Distinctive Gem Review

When shopping for diamonds, it’s crucial to consider whether a retailer offers good value for money or simply low-cost, lower-quality stones. In this review, I will explore Distinctive Gem, focusing on the quality of its diamonds, helping you determine if they are a wise investment.

The History of Distinctive Gem

Distinctive Gem was founded by Jonathan "Rhino" Weingarten, who entered the diamond industry in the mid-2000s after years of experience serving the online diamond-buying community. Weingarten noticed that many cushion-cut diamonds in the market were poorly cut, resulting in lackluster light performance and excessive color absorption. To address this, he focused on reviving vintage-style cushion cuts modeled after the Old Mine Brilliant diamonds of the early 20th century, which had better light performance and visual appeal.

Weingarten worked with diamond cutters to refine the design, creating the world’s first ideal cut vintage cushion, which became the cornerstone of the August Vintage Inc. brand. Today, Distinctive Gem continues this legacy, producing innovative and beautifully cut diamonds with superior light performance.

Website Overview

Distinctive Gem's website reflects their position as a new budget vendor, with a minimalistic design that lacks the polish of more established retailers. The user interface (UI) is somewhat basic, and navigating the site can be challenging, particularly for those who are not experienced diamond buyers. Finding specific information or products may require more effort than usual, as the layout is not particularly intuitive.

One notable issue is the inconsistency in how diamonds are presented. Many diamonds are displayed under different lighting conditions, making it difficult to compare them side by side. This can be frustrating for buyers who want a clear and consistent view of the diamonds’ qualities. However, since most of these diamonds are likely virtual listings, it’s understandable that achieving uniform presentation across all listings would be difficult for a new vendor.

Overall, while the website functions well enough for a budget retailer, it does leave room for improvement, especially in terms of user experience and the standardization of diamond imagery.

Diamond Quality at Distinctive Gem

While Distinctive Gem offers a wide range of diamond options, buyers should approach their selections carefully. Some of the diamonds listed on the site are uncertified, which, despite being very inexpensive, should generally be avoided unless you’re looking for costume jewelry or a low-stakes purchase. Certification ensures that a diamond's quality is accurately assessed and verified by a reputable laboratory, so uncertified diamonds can be a gamble in terms of their actual attributes.

A notable concern with many of Distinctive Gem’s lab-grown diamonds is that they are created using the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) process. While CVD diamonds can be appealing due to their lower cost, they can have significant downsides. For instance, during the CVD growth process, the diamonds are not subjected to equal pressure on all sides, which leaves the carbon lattice structure vulnerable to developing strain and striation. This can lead to issues with transparency, resulting in a stone that appears slightly hazy. Although the effect can be subtle and difficult for an untrained eye to detect, a trained gemologist would be able to assess this accurately.

Take this example: CVD Lab-Grown Diamond, which suffers from these issues. Although it might seem like a great value for the price, this lack of transparency could detract from the stone’s brilliance.

A 1.75 carat round lab-grown diamond (D color, VS1 clarity) listed on Distinctive Gem for $1,117. Despite the ideal cut and excellent polish and symmetry, the diamond displays a slight haziness, likely due to strain in the carbon lattice from the CVD growth process.

For natural diamonds, the selection at Distinctive Gem is also lacking in higher-quality options. When searching for natural diamonds with GIA certification, round cuts, and an ideal cut, I found zero options available. This suggests that those seeking the highest-quality diamonds should look elsewhere. However, for those on a smaller budget or in need of lower-quality diamonds, Distinctive Gem does offer a variety of options.

In summary, Distinctive Gem may be suitable for budget-conscious buyers or those with more flexible standards. However, for individuals seeking premium quality, certified, or natural diamonds, their current inventory is lacking in top-tier selections.

Diamond Settings at Distinctive Gem

Distinctive Gem offers three main collections of settings for their diamonds:

1. Caysie Van Bebber
2. Stuller Settings
3. Designs by Jonathan

While these settings are presented as customizable options for your diamond, they are relatively unknown brands in the broader jewelry market, and the overall design quality appears to be on the lower end compared to more established and well-regarded jewelers. The craftsmanship and aesthetic of these settings may not meet the expectations of buyers looking for high-quality or luxurious settings.

For those considering purchasing a diamond from Distinctive Gem, I would recommend getting your setting from another vendor with a proven reputation for quality craftsmanship. Pairing a good diamond with a poorly crafted setting could detract from the overall appearance and value of your ring. Opting for a setting from a more recognized and reliable jeweler would ensure that your diamond is showcased in the best possible way.

Conclusion

While Distinctive Gem offers a range of budget-friendly diamond options, there are several aspects buyers should carefully consider before making a purchase. Their diamond inventory includes uncertified stones, which, though cheap, may not be suitable for those seeking lasting value. Additionally, many of their lab-grown diamonds are created using the CVD process, which can lead to transparency issues such as haziness, as seen in some examples. Furthermore, their selection of natural diamonds, particularly GIA-certified stones, is limited, making it difficult to find top-quality options.

When it comes to settings, Distinctive Gem's offerings are relatively unknown and of lower perceived quality. For those purchasing a diamond, it is recommended to source a setting elsewhere to ensure your diamond is showcased properly.