Lab-grown diamonds have changed fine jewellery, offering an ethical and environmentally friendly alternative to mined diamonds. But with so many choices to choose from, how do you know which lab-grown diamonds are best for your jewellery? Whether it's for an engagement ring or a necklace, knowing what makes a good diamond will help you feel confident in making a secure and right decision.
Understanding Lab-Grown Diamonds
Before moving to specific advice on choosing lab-grown diamonds, it is important to understand what they even are. Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds that are cultivated in a lab, with technology that mimics the in-ground process of diamonds growing. So, lab-grown diamonds are still real diamonds with the same physical, chemical, and optical characteristics as diamonds that are grown in the earth, except they are created in a more thoughtful manner. When deciding upon the best lab-grown diamonds, the major elements that are unchanged are cut, clarity, colour, and carat weight, also known as the "4Cs". These signify how a diamond looks globally in regards to polish, quality, and brilliance.
How To Choose Lab-Grown Diamonds
Today, there is a lot of stress on choosing lab-grown diamonds, and that is actually half the point. It depends on the balance of beauty, quality, and value. Here are some high-level factors to consider, from the best ultimate buying guide for diamonds, that would help suit your needs. Consider these major elements when choosing lab-grown diamonds:
1. The Cut is Key
A diamond that is cut well will be brighter and more luminous, even if it is smaller. Always choose cut over carat; brilliance is better than bulk.
2. Consider the Clarity
Lab-created diamonds are produced in a controlled environment; however, some will still have natural inclusions. Select a clarity grade of VS1 or higher for eye-clean diamonds to have diamonds that look perfect without spending too much.
3. Select the Right Shape
Regardless of whether it is round or emerald, the shape of your diamond sets the styling for your piece of jewellery. When choosing a lab-created diamond, think about which shape is in line with your personality and the type of jewellery, e.g. ring, pendant, bracelet.
4. Look Carefully at the Certification
Always ask for certification from a reputable lab like IGI or GIA. It’s the most reliable way to be sure you are seeing the best lab-grown diamond for your budget.
5. Value at Every Price Point
When it comes to buying diamonds, a good buying guide will always stress value over price. Lab-created diamonds are, in relative terms, generally 30 - 40% less expensive than mined diamonds, so you can select larger or higher-quality stones within your budget.
Why Lab Created Diamonds?
Selecting lab-created diamond jewellery is not just a style statement; it’s a step toward conscious luxury. Lab-created diamonds are sustainable, good for the environment, and do not raise the social issues raised by mined diamonds. With the advancement of technology, the quality and availability of lab-created diamonds have improved it making it a smart choice for the modern buyer who wants an incredible aesthetic and conscientious choices.
Explore Sustainable Diamond Designs
If you are looking for ways to grow your jewellery collections, you may want to consider adding lab-created products to your collection. We carry a selection of lab-grown diamond engagement rings, lab-created diamond pendants and lab-created diamond earrings; all beautiful and designed to complement any style. Every piece represents timeless elegance and contemporary conscious craftsmanship.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lab-Created Diamonds
1. Are diamonds made in a laboratory actual diamonds?
Yes, and laboratory-grown diamonds are 100% actual diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical and chemical characteristics as mined diamonds, and they can be verified as diamonds by gemologists.
2. How long do lab-created diamonds last?
They last forever. Lab-created diamonds are real diamonds, which means they will never lose clarity or durability, and are suitable for jewellery made to last forever.
3. Is there a visible difference between lab-created diamonds and mined diamonds?
Not to the unaided eye; a trained jeweller would need to utilise specialised instrumentation to typically tell if the stone were lab-created or mined.
4. Are lab-created diamonds a good investment?
While lab-created diamonds will never gain the resale value that rare mined diamonds will capture, they are a smart lifestyle investment - beauty, quality and sustainability at a price that is good for your lifestyle.
5. How do I care for my lab-created diamond jewellery?
Be sure to wash your diamond thoroughly with a soft-bristle brush, using a mild soap solution. Be sure to keep them stored separately so they do not scratch each other.
Conclusion
When it comes to identifying lab-created diamonds, remember, the ideal diamond is one that represents your values as much as it represents shine. We hope this diamond buying guide has been used for informational purposes to provide you with a stylish, sustainable source and purchase of inventory from engagement rings to pendants.