As the choice of lab-grown diamonds continues to rise in prevalence, obtaining a balanced perspective on them can be difficult. Many sellers may promote it as an ideal purchase with no drawbacks; however jewelers who do not offer these products often feel differently and may vocalize their reservations about its value.
What is a Lab Grown Diamond?
Lab grown diamonds offer the same outstanding qualities and characteristics of their natural counterparts, providing a stunning ring that is indistinguishable to any human eye. Instead of forming underneath the surface over thousands or millions of years, they are created in lab machineries using either High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) methodologies - both equally producing beautiful results!
Lab Grown Diamond Grading
Laboratory-grown diamonds, appraised using the same four criteria as their natural counterparts - carat weight, clarity level, cut grade and color - are subject to rigorous grading by leading authorities. With a long history of standard setting in this space; The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), International Gemological Institute (IGI) and the highly acclaimed Gem Certification & Assurance Lab (GCAL) are all renowned for offering top tier certification services.
Average Cost of Lab-Grown Diamonds
Cultivating a lab-grown diamond is not only more eco-friendly but also cost-effective! Due to their lower production costs than natural diamonds, consumers can enjoy considerable savings – typically around one-quarter of the price. So next time you’re shopping for that special piece with all the Four Cs in mind - why not consider synthesized diamonds?
The chart below clearly illustrates this advantage with comparable Rare Carat Ideal Cut Grade stones lacking any fluorescence – ultimately providing insight into why lab-grown diamonds are gaining traction amongst today’s buyers.
*Please note that the prices of diamonds are subject to daily fluctuations and this chart is intended for comparison purposes only. It is possible that prices have altered since the creation of this chart on February 13th, 2023.
Pros & Cons of Lab-Grown Diamonds
The Pros
You can obtain a larger diamond for the same budget by choosing a laboratory-grown diamond, as synthesized diamonds are less expensive than natural diamonds of equivalent quality.
The appearance and chemical composition of laboratory-grown diamonds are comparable to natural diamonds, with the main difference being the production method.
In addition to being more cost-effective, laboratory-grown diamonds are also considered more ethical as they have a traceable origin source, reducing the risk of conflict diamonds.
The process of producing laboratory-grown diamonds is considered to be more sustainable and eco-friendly, although it should be noted that significant energy is still required for their cultivation.
The Cons
When choosing the right diamond, natural diamonds have a long-standing history of maintaining their value. However, due to an increasing supply and production of laboratory-grown stones over recent years, prices for these jewels are likely going down even further. If resale value is essential in your decision-making process, then opting for a naturally occurring diamond may be more suitable as its wholesale worth has remained relatively steady despite retail price decreases when sold on occasion.
Proposing is a unique event requiring careful consideration, especially regarding perception. Is your significant other open-minded enough to accept the modern option of a laboratory-grown diamond? Consider their views on such alternatives before deciding for an unforgettable proposal experience!
As technology advances, laboratory-grown diamonds become an increasingly popular engagement ring option. Natural diamonds may still be the default choice, but this gap is quickly shrinking as more and more couples seek to make a unique statement with their jewelry selection.
Lab Grown Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds have been carefully crafted to be indistinguishable from natural stones, where only trained professionals and specialized equipment can detect their subtle differences. For any diamond connoisseur out there looking for the perfect stone - know that both options are sure to dazzle!
Phosphorescence
Diamonds captivate with their mysterious phosphorescence, a phenomenon in which they emit an ethereal colored glow after exposure to ultraviolet light. While HPHT-grown diamonds are particularly susceptible to this occurrence, CVD-grown stones can show similar behavior when outfitted for color enhancement through additional HPHT treatment. However, buyers must understand phosphorescent qualities of diamonds won't be represented on grading reports from the GIA, IGI, or GCAL.
Inclusions
Laboratory-grown diamonds possess a range of inclusions that set them apart from their natural counterparts. HPHT stones are known to have metallic deposits resulting from the growth process and can even demonstrate magnetic properties for lower clarity grades such as SI2 to I3! On the other hand, CVD diamond varieties contain non-diamond carbon inclusions which must be identified with advanced gemological equipment like microscopes or loupes - especially when considering higher clarity (VS2+) specimens. With proper identification tools at hand, experienced gemologists can make an accurate distinction between laboratory-created and naturally formed gems.
Blue Tint (Nuance)
Lab-grown diamonds are known for their stunning beauty, and may even exhibit a unique blue hue. This effect is caused by trace elements of boron present in the artificial environment used to grow them - the same mineral that gives natural blue diamonds their signature color! In some cases, growers choose not to remove these boron traces due to its time consuming cost. However, they will be noted as such on grading reports issued through IGI; GIA does not currently mention this characteristic in their reports.
Lab-grown diamonds feature a unique, subtle blue hue caused by the presence of trace amounts of boron in their growth chamber. This is especially visible when viewing lab-grown diamonds from the side or bottom - though often less so than how it appears in photographs since light intensity and camera settings can modify colors dramatically. This should certainly be considered for discerning color specialists seeking an edge in their diamond selection!
Post Growth Treatment
Post-growth treatment is a common and safe procedure for creating CVD diamonds. This treatment is necessary for most CVD diamonds, which are often produced with noticeable brown or yellow tints. By utilizing HPHT, these tints can be removed or diminished, resulting in a high-quality diamond. The stability of the post-growth treatment is guaranteed and will not be altered by exposure to heat or other external factors. The information about the post-growth treatment is included in the grading reports from IGI and GIA in the section for additional comments to provide a comprehensive understanding of the diamond's attributes. This information is not intended to cause concern or discourage the consideration of a diamond with post-growth treatment but to provide transparent and thorough information about the diamond's features.
On our platform, finding a lab grown diamond engagement ring is a simple and effortless process. To access the collection, kindly visit our search page and ensure the "Lab" option is selected. This will display a comprehensive range of lab grown diamonds that match your specifications and budget.
Once you have selected your diamond, you may proceed to click on the "Add to Ring" button, which will enable you to view all the available settings that are suitable for the size and shape of your diamond.
Once you have selected your preferred setting, kindly click the "Complete Ring with Setting" button to proceed to the checkout page. Our retailers offer custom design services if you cannot find a setting that meets your exact preferences. To commence the process, kindly engage with one of our knowledgeable gemologists.
On the checkout page, you will have the option to choose from a variety of payment methods, including PayPal, credit/debit card, and various financing options. Please note that shipping and production time typically takes 2-3 weeks, and you will receive an email notification the day prior to the shipment being dispatched, so you can plan accordingly and ensure that an adult is available to sign for the delivery.