Are you planning to buy a sparkling new diamond but want to make a more sustainable, ethical choice? Enter the world of lab grown diamonds. These beauties are made in a lab, not deep in the Earth’s crust, and are chemically identical to their mined counterparts. They have the same sparkle, the same brilliance, and most importantly, the same love for your wallet (they tend to be far more affordable).
However, just like with any other type of jewelry, not all lab diamonds are created equal. The key is understanding how to evaluate their quality so you can walk away with a gem that’s as beautiful as it is ethical. Whether you're searching for the perfect best lab grown diamond engagement rings or any other diamond jewelry, this step-by-step guide will make sure that you make an informed, confident decision when it comes to your purchase. Let’s dive in.
What Are Lab Grown Diamonds, Anyway?
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of how to choose the best lab diamonds, let’s quickly define what they actually are. Lab grown diamonds are, to put it simply, diamonds created in a laboratory instead of being formed naturally over millions of years in the Earth’s crust.
While lab grown diamonds may be produced in weeks or months, the process mimics the natural conditions required to form diamonds—heat, pressure, and carbon. As a result, the diamonds are made of pure carbon atoms, just like mined diamonds.
The result? A genuine, beautiful diamond that’s chemically, physically, and optically identical to those dug up from the Earth. And while these diamonds are gaining in popularity for their ethical and eco-friendly nature, they also offer some impressive perks for savvy shoppers like you.
Read more: Why Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Gaining Popularity Among Millennials?
The Importance of Cut
One of the most important things to consider when buying a lab grown diamond—or any diamond for that matter—is the cut. A diamond’s cut is what determines its sparkle, and as we all know, sparkle is one of the main things we look for when picking out a beautiful diamond, whether it’s for the best lab grown diamond engagement ring or a necklace.
Now, we’re not talking about the shape here (you know, round, princess, cushion, etc.). We’re talking about the way the facets of the diamond are cut to interact with light. A well-cut diamond maximises the reflection and refraction of light, causing it to sparkle dramatically.
Diamonds are graded on a scale from "Excellent" to "Poor," with the best cuts rated as "Ideal" or "Excellent." These diamonds will give you that stunning, eye-catching sparkle. So, when you're shopping for these diamonds, make sure to choose a diamond that has an "Excellent" or "Ideal" cut grade, especially if you want the best lab diamond engagement rings that will truly shine.
Carat Weight—Bigger Isn’t Always Better
Learn about the carat size
When you're looking for the best lab grown diamond engagement ring, size is one of the first things that will pop into your mind. Who doesn't love a show-stopping diamond, right? But let's pump the brakes for a second: bigger doesn't always mean better, and carat weight is just one of several factors to consider.
First of all, a carat is simply a unit of weight, not size. A one-carat diamond doesn't necessarily mean it's going to be huge—it could vary in size depending on the cut, depth, and shape. When looking for lab diamonds, consider your budget, the overall style of the piece, and your preference for the stone's size.
If you're aiming for a lab grown diamond engagement ring that’s striking but not over-the-top, a one carat diamond could be just right. However, if you want something a bit more understated, a 0.5 carat stone could still have a beautiful impact, especially if the diamond is well cut and has ideal clarity and colour. Remember: a slightly smaller diamond with better cut and clarity will often appear more brilliant than a larger stone with lower quality.
Clarity—Flawless Is Not the Only Option
Now, let's talk about clarity. Clarity refers to the number of internal flaws or inclusions a diamond has. But keep in mind that a flawless diamond isn't necessarily better. That's because many inclusions are microscopic and won't be visible to the naked eye.
When buying a lab diamond, especially for an engagement ring, aim for diamonds graded as VS1 or VS2 (Very Slightly Included). These diamonds have very small inclusions that are hard to detect with the naked eye. Anything lower than this, like SI1 or SI2 (slightly included), can be an indication of more visible imperfections that may distract from the diamond’s brilliance.
But remember, a diamond with a higher grade for clarity does not automatically make it better. It is rather a balancing act of clarity, cut, carat, and colour. The right diamond for you will depend on your personal preferences and budget.
Read more: What Carat of Lab-Grown Diamond is Best?
Colour—How White Do You Want It?
Diamonds come in a range of colours, from completely colourless to light yellow or brown. The more colourless a diamond is, the more valuable it tends to be. So, when you’re looking for the best lab-grown diamonds, this is a key factor to keep in mind.
Lab grown diamonds have the advantage of being able to be created in controlled conditions, which often leads to a diamond that’s more colourless than its mined counterparts. A high-quality diamond will typically fall into the D-F range, where D is absolutely colourless and F is near colourless. For most buyers, diamonds in the G-H range—near colourless—offer the best balance between quality and price.
So, when buying the best lab grown diamond engagement ring, a colour grade in the G-H range should give you a beautiful, near-colourless diamond that’s more affordable than diamonds in the D-F range.
Certification—Make Sure It’s Legit
It’s always important to make sure the diamonds you’re purchasing come with proper certification. This ensures the stone has been graded accurately according to the 4 Cs (cut, clarity, colour, carat), and it serves as proof of the diamond’s authenticity.
The reputable grading laboratories, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), BIS-Hallmarked Gold Jewellery, or the International Gemological Institute (IGI), provide detailed certificates that break down the characteristics of the diamond in question. Such certificates also provide peace of mind, so you know you are getting exactly what you have paid for when buying an engagement ring.
So, always ask for a certification from the seller. If they can’t provide it, that’s a red flag!
Read more: A Complete Guide on the 4Cs of Lab-Grown Diamonds
Choose a Reputable Seller
You’ve done your research on the best lab grown diamonds, but now it’s time to shop around. The seller you choose is just as important as the diamond itself. Reputable retailers, especially those who specialise in lab grown diamonds, are more likely to provide top-quality stones that are ethically sourced, certified, and transparent in their grading.
Look for online retailers that have solid reviews and customer service to back them up. Companies like GIVA offer excellent reputations, wide selections, and a guarantee of quality.
Price—What’s a Fair Deal?
One of the best reasons to buy lab-grown diamonds is their price—generally, they’re 20-40% cheaper than their mined counterparts. While these diamonds may be more affordable, that doesn’t mean they should be dirt cheap. So, when comparing prices, make sure you’re getting value for what you’re paying.
For a best lab grown diamond engagement ring, you can often get a larger, higher-quality diamond for the same budget you'd spend on a smaller, lower-quality mined diamond. But always compare similar diamonds in terms of cut, colour, clarity, and carat to make sure the price reflects the quality.
Sparkle Without the Guilt
Buying a lab-grown diamond is a responsible and savvy choice. You’re getting a stunning, sparkling diamond that has a positive environmental and ethical impact—and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re looking for diamond engagement rings, remember to focus on the cut, colour, clarity, and carat, along with certification and a reputable seller.
