Lab-grown diamonds have existed for many years, and although they aren’t new, recent media coverage has significantly heightened awareness. Even with their significant rise in popularity, there are still crucial factors to take into account when purchasing a ring that will feature a lab-grown diamond.
As misinformation continues to be spread by traditional jewelers seeking to protect their earth-mined diamond sales from competition with lab-grown diamonds, it’s crucial to understand the facts about https://www.labgrown.com/diamond/gemstones.
- Research Your Lab-Grown Gems
Begin by investigating to ensure that what you are buying is a lab-created diamond. The majority of lab-grown diamonds can be bought online, so it’s important to ensure the company is trustworthy. Some companies provide deceptive information and market diamond simulants, even referring to them as lab-grown diamonds, which can be EXTREMELY confusing.
Lab-grown diamonds (often referred to as engineered diamonds, synthetic diamonds, and artificial diamonds) are GENUINE diamonds cultivated in modern lab settings: a controlled atmosphere that mimics the natural conditions of the Earth.
How can you be certain that you are buying an AUTHENTIC lab-created diamond?
Your lab-created diamond ought to include a grading report from a recognized laboratory such as the GIA, EGL, or IGI. Lab-grown diamonds can cost up to 40% less than comparable diamonds mined from the earth. Diamonds obtained through mining can be very costly, particularly those of superior quality. Nonetheless, lab-grown gems are the same in every aspect, so if the item you are buying is priced in the hundreds rather than thousands, it might not be an actual lab-created diamond.
- Size & Shape Availability
Lab-grown diamonds come in various shapes and sizes, a fact that was not always true. Nonetheless, particular combinations of shape and size may be more difficult to find.
Find your partner’s preferences and then review the available lab-created diamonds. The dimensions and form of the diamond can influence the style of the ring you opt for. If she has suggested desiring a bigger stone with a specific cut that is rare to find, you might have to be inventive and select a different cut set in a halo with a shape that achieves the overall appearance.
- Selecting a Style for the Engagement Ring
Finding out your partner’s preferred style is essential. Examine her jewelry collection, consult friends and family, or you might even explore her Pinterest profile to discover her preferences and aversions.
Furthermore, think about how various diamond shapes appear with distinct ring designs. If everything else doesn’t work… you definitely can’t miss with a timeless solitaire style.
Bonus Tip: When purchasing lab-grown gems online, make sure to review their return policy, in case you need to swap for another style or get resizing after the proposal.
- Consider a colored stone.
Lab-grown diamonds come in various fancy colors like yellow, blue, and pink, giving you options beyond just white. Exquisite lab-grown colored diamonds are available at a much lower price than their earth-mined counterparts, offering even more savings than colorless lab-grown diamonds.
Fancy Blue – 90% less
Elegant Yellow – 75% less
Fancy Pink – 80% less
If your future fiancée favors sapphires or rubies, think about lab-created gems – similar to lab-grown diamonds, you get all the beauty at a lower price and free from conflict.
- Know the 4 C’s
Whether you’re purchasing a lab-grown diamond or a natural diamond, the 4 C’s (color, cut, clarity, and carat weight) hold significant importance. The 4 C’s indicate the quality of your diamond and also have a substantial impact on the price.
Bonus Tip: Although the 4 C’s matter, each rating varies for every diamond – since EVERY diamond is one-of-a-kind. If the budget matters, think about opting for a lower clarity grade since most inclusions are not noticeable to the naked eye.
- Work within Your Budget
Lab-grown diamonds are more affordable, which means you receive greater value for your money! With enough savings you can surprise your better half by upgrading the color/clarity/cut/carat, or even creating a custom design for her ideal engagement ring – surprisingly, custom designs can be more budget-friendly than you realize. If size takes precedence, you might choose a somewhat lesser quality and bigger stone.
- Remember the Grading
Avoid buying a lab-created diamond unless it includes a certified grading report from a trusted lab, such as EGL USA, IGI, or GIA. If you haven’t received a grading report, you may not have bought a lab-created diamond. Complete transparency is essential in the industry.
- Make it Unique
If a custom design is not within your budget, you can simply create a unique engagement ring by asking for a custom adjustment.
Ask with your jeweler if you can change the shape of the center stone or the style of the prongs; you might be able to add lab grown diamonds to the band, or based on the design, you could even include a “hidden” gem (such as your birthstones) within the band or gallery. Feel free to ask your jeweler for precisely what you desire – they aim to assist you in finding or creating exactly what you have envisioned.
If you’re seeking something simple yet unique, engraving is an ideal method to enhance your lab-created diamond engagement ring with a special detail.
- Working on a Limited Budget? Think About Diamond Alternatives
Although lab-created diamonds are cheaper than earth-mined diamonds of similar quality, they might still exceed your budget – and that’s perfectly fine! There are options besides lab-grown diamonds for brides and grooms-to-be who are mindful of their budget. Eco-friendly options, like the Moissanite, can be found at a much lower price and possess the same elegance as lab-grown gems.
- Give Yourself Time
Selecting an engagement ring may require some time! Take your time with the process. You need to discover something that offers the best price, style, quality, and, above all, something she ADORES—after all, she will be wearing it for the rest of her life!
