Buying a diamond is exciting – and a little intimidating. There are so many choices to make and so many details to consider. Will a certain carat weight or color be right for me? Does a certificate really matter? What about the settings and the overall cost? These are all important questions to ask when shopping for diamonds and the answers can vary depending on where you buy them.
You may find that buy lab diamonds could be a convenient option since they offer the same beauty as natural diamonds, but can be purchased in a variety of grades and for different pricing levels.
It’s important to be aware that two lab diamonds could look different if they have varying cuts, size, color or clarity. Purchasing a lab-grown diamond should be a calculated decision that considers the details of each stone, as well as the retailer’s return and exchange policies
This guide will focus on cut, color, quality and other important information that you should review before buying lab-grown diamonds, lab created diamonds or lab made diamonds.
Table of Contents
Lab Diamonds: What Quality Details Should I Consider?
The traditional elements of a diamond evaluation known as the 4 C’s are relevant when purchasing a lab-grown stone. The overall cut of the diamond is an essential detail and affects how the stone reflects light, so be sure to study how the light passes through the facets of the diamond before purchasing your ideal lab-grown stone. Another important element is the color of the diamond. A white or near-colorless diamond can offer a striking visual appeal. Then there is the issue of clarity which refers to the presence of internal markings or defects.
Here are a few important hints to keep in mind when evaluating a lab-created diamond:
Make sure the Cut is high quality since it will allow more light to be reflected
Pay attention to the color, especially if you want an eye-catching diamond
Seek out a high level of clarity that is nearly unnoticeable to the naked eye
Be aware that bigger sizes (carat weight) can vary in quality and value
Does a higher grade automatically mean a better-looking diamond? Not always, because the difference between a “high” and a “very high” can be very subtle and only detectable under special lighting conditions. So, a laboratory-grown diamond should be assessed individually and not compared strictly on its quality grade.
Lab Diamonds: Should I Review the Certification?
An independent third-party certification can give you a better understanding of what you’re buying. A certificate will list identifying information and qualities of the diamond such as its color, clarity and carat weight, as well as its measurements. Compare the qualities listed on the certificate against the diamond’s description offered by the retail company to ensure accuracy.
Additionally, you should use the information provided on the certificate to compare one laboratory-grown diamond against another. Instead of relying solely on descriptive claims, use the third-party documentation to help select the best value. Now you know why it’s so important to review certification before buying lab made diamonds.
Lab Diamonds: Should I Focus on Pricing?
When shopping online for lab diamonds, it’s easy to compare similar products and pick the best one based on both price and quality. Instead of selecting a lower-priced item with poor documentation, make sure you consider its value. Compare your options and choose the most reasonably-priced product among those that have high quality, excellent customer service
sizable and favorable return/exchange policies
A higher overall price may be worth it if the retailer has a higher level of customer satisfaction and more flexible policies.
Lab Diamonds: What Setting Should I Select?
You may want to evaluate a few setting options before buying lab grown diamonds. Rings, earrings and pendants all have special settings that can alter the appearance and luster of a diamond. A round lab-grown stone might have more sparkle in one setting than in another.
Your setting should also protect the diamond while being sensitive to your lifestyle. A more sport-oriented individual may want to avoid a low profile, more snag-inducing setting. Someone who prefers a minimal amount of metal around the center diamond may want to select a solitaire setting or another jeweler-approved option. The overall metallic color of your setting will impact how your laboratory-grown diamond appears – platinum or white gold will alter the appearance in unique ways when compared to alternatives like yellow or rose gold.
Lab Diamonds: Commonly Asked Questions and Answers
Are lab diamonds real diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds can possess the same visual and physical attributes as naturally-occurring diamonds, but they are created in controlled environments through innovative technological processes.
Should I choose a specific quality category when purchasing a lab-grown diamond?
Pay specific attention to the cut since it can influence how your laboratory-grown diamond will catch and reflect the light. From there, it’s a matter of personal preference and financial investment.
Should I always select the highest level of clarity?
While lab-grown diamond clarity is important, a “very high” clarity may not look very different from a “high” clarity category. At the same time, the higher category will likely cost significantly more. If you can’t see a difference between clarity levels, make your purchase decision based on a factor that you can notice.
Can I purchase lab diamonds for an engagement ring?
Engagement rings come in a variety of fashions and styles. Laboratory-grown diamonds may provide the visual appeal that you’re seeking while staying within your budget. They can also complement all kinds of precious metals. Laboratory diamonds offer a wide range of choices including bezel, halo, solitaire, pavé and dozens of other elegant settings.