Lab-Grown Diamond Buying Guide
Buying a lab-grown diamond should feel exciting, not complicated. Lab-grown diamonds have the same beauty, brilliance, and durability as mined diamonds, while giving you more freedom to explore the size, shape, quality, and design you really want. This guide covers the few things worth knowing so you can choose with confidence.
1. Choose Certified Stones
Look for an IGI grading report for significant diamonds. It provides an independent assessment of the diamond's carat weight, color, clarity, cut and other important characteristics.
2. Choose Excellent Quality
Cut: The quality of the cut has a major impact on a diamond's brilliance and sparkle.
Color: Higher color grades offer a bright colorless appearance, but the right choice depends on the diamond and your preferences.
Clarity: Choose a diamond that appears clean to the eye rather than paying for characteristics you may never see.
3. Explore Shapes & Sizes
One of the advantages of lab-grown diamonds is the freedom to explore. Compare different shapes, sizes, and propotions to find what looks and feels right for you.
4. Verify Metal & Craftsmanship
Choose quality settings in 14KT or 18KT gold or platinum. Look for secure settings, smooth finishing, and well proportioned design — details that contribute to both beauty and longevity.
5. Consider Value & Possibility
Lab-grown diamonds give you more freedom to consider the size, shape, quality, and design you really want-without the same price constraints traditionally associated with mined diamonds.
6. Get Personal Guidance
Have questions? We can help you compare diamonds, understand grading reports, explore different sizes and shapes, or create something custom-personally and without pressure.
How do lab-grown diamonds compare to mined diamonds?
| Factor | Lab-Grown Diamond | Mined Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Identical carbon crystal structure | Natural carbon crystal structure |
| Appearance | Same brilliance and fire to the naked eye | Same brilliance and fire to the naked eye |
| Certification | IGI graded using established diamond grading standards. | Graded by independent gemological laboratories. |
| Typical cost | Typically priced lower than comparable mined diamonds. | Typically priced higher than comparable lab-grown diamonds. |
| Origin | Created in a controlled laboratory environment. | Formed naturally in the earth and recovered through mining. |
Have Questions About Lab-Grown Diamonds?
We're here to help you compare diamonds, understand grading reports, explore different sizes and shapes, or create something custom-personally and without pressure.