Are they expensive? How do I care for them? There are several common questions about lab grown diamonds, and this guide will answer them all so you can make an informed decision about whether to invest in lab grown diamonds or not.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real?
The simple answer to that question is yes. Most lab-grown diamonds are physically, chemically, and optically identical to their mined counterparts. Lab-grown diamonds have a very low carbon footprint and they’re more eco-friendly than mined diamonds, but there’s no need to worry—lab grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds. The biggest difference between lab grown and mined diamonds is price. The value of mined gemstones is based on rarity; if something can be created in a lab or factory, it’s far cheaper than its natural counterpart because there’s no cost of discovery.
What is the Difference Between Lab Grown, Synthetic, and Imitation?
Lab-grown diamonds are made in a lab, Synthetic diamonds are manufactured in a factory, and imitation diamonds are cubic zirconia or glass. Lab-grown and synthetic diamonds have similar physical properties as mined diamonds; however, they don’t have imperfections such as small cracks, nicks, or fissures like mined diamonds. Imitation diamonds are cheap and mass-produced glass stones with no value whatsoever. When shopping for lab grown diamonds you need to be wary of imitations that masquerade as actual gems. It is best to purchase from a reputable source that guarantees 100% authentic lab grown diamond products. Also CVD Diamonds.
How Does a Lab-Grown Diamond Differ From Natural Diamonds?
A laboratory-grown diamond is a real diamond that has been made in a controlled environment. They are created from carbon atoms, much like natural diamonds. The main difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds is their source and cost. Lab-grown diamonds are much more affordable than their mined counterpart, but may not be as aesthetically pleasing to some due to certain physical characteristics. Some people also prefer natural stones over lab-grown because they believe them to have better meaning or to be more eco-friendly due to being ethically sourced. While both types of the diamond will look exactly alike to someone who does not know about their source, consumers need to ask sellers how they were grown before making a purchase decision.
Why Choose a Lab-Grown Diamond?
Just like mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds come in different cuts. Unlike mined diamonds, however, your rings are not weighed and priced based on their carat weights. Rather, they’re priced by measurement—the closer your ring gets to round, or completely symmetrical, the more you’ll pay for it. This means that whether you go with a 1ct mined diamond or a 1ct lab-grown diamond, they will be equally as heavy (and probably equally as expensive). However! Your ring will cost less because most center stones are made from synthetic moissanite instead of mined diamonds.
Can I Take My Lab-Grown Stone to Another Jeweler for Repairs?
Yes. Your lab-grown diamond is just as real as a mined diamond, so you can take it to any jewelry store for repairs or maintenance. Because many stone settings are metal specific (such as platinum), you may want to ask a jeweler if they can accommodate your particular setting and stone. If not, they may be able to recommend a nearby place that has access to metal saws and other tools necessary for repairs. Just like you would with any purchased piece of jewelry, let them know that your stone is lab grown and needs special care; tell them what to look out for in case of damage (i.e., how do they distinguish synthetic diamonds from natural ones?) so that they don’t accidentally hurt your investment!
Where Do I Buy My Lab-Grown Diamond?
Many online retailers sell lab-grown diamonds, making it hard to tell which is which. If you want to buy your diamond directly from a manufacturer (and can find one), you’ll probably save some money—and you’ll be sure that it’s real. Many manufacturers will even customize your diamond with different cuts or colors if desired. Choose Best Lab Grown Diamond Manufacturer.
Is A D Color Stone Worthwhile in a Small Carat Weight?
There’s no universal cut grade, per se, for color in diamonds. D, E, and F-graded diamonds all fall within what we consider to be colorless, so it comes down to how much you value rarity vs. color saturation in your chosen carat weight range. As a general rule of thumb: as diamond carat weight increases, so does color saturation…but also price point.
Is Purity Important With Lab Grown Stones, Too?
Just like with mined diamonds, purity is very important to lab-grown diamonds. If a diamond doesn’t have any impurities, it will reflect light more consistently and will be much more durable. A lab-grown diamond might not break as quickly as a mined diamond, but it won’t last forever either. The good news is that most companies who sell lab created diamonds will guarantee their purity levels or craftsmanship for life.