If you’re considering purchasing a diamond, exploring all your options is essential.
Lab-grown diamonds are a viable option and are becoming increasingly popular due to their ethical and sustainable production process. But knowing how to choose a lab-grown diamond can help you make an informed decision to get the best value for your money.
Choosing a lab-grown diamond involves considering various factors such as the company’s reputation, understanding and considering the 4 Cs, your personal preferences and ethics, and the assistance of a professional jeweler.
This post will provide a beginner’s guide to selecting lab-grown diamond jewelry. So, whether you’re a conscious consumer, a budget-conscious individual, or simply curious about this growing trend, this guide will provide you with the requisite information to select the perfect lab-grown diamond.
Let’s delve in!
Advantages of purchasing a lab-grown diamond
Lab-grown diamonds offer several advantages over mined diamonds. When making your choice consider the following:
Price
Lab-grown diamonds are typically more affordable than their mined counterparts. You can expect to pay at least 30% less for a lab-grown diamond of similar quality and size compared to its mined counterpart.
Cut
The cut of a diamond significantly impacts its beauty and value. Lab-grown diamonds often receive superior cuts compared to mined diamonds.
This is because the process of producing lab-grown diamonds allows for better control over the rough material, resulting in cleaner and more optimal cutting.
Faceters face fewer constraints and can maximize the yield and size of the finished gem. As a result, lab-grown diamonds often exhibit superior optical performance and sparkle.
Size
Another advantage of lab-grown diamonds is that, for the same price, you can typically acquire a larger diamond compared to a mined diamond.
For instance, you could get a lab-grown diamond of the same color and VS1 clarity as a 1.45-carat mined diamond but weighing 2 carats! That’s a significant difference in size.
Ethics
Lab-created diamonds are free from the ethical concerns associated with traditional diamond mining, making them an attractive choice for socially conscious buyers.
How to choose the right lab-created diamond?
Lab-grown diamonds have seen a surge in popularity, leading to an increase in the number of companies producing and selling these diamonds.
With more options available, how do you choose the right diamond?
Choosing the right lab-grown diamond involves considering several factors to guarantee you get the best value for your money.
The following are some of the significant factors to consider so you can make an informed decision:
Choose a trustworthy company to buy from
The company you choose to buy your lab-grown diamond bracelet, necklace, or engagement ring from is crucial. Take the time to thoroughly research the company’s background, reputation, business practices, and the lab diamond growers they work with.
If shopping online, it’s crucial to pay attention to policies regarding returns, repairs, and warranties. Look for a company that will act as your advocate, helping you find the highest quality lab-grown diamond at the best price.
Additionally, consider the overall shopping experience and customer reviews to ensure a positive and reliable purchasing process.
Each individual’s process of selecting a lab-grown diamond or engagement ring is unique, with some people having a clear idea of what they want and others requiring more information to understand their personal style and preferences.
One of the significant benefits of shopping online is the ability to make purchases at your convenience, allowing for comparison between different retailers without any pressure.
Online companies often offer competitive return policies, and diamonds purchased online tend to be more affordable compared to physical stores, enabling easy price comparison.
Moreover, online shopping provides access to a broader inventory selection as products can be virtually listed.
Most online companies also offer live chat options for instant communication with salespeople, making it convenient to get assistance from your home.
Etika Jewels offer an industry-standard warranty and the flexibility of shopping online at your leisure.
Understand and consider the 4 Cs
The 4 Cs of diamond grading—carat weight, cut, clarity, and color—also apply to lab-grown diamonds.
When shopping for lab-grown diamonds, it’s crucial to understand and consider them because they play a significant role in determining a diamond’s overall quality, appearance, and value.
Let’s delve into each of these Cs to help you make an informed choice:
Carat
Carat refers to the weight of the diamond, which is often associated with its size. Many first-time buyers focus on carat weight, desiring a larger diamond over 1.0 carat.
However, if you have budget constraints, opting for just under a carat can be cost-effective without a noticeable difference in size.
For instance, the visual disparity between a 0.89-carat and a 1.0-carat diamond is minimal, but the price difference can be significant, often exceeding a thousand dollars.
Cut
The cut of a diamond is critical as it influences its brilliance, fire, overall appearance, and price. A well-cut diamond reflects light effectively, resulting in enhanced sparkle and scintillation.
On the other hand, diamonds with fair (Poor) cuts are generally deep and narrow or shallow and wide, resulting in the loss of light from the sides and bottom.
At Etika Jewels, we offer standardized cuts, which are highly desired and reflect nearly all the light that enters the diamond.
Read also: Most Popular Diamond Cuts (Explained For Beginners!).
Clarity
Clarity refers to the presence of internal or external characteristics, known as inclusions and blemishes, within a diamond.
Diamond clarity grade indicates the degree to which these imperfections are visible. Seek diamonds with higher clarity grades, such as Flawless (FL) or Internally Flawless (IF), for a diamond with minimal or no visible flaws.
However, diamonds with lower clarity grades can still be beautiful and offer good value, especially if the imperfections are not easily visible to the naked eye.
Color
Color pertains to the degree of whiteness or the absence of color in the diamond itself. Most diamonds used in jewelry, including engagement rings, are nearly colorless with slight hints of yellow or brown.
The diamond color scale ranges from D, E, F (colorless), G, H, I, J (near colorless), K, L, M (faint color), N-R (very light), to S-Z (light color).
If you seek a colorless diamond without any noticeable tint, look for grades D to F. However, if you are conscious of your budget, opting for a G to J color diamond can offer excellent value without significant discernible color.
Beware of the differences between mined and lab-grown diamonds
While shopping for lab-grown diamonds, the best way to differentiate between mined and lab-grown diamonds is to rely on certification and expert guidance.
Lab-manufactured diamonds possess the same physical, chemical, and optical characteristics as natural diamonds, making them nearly impossible to distinguish with the naked eye or a jewelry loupe.
Specialized equipment is required to determine the origin of a diamond accurately.
To ensure transparency and clarity, reputable jewelers declare whether a diamond is natural or lab-grown, allowing you to make an informed decision.
Etika Jewels are one of such trusted stores with proper certification, so you can rest assured of the value you receive for your purchase.
You may also like: 7 Reasons Why Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Becoming More Popular.
Rely on your personal preferences and ethics
When choosing a lab-grown diamond, it is important to consider your style, preferences, and ethics. Everyone has unique tastes and values; your diamond should align with yours.
Lab-grown diamonds come in various cuts, colors, and sizes, so you can find the ideal match for your desired aesthetic. Whether you want a classic solitaire, a modern halo setting, or something entirely unique, it is essential to select a diamond that reflects your style and makes you feel confident and gorgeous.
Equally important is aligning your purchase with your ethical values. Lab-grown diamonds offer a more sustainable and ethical alternative to mined diamonds.
They are created in controlled laboratory environments, minimizing the environmental impact associated with mining.
Lab-grown diamonds also ensure that you are not contributing to the unethical practices sometimes associated with the mining industry.
To ensure that your purchase meets your personal preferences and ethics, it’s essential to conduct thorough research to ensure the company’s authenticity and determine if they are genuinely committed to the values associated with lab-grown diamonds rather than capitalizing on their popularity.
With Etika Jewel, you need not worry. We pride ourselves in creating jewelry that focuses on People and Planet.
We invite you to explore our diamond and gold collection and join us in making a difference.
Secure the assistance of a professional jeweler
When planning a purchase, it is helpful to seek the help of a knowledgeable jeweler with experience working with lab-grown diamonds. They can help you figure out the technical aspects, compare options, and ensure you make an informed decision.
Make sure you receive grading reports
These reports provide comprehensive information about the diamond’s characteristics, including the 4 Cs, fluorescence, and any treatments it has undergone.
Our reports are issued by the International Gemological Institute (IGI), which applies the same rigorous standards to grading both lab-grown and earth-mined diamonds.
The diamond grading report is a detailed document confirming your diamond as a laboratory-grown gem and providing precise information about its measurements, proportions, finish, and identification.
These reports offer independent verification of the technologies employed and the quality of the lab-grown diamond you are acquiring.
You may also like: Is IGI A Good Diamond Certification? (Read This First!)
FAQs
The following are some of the most asked questions about lab-created stones.
Should you buy a lab-created diamond or not?
The decision depends on your preferences, values, and budget. If appearance is the only concern, then it doesn’t matter since there is no visible difference between the lab-grown and mined diamonds. No one can tell the difference unless you tell them.
However, lab-grown diamonds offer sustainability, ethical sourcing, and affordability. Consider these factors when making your choice.
Are laboratory diamonds worth anything?
Lab-created diamonds are valuable gemstones, just like mined diamonds, even though they are not as rare. Their worth is determined by elements such as carat weight, color, clarity, and cut.
While they may not have the same value, lab-grown diamonds are worth significant money. They are priced at least 30% less than mined diamonds, which makes them more budget-friendly but still a pricey alternative for those seeking high-quality jewelry.
Do lab diamonds hold resale value?
The resale values of lab-grown diamonds, similar to mined diamonds, can fluctuate based on market conditions, demand, and the specific characteristics of the diamond.
It’s important to note that while lab-grown diamonds may not retain their original purchase price, the same can be said for mined diamonds. Most colorless mined diamonds typically have lower resale values.
When considering a diamond purchase, it’s advisable to prioritize a gem that aligns with your style and budget rather than solely focusing on it as an investment.
Takeaway: Make the right choice when purchasing a lab-grown diamond
Choosing a lab-grown diamond involves considering various factors such as the company’s reputation, the 4 Cs, personal preferences, and the assistance of a professional jeweler.
Lab-grown diamonds offer numerous advantages, making them attractive for those seeking ethical and sustainable alternatives. By understanding the differences and following these guidelines, you can confidently select a lab-grown diamond that suits your style and values.
Embrace the sustainability and affordability of lab-grown diamonds, and explore the wide range of choices available.
At Etika Jewels, we have a collection of stunning lab-grown diamonds. To find the perfect diamond for your needs, explore our collection.
