Lab-Grown Diamonds
Which one the better?
Lab-grown diamonds are not imitations or simulants. They have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds - the only difference being their origin. The journey of these diamonds begins in a lab using methods such as High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), which recreate the conditions under which diamonds naturally form deep within the Earth's mantle.
When were lab diamonds invented?
In 1954, General Electric, the company known for making your kitchen fridge, achieved a significant milestone by successfully creating the first-ever man-made diamond. However, these diamonds were not intended for their aesthetic beauty; they were primarily produced for industrial purposes. Industrial diamonds found extensive application in lasers and abrasives. It wasn't until the 1970s that General Electric introduced the world to the first gem-quality HPHT diamond.
Our advice
In our opinion, three things matter when deciding between a natural, mined diamond and lab created diamond:
- Your budget
- Her preferences
- Whether you care about resale value
A natural diamond is a safe choice. While you will never resell it for more than you paid, you’ll roughly see prices in line for the same diamond next year, and the diamond should store the majority of its value into the future.
That said, we have seen more than half of new couples choose a lab diamond! It’s a more sustainable (and obviously conflict-free) option or prefers having a bigger diamond for your budget.
There is no one-size fits all answer here. If you want to talk it out, our gemologists have one rule: tell you what they would tell their best friend, so just chat with us now.
Why are Lab-Grown Diamonds gaining so much popularity?
- The laboratory-grown diamond market is reshaping the landscape of jewelry. It's a segment that combines advanced technology, sustainable practices, and the timeless allure of diamonds to offer consumers an ethical and economically viable alternative to natural diamonds.
- This industry has caught the attention of investors and consumers alike. The former are attracted by its high growth potential, innovative scope, and the opportunity to partake in an industry steeped in tradition yet open to change. On the other hand, consumers are drawn to these diamonds for their affordability, ethical production devoid of any humanitarian issues, and minimal environmental footprint.
- The jewelry market is witnessing a major transformation due to the emergence of lab-grown diamonds. This segment merges sophisticated technology, sustainable practices, and the enduring charm of diamonds to present a cost-effective and ethical alternative to natural diamonds.
- This shift has captured the interest of both investors and consumers. Investors see significant potential for growth, appreciate its innovative nature, and value the chance to be involved in an industry that, while steeped in tradition, is ready for change.
What the 4C’s are for lab-grown diamonds
4Cs of Lab-Grown Diamonds
Every diamond is unique, and that means some are more valuable than others. So, how do we determine what a diamond is worth? The 4Cs are the four most important factors in comparing diamond quality and value. That grade is made up of four factors: carat weight, clarity, color, and cut. Each "C" has its own grading scale for evaluating quality.
Together, the 4Cs help diamond sellers set prices and compare diamonds, whether you’re shopping for diamond earrings, the perfect tennis bracelet, or your unique engagement ring. The more you understand about diamonds, the savvier you’ll be in choosing yours.
Here’s what you need to know about each of the 4Cs
Carat
Carat weight can appear differently across different diamond shapes such as round brilliant, princess, pear, oval, cushion, marquise, emerald, radiant or heart. A diamond may have a higher carat weight without appearing larger and two diamonds of the same carat weight can vary in size if one is cut deeper than the other. In other words, it is important to note that carat weight does not necessarily denote size.
Taken by itself, carat weight does not determine a diamond’s value. For example, two one-carat stones can vary widely in price when clarity, color and cut are taken into consideration. When that is understood, it is clear that large diamonds of peerless quality are rare.
Color
The color of a diamond is an essential factor in determining its value, as it directly impacts the overall appearance and desirability of the stone.
Perfectly colorless diamonds fall in the D-F bracket or range, near colorless in G-J, and so on down the line.
D-F: Colorless: These diamonds are extremely rare and valuable, with no discernible color when viewed by an expert under controlled lighting conditions.
G-J: Near Colorless: These diamonds have very subtle traces of color that are difficult to detect, even for an expert.
K-M: Faint: Diamonds in this category have a slight yellow or brown tint, which becomes more noticeable as the diamond grade moves toward M.
N-R: Very Light: The color in these diamonds is more apparent, with a noticeable yellow or brown hue.
S-Z: Light: Diamonds in this category have a distinct yellow or brown color that is easily visible.
It's important to note that the GIA Diamond Color Chart only applies to white diamonds.
Clarity
Evaluating diamond clarity involves determining the number, size, relief, nature, and position of these characteristics, as well as how these affect the overall appearance of the stone.
The GIA Diamond Clarity Scale has 6 categories, some of which are divided, for a total of 11 specific grades.
Flawless (FL) No inclusions and no blemishes visible under 10x magnification
Internally Flawless (IF) No inclusions visible under 10x magnification
Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) Inclusions so slight they are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification
Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) Inclusions are observed with effort under 10x magnification, but can be characterized as minor
Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification.
Included (I1, I2, and I3) Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification which may affect transparency and brilliance.
Cut
There are five cut grades:
Excellent (EX), Very Good (VG), Good (G), Fair (F) and Poor (P).
A diamond with an Excellent cut grade is very bright. It shows an even pattern with good contrast between light and dark areas, so the reflections appear crisp and well-balanced. This tells you that the cutter made the best possible use of the rough.
The Good cut grade diamond isn’t quite as bright – reflections aren’t as sharp and there’s more darkness or dullness in the diamond.
The Poor cut grade diamond has much more prominent dark areas or dullness.
The Characteristics of A Well-Cut Diamond Are Superior Brilliance, Fire, And Scintillation
Brilliance relates to the reflection of white light
Fire is the dispersion of light into the colors of the rainbow
Scintillation is the play of contrast between dark and light areas—it’s the sparkle.
Shape
Diamond shape refers to the geometric appearance of a diamond. Diamond shapes are categorized into two groups: round diamonds and fancy shape diamonds. Round brilliant diamonds are the most traditional diamond shape. Fancy shape diamonds include princess, cushion, emerald, oval, pear, marquise, heart and our exclusive.
