Lab-grown diamonds are an increasingly popular option for engagement and wedding rings due to their ethical and sustainable nature. Unlike mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment, without the environmental damage or human rights abuses that can be associated with diamond mining. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to determine what makes a good quality lab-grown diamond ring. In this article, we'll explore the key factors to consider when choosing a lab-grown diamond ring.
- Cut
Cut is the most critical factor in determining the quality of a diamond, whether it's natural or lab-grown. A well-cut diamond will have excellent light performance, meaning that it will reflect light in a way that maximizes its brilliance and sparkle. A poorly cut diamond, on the other hand, will appear dull and lifeless, no matter how high its clarity or color grades may be. When shopping for a lab-grown diamond ring, look for a diamond with an excellent or very good cut grade. This will ensure that your diamond has the maximum sparkle and brilliance possible.
Diamond cut grade does not refer to the shape of the diamond (round, heart-shaped, oval, marquise, pear-shaped, etc.). Rather, it is the result of how the facets interact with light.
Round diamonds have three components to their cut grade (fancy shapes only have symmetry and polish): Cut Grade: whether the diamond is cut according to proportion standards. Symmetry: the roundness of the diamond, whether the crown and pavilion are aligned, whether the facet points are sharp, and whether the same size facets are consistent. Polish: the visibility of polishing lines on the facets.
Each of the three components (cut grade, symmetry, and polish) has five grades: EX (Excellent): Ideal
VG (Very Good): Very good
G (Good): Good
F (Fair): Average
P (Poor): Poor
Thus, 3EX refers the best of the best! Excellent in cut grade, symmetry, and polish.
- Clarity
Diamond clarity is typically graded on a scale from "Included" (I) to "Flawless" (FL), with several grades in between. Generally, the higher the clarity grade, the more expensive the diamond.
The diamond clarity refers to the quantity, size, visibility, type, location, and degree of influence on the overall appearance of inclusions and surface features. Currently, the certified clarity of cultivated diamonds mainly falls into the following three categories:
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Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2): There are extremely small inclusions inside the diamond that are difficult to see even under 10x magnification by a professional appraiser.
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Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2): Tiny inclusions can be seen inside the diamond under 10x magnification.
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Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2): The diamond has visible inclusions when viewed under 10x magnification.
It's uncommon for retailers to sell certified lab-grown diamonds with clarity grades lower than SI1. When buying lab-grown diamonds with larger carat weights, flaws become more noticeable, so for diamonds that are 1.0 carat or more, it's recommended to go for a clarity grade of VS2 or higher. Therefore, I suggest going straight for a VS2 or higher clarity grade when purchasing lab-grown diamonds.
- Color
Diamond color refers to how colorless it is and is graded from D to Z. The closer to D, the better. IGI certified lab-grown diamonds are mostly in D, E, F, and G colors, with very few H, I, or lower. The closer the color is to D, the more transparent and pure the fire appears. For diamonds over 1 carat, it's recommended to choose a color grade higher than H. The larger the diamond, the more the color stands out, and cultivated diamonds of different colors have almost no price difference. So, if it's within your budget, you can go for DEFG colors as there's almost no difference in how they look when worn.
- Carat weight
Carat weight refers to the size of a diamond, with one carat equaling 0.2 grams. While carat weight is the most important factor in determining the value of a diamond, luckily, with lab-grown diamond buget-friendly, girls can enjoy shopping diamond jewelry without going bankrupt.
1-carat D color, VS2 clarity, 3EX cut, and no fluorescence diamond: natural diamond around $9,300 USD, lab-grown diamond around $900 USD. Savings of around $8,400 USD.
0.5 carat D color, VS2 clarity, 3EX cut, and no fluorescence diamond: natural diamond around $1,600 USD, lab-grown diamond around $390 USD. Savings of around $1,210 USD.
3 carat D color, VS1 clarity, 3EX cut, and no fluorescence diamond: natural diamond around $95,400 USD, lab-grown diamond around $4,500 USD. Savings of around $90,900 USD.
- Certification
When purchasing a lab-grown diamond ring, it's essential to choose a reputable jeweler who provides certification for their diamonds. Certification ensures that the diamond has been independently verified and graded by a third-party organization, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI). This certification provides assurance that the diamond has been accurately graded and is of the quality advertised.
- Warranty and return policy
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When you purchase a diamond, you become a valued member of the Hiamond family. We pride ourselves on providing continuous premium service, including care and repair, complimentary ring polishing and a full lifetime warranty.
To keep your jewelry sparkling and looking good, we recommend the following:
1. Try to avoid your jewelry coming into contact with any type of chemicals, including soaps, shower gels, cosmetics.
2, Always remove jewelry before swimming, exercising, showering, outdoor sports or gardening.
3. It is recommended to clean the jewelry regularly with warm water, mild dish soap and a soft toothbrush.
If you do need a resize or repairment, welcome to contact us for a free after service.
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