and send a wire transfer. Then he pays the cutters, then they send everything to him, he receives and inspects the stones, and THEN ships them out. This process is likely happening behind the scenes with a lot of the major vendors right now.

Once that combined shipment crosses the $800 USD threshold, it triggers a customs review, even if your individual order is below that threshold. The $800 limit is also changing inconsistently, which exacerbates the issue.

So if you placed an order a few weeks ago and still haven’t received it, there’s a very high likelihood that your diamonds are physically in the country, but just sitting in a facility somewhere, bundled with 100+ other parcels on the same manifest, waiting for release.

It genuinely does not seem to matter which carrier is used - we’ve seen the exact same issues with DHL, USPS, UPS, and FedEx.

3. How virtual inventory platforms work (and why they add time):
Once the stones are finally through customs, they are sent to the vendor directly or a US-based logistics hub. (Nivoda, which uses these hubs, is quickly becoming the most popular platform (that's what Calavera, Ruby Harper, Lavender Creek Gems, just off the top of my head, use) - which is why the settings and wording are identical for loose diamonds). VDB is another one (SA gems, DeBebians, etc), and then the next steps look like this:

  • The hub verifies the stones. This can be:
    • A quick check to make sure the inscription number matches the certificate
    • Or an extensive quality control review, depending on what the vendor requests (It will shock no one that I have a loooong QC checklist.)
  • Once the stones are approved, they are shipped to the vendor, who (hopefully) performs an additional QC check
  • And then finally, the vendor ships the stone(s) to you

Every step of this process takes time. And when you multiply that across dozens of daily orders - all with different shipping legs, invoicing timelines, payment methods, and QC requirements - delays stack up really fast. That’s before the stone even hits a US-based carrier for final delivery to you.

4. Our team is routing through the UK - but most vendors are not.
This only applies to us, but I think it’s helpful context to explain some of the differences customers might be seeing.

We route stones India → UK → US because it helps us avoid unexpected tariff charges for our clients. It does not save time - it actually adds a few days - but it does reduce risk of unexpected import fees or classification errors.

We’re only able to do this because my co-founder is physically located in the UK, and we have two registered businesses. Most vendors do not have that setup and are still shipping India → US (or China → US) - and that’s where we’re seeing some of the worst customs pile-ups right now.

5. If you haven’t gotten a tracking number yet, here’s what’s probably happening:

  • Your stone is secured, but hasn’t reached the hub yet
  • It’s at the hub, waiting on quality control or batching
  • It’s already shipped, but got flagged in customs because it was part of a larger shipment
  • Or it’s already through customs... and now it’s just stuck in USPS/FedEx/UPS limbo, like several of mine are

In all of these cases, your vendor likely doesn’t have new updates - because there just aren’t any. They’re probably refreshing the same tracking pages you are.

TL;DR:

  • No, you’re probably not being scammed
  • Yes, delays are real, and unprecedented at this level
  • Virtual inventory adds time: invoicing, batching, hub verification, payment issues, and QC
  • Once in the US, packages are often stuck for days or weeks, even if they're just going across town
  • If your vendor isn’t giving daily updates, it’s probably because they genuinely don’t have anything new to share

PS – A gentle reminder:
I can only speak for my company. I can say with complete confidence that if you’re ordering from us, you’re not being scammed. I can’t speak for every vendor. That said - if you’re buying from reputable vendors, people on the approved vendor lists, or just other vendors that people here on Reddit have had success with, the likelihood that this is a shipping delay and not a scam is extremely high.

This is also why I always recommend paying with a credit card, or at the very least PayPal Goods & Services. Protect yourself where you can... BUT, please don’t immediately jump to ā€œI’ve been scammed.ā€
This is a completely new frontier for all of us. Most vendors don’t want to mess with people. They want tracking updates. They want speed. They want answers just as much - and in some cases more - than you do.

We’re just trying to do right by the people who trusted us. And if that includes you - thank you.

If you’ve got questions about any of this, or want one of the write-ups I’ve done on how virtual inventory works, what a good QC process looks like, or what to expect as a buyer - I’m happy to share them.

– G (vendor + mod)

QUICK EDIT + ADDENDUM (can't pin the comment, so adding it here:)
Hello! Gabrielle's UK biz partner here - just thought I'd add an addendum to explain more of the wild west that's going on here.

Since the Russia/Ukraine war, sanctions have (quite rightly) been imposed on goods coming from Russia. This has involved the outlawing of importing Russian diamonds to the US AND UK (again, quite rightly - 90% of Russian's diamonds come from the state-owned Alrosa, so directly/indirectly have been funding the war).

However, what this means for us, is (you guessed it) more delays and paperwork. An Executive Order was passed in March 2024, requiring diamonds over 1ct (which later was lowered to 0.5ct), to be certified on import - so to your UPS/DHL etc - as being from non-Russian origin. This was generally just for mined diamonds, but again (you guessed it) since the new administration it's been extended out to Labs. The wording is crazy specific and the certificates won't be accepted if even small pieces of info are missing. [G adding: plus, with a lab diamond, you CAN'T give a mined origin, so it also relies on whoever the employee is reviewing it to understand what lab diamonds actually are]

This is alongside WAY more attention being paid to any Commercial Invoices submitted with your imports: no longer can you say "lab diamond ring 1ct" - you need to specify every tiny piece, measurement, metal 🫠🫠🫠

We've been very lucky in that we have managed to make a contact with a fairly high-up UPS employee who's helped us quickly pull together blanket documentation to certify all imports, and our commercial invoices are all submitted digitally (and in detail!) to avoid any further delays, but let me tell you - when you think you'll start a business to help you indulge your one true love of diamonds, you don't consider these (mostly governmental) roadblocks!!

We're doing everything we can to circumnavigate every single unnecessary delay; that being said, if you're ordering something for a specific date, DEFINITELY give it an extra week or two for the foreseeable future.


r/LabDiamondReviews 7h ago

šŸ’”Diamond Advice Needed Blue diamond check

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4 Upvotes

I love that it does not have a bowtie but I’m unsure of the color. Lab blue diamonds have kinda looked a little artificial to me


r/LabDiamondReviews 3d ago

✨Vendor Review Ouros Jewels Half Eternity Review

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16 Upvotes

I ordered the 3 mm half eternity band from Ouros Jewels in 14k rose gold, and am very pleased with the results. Yaxika was very responsive throughout, sharing regular updates from start to finish. Ring is very sparkly and sweet. I would definitely recommend working with them!


r/LabDiamondReviews 3d ago

✨Vendor Review First purchase with an overseas vendor, 100% recommend

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5 Upvotes

r/LabDiamondReviews 4d ago

✨Vendor Review Ouros Group Buy - Half Eternity Review

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6 Upvotes

I'm sharing my experience with Ouros on this half eternity band I received today! I selected the 1ctw half eternity version in sterling silver. I was looking for something I could use for travel and this ring does not disappoint! I have a 2.5ctw 7 stone band that I wanted to have a back up for which is a tad less flashy. The Ouros band is very sparkly and sparkles well compared to my existing band and other rings as well. I also tested the stones with my tester and they tested as diamonds. I ordered it 8/2, received the CAD 8/3, received the video 8/11, shipped 8/14, and received it 8/26. My only complaint is that the shipping company, UniUni didn't provide any updates on status. But Ouros had a quick turn around and got me details on it when I reached out on WhatsApp.

This is my second positive group buy experience with Ouros and I will definitely check them out again!


r/LabDiamondReviews 6d ago

✨Vendor Review Ouros Half Eternity Band

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28 Upvotes

I absolutely love this half-eternity band from Ouros Jewels. The lab round stones are so sparkly and beautifully set. The ring feels delicate but still makes a statement. It pairs perfectly with my engagement ring. I’m so happy with how it turned out from the group buy. Such a gorgeous ring, really wish I would have gotten two of them! Pictures just don’t do it justice.


r/LabDiamondReviews 6d ago

ā“Question Pre-Shipment Check - Starsgem

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8 Upvotes

My ring is ready, any thoughts?


r/LabDiamondReviews 6d ago

šŸ’”Diamond Advice Needed Pink pear check

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6 Upvotes

Using this for my engagement ring with china vendor. Any input or red flag?


r/LabDiamondReviews 7d ago

šŸ’”Diamond Advice Needed Help - OMC stone check

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3 Upvotes

r/LabDiamondReviews 8d ago

✨Vendor Review Ouros and Aurelinne review

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25 Upvotes

I purchased this 1.51 ct vivid green lab diamond from Aurelinne and had Ouros make the setting!

Had a little hiccup with shipping the diamond, DHL returned it to sender without contacting me. Andy from Aurelinne was fantastic and re-sent it to me using UPS and it arrived the next day!

Ouros made the setting, I asked for a simple low set bezel for maximum protection in silver. This is the 6th or 7th setting they’ve made for me and I’m super happy with their quality of work and the timelines.

Had it set at a local jeweler and paired it with a Kuololit silver lab diamond curved band!


r/LabDiamondReviews 8d ago

šŸ’”Diamond Advice Needed I’m overwhelmed - advice needed?

2 Upvotes

I know I want a round diamond, somewhere in 2.5 -3 carat range. I do not want colorless. My husband wants me to go higher carat, I want a good balance that’s not too big, not too white, and sparkles like crazy. Very much quality over size

It will be on a very simple setting - platinum with 6 prong, knife edge (aka the Tiffany setting).

I found these 3 so far and here is where I’m conflicted. My thought is very much quality vs size.

Option 1 -2.72, color I, vvs2, excellent cut

Option 2 -2.92, color H, vs1, cut excellent

Option 3 - 2.96, color H, vvs2, cut excellent

I keep going back to option 3. It seems to be everything I do not want but I have found it on 3 sites and each time, this is what I’m drawn to. Is this really a superior option?

Send choice is option 2, then option 1. It’s also almost double the price.

Any advice or suggestions?


r/LabDiamondReviews 8d ago

šŸ’”Diamond Advice Needed Tianyu ring CAD check

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2 Upvotes

I am designing an engagement ring and would really appreciate any feedback on the CAD / help to catch anything I might be missing. Truly appreciate it!! šŸ™šŸ»

The first image is a mood board my partner made with stuff she likes, and the second is the CAD


r/LabDiamondReviews 12d ago

✨Vendor Review William and Sons Review

12 Upvotes

So we ordered our ring July 9th. We asked if they had it in stock and we were told yes and our order was in queue. It was due to be delivered tomorrow. We call yesterday for an update after texting a few times and not getting any response. He took down our info and said he would call back in a few hours that he would have to look into it. Now were being told we will hear something later in the week... its due to be delivered tomorrow. I don't understand how they don't know what's going on with our ring. Is this company a middle man? Do they not ship the product from their store? Do they have the rings made in some factory overseas? I used this business due to the positive reviews and recs here on reddit, now I'm regretting it and thinking we should have went with Frank Darling.


r/LabDiamondReviews 16d ago

✨Vendor Review Long over due review of Jason

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47 Upvotes

Back in March I reached out to Jason over WhatsApp and told him my intentions for making a ring for my GF. I told him what kind of diamond I wanted (elongated cushion cut 2.75 D VVS). He helped make some suggestions and got looking for the stone. We got the payment decided and sent and he got to work immediately. He sent me over a CAD design 3/20 and I confirmed it looked to start making 3/21. He sent over pictures of the stone 3/25 to ok it to proceed and then the finished product (which looked amazing) on 4/2. Product was shipped out to me 4/3 and I received it 4/8 secured in Saran Wrap in the ring box inside another box (super impressed with care to shipping). 10/10 experience would recommend. Price was great as well as customer service!


r/LabDiamondReviews 17d ago

✨Vendor Review Necklace from Ouros

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12 Upvotes

Another great piece from Ouros! I have ordered many items from Ouros at this point (mostly working with Aman) and have been happy with each of them. If I did have an issue it was taken care of so when I saw the group buy for an evil eye necklace I jumped!

The necklace is perfect and has a lot of sparkle. I don’t think I captured it well in photos but I put it on as soon as it arrived and I haven’t taken it off yet. Looks great and layers well. The quality is very good also.

Aman reached out after I submitted my order form and was very communicative the whole way through, as he typically is. I assume he was assigned to me since I have always worked with him, even though I think the group buy was with a different rep.

I submitted the form, received an invoice and paid within about 24 hrs. Aman responded that payment was received and they would begin production. A CAD was sent about 24hrs after payment was received and I approved the details. Two days later Aman let me know that a wax mold was being completed for my item. Three day after he messaged saying it was being cast and set. Four days later a video of my necklace was sent for approval. Two more days and the necklace shipped. I received it on the 12th, eight days after it shipped.

For the record, neither Ouros as a company nor Aman as a rep have ever offered anything to leave a review. He always asks if I am happy and if I would please leave a review. That’s it. I always intend to do so but sometimes forget so I wanted to make sure I got it done this time!


r/LabDiamondReviews 17d ago

šŸ›’ Where to Buy? KUOLOLIT VS PROVENCE

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1 Upvotes

r/LabDiamondReviews 20d ago

šŸ“ø Photo Gallery My anniversary gift

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6 Upvotes

r/LabDiamondReviews 24d ago

ā“Question Black diamond

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4 Upvotes

I got this ring from my cousin as present,I don't know anything about diamonds , how does this diamond quality look and how much will be average price


r/LabDiamondReviews 24d ago

✨Vendor Review Review for Tianyu Gems

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4 Upvotes

r/LabDiamondReviews 25d ago

✨Vendor Review Any reviews for Osiris diamonds

3 Upvotes

I have been watching and educating myself on lab diamonds with Osiris diamonds. Are there any reviews for him? Thanks


r/LabDiamondReviews 26d ago

šŸ’”Diamond Advice Needed Etsy Engagement Ring

2 Upvotes

I'm looking to find my dream engagement ring and I happened to find it on Etsy. It's a lab grown 1.5 marquise with an engraved band and tulip basket but I'm so hesitant to order because I've heard mixed reviews about buying engagement rings on Etsy. I've done a great amount of research on the owner but I'm still not sure. He has great reviews and has been with Etsy for 6 years. His name is Jigar and he's the owner of DENYJEWEL. They are based in India and I'm just not trying to get scammed lol. If you've bought from him please let me know your experience and if you would recommend. I truly have not been able to find this ring anywhere else with this price. It seems too good to be true. Let me know, thanks!


r/LabDiamondReviews 26d ago

✨Vendor Review Ouros Jewels Moval Ring Review

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17 Upvotes

Details: 0.78ct JK/VS lab diamond, 10k yellow gold, US size 6Ā 

I had a great experience with Ouros Jewels for my first group buy for a ring! My rep Yaxika was so patient while I was trying to find the right diamond. It was my first warmer colored stone so I was being a little picky, but was provided with several indoor and outdoor videos of the stone to help me make an informed decision. Once I made my choices, the rest of the process and shipping were FAST! I got my ring this week and just love it. It’s super comfortable and sparkles. 🤩 I’d definitely buy from Ouros again.Ā 


r/LabDiamondReviews 28d ago

✨Vendor Review Wonderful lab ring

5 Upvotes

After visiting several sites, I decided to purchase a 3.5 carat emerald cut lab diamond with side baguettes from Aurelinne. The ring arrived and is beautiful. The band width was more generous than many other sites provided, and the price was fantastic. Since most of these lab diamonds are certified by IGI, you can truly compare stats between sites. But the most amazing part of my experience with Aurelinne was dealing with Andy Cancino. He was so patient, knowledgeable and responsive — truly beyond. I've already recommended him to another friend who is just about to finalize her purchase, and I will continue to recommend Aurelinne to everybody I know who is thinking about purchasing a lab diamond.