Lab Diamonds Buying guide

The Nitty Gritty:  Lab diamond’s popularity is growing as a natural diamond alternative.  Mostly because it has the same optical and chemical properties.  Its a diamond, just one made in a lab that recreates nature’s heat and pressure.  What once took a billion years now takes weeks to grow.  The obvious benefit, PRICE.  Click on the tabs to view  2-carat price examples of lab diamond versus a natural. 

That is a massive price difference. It’s undeniable that the price point drives a serious conversation for consideration.  I will advise on some buying tips below for you to decide if lab diamonds are right for you.

 

Lab Diamonds are graded by IGI only

This is the only lab certificate you will find with lab diamonds as of now.  When researching, you should have read by now that GIA is the prefered diamond certificate for buyers.  For now, GIA doesn’t grade lab diamonds.  What does this mean for you?  IGI certificates are generally off a shade on clarity and color.  If it says its an H color, its most likely an I color.  Vs2 clarity will generally be an SI1.  Some certificate companies are friendlier to the seller as GIA is more buyer-friendly.    

Diamond clarity

Be careful when buying SI1 – SI2 grades.   In fact, this is the only way you can tell the difference from a natural versus lab diamond. Lab diamonds can have long scratch like inclusions that are not common in natural stones.  Below is an example of that characteristic.  Click on the links to view these inclusion types to avoid. 

DIAMOND SAMPLE 1         DIAMOND SAMPLE 2

Not all SI1 grades are like this but know that if the stone exhibits long scratch like inclusions, it may be best to avoid that diamond. Some Si1 will be eye clean without these blemishes and those are ideal.  Vs2-VS1 grades are a better choice. 

Diamond color

Please pay close attention to color.  With the IGI grading, you want to analyze color closely.  Feel free to reach out to me for any questions.  I will be adding a pre selected criteria to keep you safe from certain grades.  But the eye test shouldn’t fail you.  If a diamond doesn’t appear white to you on the screen, avoid buying.  Take a look at this H color diamond round.   It looks white and is safe to buy.   Now compare it to this J color diamond.  Pay close attention to the side angle of the diamond.  The diamond color starts at the bottom tip.  I would avoid this stone.  Diamond shapes also need to be taken into account.  Round diamonds hide color best.  A diamond shape like a pear, oval and emerald needs to be a higher color. 

Also remember this tip:  If you are using a yellow gold or rose gold, it will change the perception of color in your diamond.  A lower grade is more acceptable in yellow gold and rose gold engagement rings.

Diamond cut 

The cut is king.  Every shape has different rules, so below I will provide an easy pre-formatted button for you.  All asp[ects will be selected for you with ideal settings.  Cut grades are always a priority. 

LAB CREATED DIAMONDS

Pre-selected Search Criteria

ROUND DIAMONDS

Value Stone

Preselected variables showing the most affordable combinations.

Balanced High Quality

A top qulaity pre selected list that you could be proud of.

Best Of The Best

The highest quality for the client that only wants the best.

PRINCESS DIAMONDS

Value Stone

Preselected variables showing the most affordable combinations.

Balanced High Quality

A top qulaity pre selected list that you could be proud of.

Best Of The Best

The highest quality for the client that only wants the best.

OVAL DIAMONDS

Value Stone

Preselected variables showing the most affordable combinations.

Balanced High Quality

A top qulaity pre selected list that you could be proud of.

Best Of The Best

The highest quality for the client that only wants the best.

CUSHION DIAMONDS

Value Stone

Preselected variables showing the most affordable combinations.

Balanced High Quality

A top qulaity pre selected list that you could be proud of.

Best Of The Best

The highest quality for the client that only wants the best.

PEAR DIAMONDS

Value Stone

Preselected variables showing the most affordable combinations.

Balanced High Quality

A top qulaity pre selected list that you could be proud of.

Best Of The Best

The highest quality for the client that only wants the best.

EMERALD DIAMONDS

Value Stone

Preselected variables showing the most affordable combinations.

Balanced High Quality

A top qulaity pre selected list that you could be proud of.

Best Of The Best

The highest quality for the client that only wants the best.

RADIANT DIAMONDS

Value Stone

Preselected variables showing the most affordable combinations.

Balanced High Quality

A top qulaity pre selected list that you could be proud of.

Best Of The Best

The highest quality for the client that only wants the best.

ASSCHER DIAMONDS

Value Stone

Preselected variables showing the most affordable combinations.

Balanced High Quality

A top qulaity pre selected list that you could be proud of.

Best Of The Best

The highest quality for the client that only wants the best.

RESALE VALUE OF LAB DIAMONDS

As of now, lab diamonds have a very low resale value.  Its still not a mainstream choice.  Some experts say it has zero value.  But I argue as time goes by, they will continue to increase in popularity. Once they are more common, it increases your chance of getting 15-25% back of your investment.  You will only be able to sell it on popular sites like eBay, craigslist or offerup.  Jewelers will not buy these back so you are limited. 

Lab Diamonds Buying Guide- Compare Lab & Natural Diamonds

can you tell which is a lab diamond or a natural diamond?

Recommended Places To Buy

For me to recommend any business, they must meet certain criteria. They must prove valuable to my clients in regards to How to buy a diamond savings and selection | EXPECT 20%-40% LOWER PRICES THAN TRADITIONAL JEWELERS |, time doing business(legitimacy), reputation, and return policy.

James Allen Logo

James Allen  has the highest volume in diamond sales in the web and now have 500,000 diamonds in their inventory.  They have industry leading diamond viewing technology.  The ability to see your diamond more clearly than in a physical retail store is a massive plus for you. JA has incredible costumer service and have a massive Lab created diamond consisting of HPHT diamonds in their inventory.

They have free shipping domestic + international – free ring resizing –  no questions asked money back return 30 days  – provides insurance appraisals –  lifetime warranty

 

Blue nile logo

Blue Nile was the original online giant that opened in 1999! They have the industry-leading largest available exclusive online inventory.  They have incredible prices and their images are catching up to James Allen.

No questions asked money back 30 day guarantee – Free shipping – Free ring sizing – Provide insurance appraisals –  Lifetime warranty – 100% future credit towards upgrades

 

Feel free to reach out and send me a message. Do you want buying advice on How to buy a diamond or have you found a stone you wish for me to evaluate. Feel free to drop me a line and say hello. Advice is free.

 


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