If you’re interested in lab created diamonds as a buyer (perhaps for a bridal ring, or something else), this guide should be useful to you.
In this guide, we’ve provided (in this order):
– Reviews and summaries of some of the most popular online sellers
– A buyer’s guide with useful buyer tips and what to consider when buying
– An FAQ section on lab grown diamonds
Best Lab Grown Diamonds: Reviews Of Popular Lab Created Diamond Online Sellers
For now, we have not ranked the more popular/well known online lab created diamond sellers in terms of who is the best (because everyone has different preferences when buying).
What we have done though, to be more objective, and because they all offer something slightly different, is summarised some of the main things that each online seller offers, and aspects that make them similar or different from each other.
We’ve organised these things into different areas and aspects.
If you are planning to buy, confirm all information is correct from the seller before buying – don’t rely solely on this information – it is general information only
In no particular order (this information is accurate as of May 2019 – you may need to cross check this information is still accurate when reading this guide in the future as sellers can change their offerings …
Ada Diamonds
What They Offer
Specialises in luxury bridal diamonds, that are bespoke and made to order (not mass produced).
But, also produces other jewelry (full range is engagement rings, wedding bands, fashion jewelry, loose diamonds), and loose diamonds.
Has a range of different collections of lab grown diamonds
Mentions they only work with H+ color, eye clean clarity, and lab diamonds selected for the cut and light performance.
Produces lab created diamonds that are optimized for cut and brightness, will be eye clean, absent fluorescence, and of exceptional quality.
All of Ada’s diamonds are classified as Type IIa, a purity level found in less than 2% of mined diamonds.
Type IIa diamonds are the most valued and the purest type of diamonds in the world.
They contain little to no nitrogen atoms in the crystal structure.
Some notable examples of type IIa natural diamonds include the Cullinan diamonds, the DeBeers Millenium Star, and the Hope Diamond.
Due to the absence of nitrogen during the growth of white diamonds, all of Ada’s white diamonds are considered type IIa.
They also offer fancy colored diamonds in blues, pinks, yellows, and grays for a fraction of the cost of equivalent natural stones.
Curates from growers around the world, allowing them to hand-select the best of the best lab diamonds, always chosen for maximum light performance.
They don’t publicly list and don’t sell a diamond sight unseen.
Buying Process
Has 6 steps concierge process for you to create your custom jewelry – consultation, curation, custom design, production, quality control, and delivery
Prior to the shipment of your ring, the artistic imagery of your ring is captured for you.
Prices
Mentions minimum prices at the ‘itmatters’ page.
Mentions Lab diamonds are also priced on their quality; a D IF lab diamond will be much more expensive than an H SI1 lab diamond of the same size.
Casting & Setting
All of Ada’s jewelry is cast and hand-set in the United States by the same fabrication houses that manufacture some of the most superlative and recognizable fine jewelry brands.
Durability
Jewelry is made to last a lifetime
Quality Control
Quality control standards are claimed to be some of the highest in the lab diamond industry.
Insurance, Warranties, & Trade Ins
Offers full insurance, robust jewelry warranty, lifetime trade-in, and invite-only special programs and events.
Returns
Offers 30 day return policy
Ethics, Conflict Free, Child Labor, & Worker’s Rights
Only sells diamonds and ethically sourced precious metals – no substitutes or lesser quality products
Diamonds are ‘conflict free’
Ada Diamonds requires all of their suppliers to certify that their labor forces are made up of adults of legal working age who are working on their own free will.
Ada Diamonds is committed to sourcing gold, platinum, and other precious metals that are produced under stringent human rights and environmental standards (and, they are also committed to working towards recycled metals)
Sustainability & Eco Friendliness
In regards to being eco friendly … ‘the growth of diamonds only requires two main ingredients: carbon & electricity.
Today, the most efficient diamond producers require approximately 250kWh of electricity to grow a 1 carat diamond, which is the roughly the same amount of electricity the average US household consumes in a week.
Furthermore, diamonds can be grown wherever renewable energy is available’
Social Causes
In regards to what purchasing lab grown diamonds means … ‘when you purchase lab diamond jewelry, you are directly funding research & development of functional uses of diamond that improve humanity [as …] The lab diamond market primarily exists to create high-tech uses for lab diamonds such as laser lenses, surgical knives, high pressure anvils, and water purification systems’
Ada Diamonds has the Sixth Element Program where they are currently supporting six social causes.
They are also proudly working with Pledge 1 Percent to brighten the future in the following ways: 1. Donating 1% of profits every year, 2. Pledging 1% of Ada’s equity to fund non-profits, Volunteering & Mentoring in local communities.
Partnerships With Other Companies
Ada has partnerships and does bespoking for other luxury brands and companies.
Further Resources On Website
The following pages might provide more useful information on Adadiamonds’ website – ‘About’ page, ‘Itmatters’ page, ‘Ethical Supply Chains’ page, ‘Sixth Element Program’ page, ‘Our Partnerships’ page, ‘Diamond Concierge Process’ page, ‘Lab Diamonds Facts & Misconceptions’ page, ‘How Ada Is Different’ page, ‘Introduction To Lab Diamonds’ page, and the ‘Synthetic Diamond Facts & Misconceptions’ page.
Summary
A seller that focuses on a quality/luxury, private, custom customer level service and product.
There is a focus on quality over quantity.
Meets certain ethical, eco friendly and social impact/social cause standards.
Has partnerships and does bespoking for other luxury brands and companies.
Brilliant Earth
What They Offer
Offers a range of different types of diamonds – responsibly sourced mined diamonds, lab created diamonds and.
Lab Created Diamonds – come in an extensive collection range and also a range of styles.
You can also shop colored lab diamonds
Offers other diamond jewelry.
Customisation
You can create your own lab created diamond rings and earrings.
Grading & Quality
Have been graded by an independent gemological lab, so have comparable quality characteristics to mined diamonds
Transparency Of Sourcing & Traceability
They tell you exactly where (which countries) they source each of their different types of diamonds from.
Have a commitment to traceability of their diamonds
Ethics, Fair Trade, Conflict Free
Beyond Conflict Free Mined Diamonds (goes far beyond the Kimberley Process’ requirement that conflict diamonds only don’t finance rebel movements) – protects against financing rebel movements, human rights abuses, environmental degradation, safe and responsible labor practices, and supports community development
Looking to bring back fair trade diamonds in the future (improve the artisanal diamond mining sector and improving the livelihoods of miners)
Sustainability & Eco Friendliness
Offers recycled Diamonds – have previously been mined, cut and polished, and are now being made available again
Diamonds can be set in a recycled gold or platinum setting
Uses recycled metals in their fine jewelry
Uses eco friendly packaging
Social Causes
Donates 5% of net profits to mining communities
Warranty & Returns
Lifetime manufacturing defect warranty (on all Brilliant Earth fine jewelry)
30 day return policy
Further Resources On Website
The following pages might provide more useful information on Brilliant Earth’s website – ‘Why Buy From Brilliant Earth’ page, ‘Conflict Free Diamonds’ page, ‘Lab Created Diamonds’ page, ‘About’ page, and ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ page.
Summary
Offer a range of diamond types (mined, lab, recycled).
Big emphasis on the environment, ethical diamonds, and giving back to communities
Third Party Opinion
diamonds.pro has an interesting article where they give an assessment of what Brilliant Earth offers.
Mia Donna
What They Offer
Offer loose lab created diamonds
Offer laboratory-grown Type IIa diamonds – These are the purest form of diamond, making them brighter and harder than 98% of the diamonds mined from the earth
Diamonds come in up to an IF in clarity, D in color, Ideal in cut, and up to 10 carats in size.
– Come in a variety of shapes and colors
Relationships With Diamonds Growers & Cutters
Have relationships with the world’s most scientifically advanced diamond growers and cutters
Buying Process
Can browse yourself, but you can also contact a personal shopper to help you with your choice
Prices
Competitive prices for their diamonds, but they warn against buying diamonds that are only a few hundred dollars per carat
Where Jewellery Is Crafted
Handcraft jewelry in the USA
Grading & Certification
Each diamond is graded and certified by the same leading independent gemological labs that are used to grade earth-mined diamonds
Conflict Free
Diamonds are guaranteed conflict-free
Social Causes
At minimum, 5% of annual profits are donated to the Greener Diamond Foundation, where funds are used to repair, rebuild, and empower damaged diamond mining communities.
Sustainability & Eco Friendliness
Plant one tree through One Tree Planted for each and every order to help offset the carbon emissions generated during shipping
Use recycled metals for jewelry – every setting is created using the finest grade recycled gold, palladium or platinum
Returns & Warranties
30 day return policy
Has a lifetime manufacturing defect warranty, and a lifetime guarantee on the diamond stone for chipping or breaking under normal wear and tear
Further Resources On Website
The following pages might provide more useful information on Miadonna’s website – ‘Stone Guide On Lab Grown Diamonds’ page, ‘About’ page, ‘FAQS’ page, ‘Guarantee’ page, ‘How Much Do You Give Back For Each Purchase’ page, ‘Our Pledge’ page, and the ‘How We Give’ page.
Summary
Offer a wide range of lab created diamonds, with high transparency on the properties and characteristics these diamonds offer.
Give back to the community, and emphasis on ethics, sustainability and the environment
Pure Grown Diamonds
What They Offer
Are the ‘Largest selling grown diamond brand in the United States’
Sell Type IIa above ground/lab diamonds that focus on size and clarity
Their seed diamonds are all lab grown diamonds and are not from mined sources
Sell a variety of shapes and styles for different types of people
Diamonds come in colorless, and colored options
Certification
Finished diamonds are laser inscribed and certified by Gemological institutes (IGI, and GCAL)
Social Responsibility
‘Socially and environmentally responsible’
‘Conflict free’
Workers who grow your diamond were ‘paid a fair working wage and work in an environment that maintains high standards for health and safety’
Sustainability & Eco Friendliness
‘Socially and environmentally responsible’
Further Resources On Website
The following pages might provide more useful information on Pure Grown’s website – ‘About’ page, ‘Diamonds’ page, and ‘Education’ page.
Summary
Sell a range of different diamond jewelry for different people and uses, and do have an ethical aspect to their business.
Could probably add more specific information on their site about exactly the numbers behind their eco & social responsibility, and exactly who fabricates their jewelry.
Clean Origin
What They Offer
Offers engagement rings, unique wedding bands, or any other kind of jewelry
Certification
Most commonly do their certifications through IGI and GCAL
Price
Clean Origin come in very price competitive compared to other retailers and jewelers
‘Eco friendly, ethically sourced and competitively priced’ compared to mined diamonds
Returns
Has a 100 day return policy
Support
Have 24/7 phone and email support
Ethical Sourcing
‘Eco friendly, ethically sourced and competitively priced’ compared to mined diamonds
Conflict Free
Offer conflict free diamonds
Eco Friendliness & Sustainability
‘Eco friendly, ethically sourced and competitively priced’ compared to mined diamonds
Further Resources On Website
The following pages might provide more useful information on Clean Origin’s website – ‘About Lab Created Diamonds’ page, ‘FAQ’ page, ‘Comparison’ page (comparison to other diamond sellers in terms of price and other factors), and the ‘Our Story’ page.
Summary
Offer a range of diamond jewelry, including bridal rings.
Have extensive experience, with an emphasis on being 100% conflict free, competitively priced, and having a longer return policy compared to some other sellers.
Would be good though to have some more specific information on exactly the numbers behind how Clean Origin themselves operates their eco friendly and socially responsible labs, and how they outsource fabrication etc.
Diamond Foundry
What They Offer
American made lab created diamonds – from the growing, to the cut and polished/finished stage
Manufacturing/Production
They have their own polishing factory where each rough diamond is cut and polished
Quality Control
Each diamond is inspected more than 1,300 times from rough stone to finished ring, and fewer than 1% of all diamonds on the market meet this high quality level.
Traceability Guarantee
You get a guarantee on the origin of the diamonds – from America’s Pacific West
Certification
A GIA Gemologist grades the finished diamond, and the buyer get a lab report and a certificate.
The certificate ID is inscribed at the girdle of the diamond with a tiny laser inscription
Each diamond is unique from one another, and each diamond comes with a different gemological ID
Product Guarantee
Comes with a value guarantee, and a lifetime guarantee (on the characteristics promised in the diamond certificate)
Sustainability & Eco Friendliness
Uses solar energy technology to help create diamonds in their San Francisco foundry (certified to be 100% carbon neutral)
Further Resources On Website
The following pages might provide more useful information on Diamond Foundry’s website – ‘Our Diamonds’ page, ‘About’ page, and ‘Forever Guarantee’ page.
Summary
Diamonds created and refined in the US, with high quality standards
Diamond Nexus
What They Offer
Offers two alternatives to mined diamonds – The True Grown Diamond™ and the Contemporary Nexus Diamond™
Offers a contemporary simulant through Diamond Nexus (visually identical to the highest quality mined diamonds, but is a simulant that is around 70 to 90% cheaper than a mined diamond)
Offer lab diamonds (true grown diamonds) through 1215 Diamonds (loose stones or in pre-set engagement rings).
Buying A Stone
Recommends you pick a stone based on 3 measures – physical (hardness and durability), optical (visual clarity and light reflection), and chemical (composition)
Further Resources On Website
The following pages might provide more useful information on Diamond Nexus’ website – ‘Pure Carbon Man Made Diamonds’ page, and ‘Why 12-Fifteen’ page.
Summary
Offers both a simulant, and a lab created diamond option.
Does not have as much (easy to find) information on their site about their diamonds right now as other sellers have
Swarovski Created Diamonds
What They Offer
Offers lab created diamonds, as well as other diamonds and gemstones
Grading
Lab created diamonds are hand-selected and graded in the same manner as mined diamonds, per the 4Cs of clarity, color, cut and carat weight.
Quality Control
Comes with the Swarovski seal of quality
Certification
Larger diamonds come with a lab report from the IGI
Comes with Laser inscription by Swarovski on the diamond (visible only under microscope)
Social Responsibility
Diamonds are created by respecting the high corporate social responsibility standards of Swarovski
Further Resources On Website
The following pages might provide more useful information on Swarovski Created Diamonds’ website – ‘Created Diamonds’ page.
Summary
Diamonds seem to uphold the Swarovski quality, but, Swarovski does not have as much (easy to find) information on their site about their diamonds as other sellers have
De Beers Lab Created Diamonds (Through Lightbox)
What They Offer
Offer lab created diamonds through Lightbox
Diamonds come in colorless, but also blush pink or powder blue (but they are also developing other colors as well)
Affiliation
Based in the UK, Element Six (more than 30 years of research and development experience) grow their raw gems exclusively for Lightbox
Pricing
Pricing is based on the size of the diamond
Identification & Certification
Each diamond larger than 0.2 carats will be laser inscribed with the Lightbox logo (that is invisible to the naked eye)
Solitaires don’t have certificates
Further Resources On Website
The following pages might provide more useful information on De Beers Lab Created Diamonds’ website – ‘Laboratory Grown Diamonds’ page, ‘Our Pricing’ page, and ‘About Us’ page.
Summary
These are non rare, more affordable ‘weekend’ type diamonds.
They aren’t specialised bridal diamonds like other sellers offer
Some Popular Online Mined Diamond Sellers
Other popular online sellers you might come across that don’t currently do lab created diamonds, but do do mined diamonds are:
James Allen
What They Offer
Sell mined diamonds – no lab created or synthetic diamonds
Cost of diamond depends on the 4 C’s – cut, color, clarity and carat
Certification
Diamonds are all GIA, AGS or IGI certified
The diamond certificate you get verifies each diamond’s specifications, including its color grade, carat weight, clarity grade and cut grade.
Conflict Free
Every diamond sold is certified conflict-free in compliance with the Patriot Act, the Kimberley Process, and United Nations resolutions. (Conflict-free diamonds are gems that were not obtained due to human rights abuses, child labor, violence, or environmental degradation.)
Further Resources On Website
The following pages might provide more useful information on James Allen’s website – ‘Grading Conflict Free’ page, ‘FAQ’ page, and ‘Grading Certificate’ page.
Ritani
What They Offer
Sells ethically sourced, mined diamonds
Buying Process
Has a 10 step selection process outlined that you can follow if you get stuck choosing a diamond
Grading & Certification
AGS laboratories are used for grading and certification, as well as the GIA
Ethics, Conflict Free, Worker’s Rights
Sells ethically sourced, mined diamonds
Uses the Kimberley Process and upholds strict ethical diamond sourcing standards
Has conflict-free engagement rings are handcrafted in the United States (work stays in the US)
Jewelry supplies — from diamonds to precious metals – are sourced from companies that treat their workers fairly
Social Causes
Ritani and JKG invest in jobs and other social services in Namibia
Ritani notes the diamond mining industry that has changed a lot in the last 15 years – ‘In 2016 alone, [De Beers] spent $24.9 million on social investment projects, and dedicated 164,000 hectares of land to conservation (5 hectares of land for every 1 hectare disrupted by mining).’
Further Resources On Website
The following pages might provide more useful information on Ritani’s website – ‘Diamond FAQ Lab Grown Diamonds vs Read Diamonds’ page (outlines some of the differences between lab diamonds and their ethically sourced mined diamonds), ‘How Diamonds Are Analysed’ page, and ‘Conflict Free Diamonds’ page.
Blue Nile
What They Offer
Offer only natural mined diamonds (not lab created diamonds yet)
Ethics
Provides ethical sourcing of their diamonds
Certification
GIA certified
Further Resources On Website
The following pages might provide more useful information on Blue Nile’s website – ‘Ethical Sourcing’ policies page (explains ethical sourcing of their diamonds), and the ‘Lab Diamonds’ education page (discusses the value of different types of diamond sellers’ diamonds).
Lab Created Diamonds Buyer’s Guide – Tips, Info On What To Look For
Step-By-Step Process To Buying Lab Created Diamonds
Each buyer should do their own due diligence and research before buying, and follow a buying process that suit them.
But, in general, the following might be a good way of breaking down the buying process:
– Start by researching lab created diamonds yourself online
Read generally about what lab created diamonds are, and other informational FAQ style guides about lab created diamonds.
Some guides we’ve put together that may help in that regard are this one, but also the pros and cons of lab grown diamonds, a comparison guide with mined diamonds, and a comparison guide with other types of diamonds like mined diamonds, and simulants like cubic zirconia and moissanite.
You can also read about information specific to buying lab created diamonds.
This will give you a good base understanding of the diamonds in general, as well as what to look for from sellers, and will help you form some questions you’d like to ask them.
– Make a summary list/short list of exactly what it is you’re looking for and what you want from you lab created diamonds
This can include the type of diamond, the type of jewellery and setting, what your budget is, and any other requirements or criteria
For example, you may want a bridal engagement ring in the $5,000 to $10,000 range, which is a specific shape and style, and you may need it within the next year (so, know the date you need it by, and make sure the seller can honor that date)
You may also have specific sustainability, labor rights, and other ethical criteria in mind for your purchase
Write these things down in dot points in a list
– Look over each seller’s site and see what they products and services they offer
See what products and services they offer
Then look a bit deeper, and see how many questions they answer on their website that you had in mind already
See which seller matches up most closely to what your preferences and budget are
– Shortlist the sellers to a list of 2 to 5 sellers of those who most closely match what you want and need
– Start contacting the shortlisted sellers with your questions and tell them your requirements
Some offer an email and phone service where they can answer questions about a pre-set range of diamond jewelry they have available, whilst others even offer a full concierge/bespoke personal service fitted exactly to you on a custom piece of jewelry.
Ask for a plan to meet your requirements, and ask about the process to make and deliver the diamond/s you want
– Pick one seller based on on your interactions with your shortlisted seller, and begin the diamond creation and delivery process with them
Different Priorities You Might Have When Buying Lab Created Diamonds
Everyone will have a different list of priorities, so, know what these priorities are for yourself.
Some of the main priorities people might have when buying lab created diamonds might be:
– Type Of Jewelry Needed
For example … do you want a bridal ring, a wedding band for men, general diamond jewelry like earrings and necklaces or something else?
Some people may be OK with a pre-set piece, while some may want a custom piece that they have a say in designing
– What They Want Out Of The 4 C’s
The 4 C’s are:
Cut (how it’s cut)
Color (colorless, or a specific color)
Clarity (clarity grading)
Carats (how many carats the diamond is and how big it is in terms of weight)
– Price
Price is based around several factors
Some of those factors include the 4 C’s, whether it’s a Type IIa diamond, the quality of service you get (you’ll pay more for a custom service), and other factors that differentiate price
– Resale Value/Long Term Value
You may want a diamond or piece of jewelry that holds it’s value better over the long term rather than losing value over the years.
– What The Diamond Jewelry Looks Like
Style, shape, metal used for the setting etc.
– Ring Style and Metals
You want to know what the ring and any metal used will look like and what it’s made of
– Certifications & Lab Reports
You may want certification from a particular organisation
– How Socially Responsible & Ethical The Seller Is
Some ethical and social based criteria you may look for may include diamond seeds are conflict free and ethically sourced, whether the fabrication team (cutting, polishing and setting the diamond) is based in the US or overseas and whether they are paid fairly.
You may also look for whether the seller has any social causes they donate to or give back to
– How Eco Friendly The Seller Is
Whether the lab uses renewable energy, and issues environmental reports on how much electricity they use and resources used and wasted/disposed of.
Whether they use recycled metals on their settings and jewelry pieces
How A Lab Grown Diamond Is Assessed, & Different Styles, Shapes, Colors & Jewelry Types Available
Regular Pre Set Range To Choose From, Or Custom/Concierge Service
You are going to pay more for a custom/concierge service and a custom designed piece than a pre-set/pre-designed piece that you can pick off a website.
This is obviously because of the time and level of detail you get in your service and product (the diamond)
4 C’s
– Cut
Refers to the shape and facets on the diamond.
The size and amount of facet’s impacts a diamond’s light dimensionality.
You want the diamond cut so it maximises light performance
– Carat
Acarat is the weight of a precious gem.
One carat = 200mg.
Obviously, the more carats, the more expensive.
– Color
Diamonds are rated from D (absolutely colorless) to Z (light yellow dimensions).
A colorless diamond is preferable because it allows light to pass through, resulting in more brilliance and dimension (these are also generally more expensive)
– Clarity
The clarity of a diamond is rated by the number and location of ‘inclusions’ or flaws, which can interfere with light passing through the diamond.
Diamonds are rated from flawless (no inclusions – FL to IF) to imperfect (inclusions visible to the naked eye – I1 to I3).
The Clarity grading goes (from best to worst) – FL to IF, VVS1 to VVS2, VS1 to VS2, SI1 to SI2, I1 to I3.
More info can be found about the 4 C’s at puregrowndiamonds.com/education/
As an example, a D IF lab diamond will be much more expensive than an H SI1 lab diamond of the same size (adadiamonds.com).
Shapes, Styles & Colors
– Shapes
Pear, cushion, oval, emerald, princess, round, square and more
– Styles
Different metals used for settings and rings, how the jewelry itself is designed and styled compared to other jewelry
– Colors
White/colorless, or different colors
Properties Of Lab Diamonds To Be Aware Of
In addition to the above, some properties you might want to know with the diamond you are buying are:
Chemical Composition, & % Of Diamond Bonds
Is it made purely of carbon and 100% diamond bonds?
Crystalline Structure
What is the internal diamond structure?
This can impact the brilliance, fire and scintillation of the diamond
Refractive Index
The density of the diamond can impact how it refracts, or bends light.
An index of 2.42 might be a good index for refraction
Fire (Light Dispersion)
This is when light enters a lab-created diamond and colored light is dispersed or separated back out of the diamond.
A rating of 0.044 might be good
MOHS Hardness Rating
A hardness rating of a pure carbon diamond should be 10
Electron Density
The bulk density or electron density of a lab diamond might be 3.52
Polish/Symmetry
Lab created diamonds might be polished with natural diamond powder to finish the outer surface of the diamond.
Production
This can be many things from where the seed diamond comes from, where the diamonds are grown, if they are grown with sustainable energy, what resources are used and how they are disposed of, where the diamond is cut and polished (which country), where the diamond is fabricated and set in jewelry metal & if workers are paid fair wages, who certifies and independently reports on the diamond etc.
Price Per Carat, For Identical Cut, Color & Clarity
This can be used as a comparison to other diamond sellers.
Eco Friendly
Is renewable energy used, are resources used sustainably and disposed of in the right way, what savings are available environmentally from not mining diamonds, and are recycled metals used?
Conflict Free
Are the seed diamonds used conflict free and ethically sourced?
You can read more properties of lab diamonds at miadonna.com
How To Do Due Diligence On The Diamond Product You Are Getting
1. Do your own research beforehand
2. Make sure you ask your jeweler as many questions as you need to so you are sure they are knowledgeable themselves and use quality suppliers.
Ask for traceability and origin guarantees on the diamond material
A good seller might also tell you who their supplying lab is
3. Make sure you get a certificate (from a recognised third party inspection organisation) that has all the relevant details you need to know about the diamond
These details may include (but aren’t limited to) where the diamond was mined or formed/created, the hardness, the clarity, the color, the carats, the cut and any tests (refractory for example) done on the diamond.
Regardless of the type of diamond and where it came from, the cut can really set apart different diamonds in terms of how they look.
Some sellers also do inscriptions or seals on their diamonds too – ask about this
4. You may also want to visually inspect the diamond before purchasing, or if purchasing online, make sure it comes with some type of return policy in case you are dissatisfied, along with a warranty.
You can also look at the appearance of the diamond, and find details on the hardness, clarity, color, carats, cut, tests and so on
Certifications For Lab Created Diamonds – GIA Certification & More
There are reputable/trustworthy lab grown diamond sellers, and you can get certificates from them with your purchase to guarantee what you are buying.
For example, some popular third-party certification companies might be GIA, AWDC, IGI, GSI, IIDGR, AGS, or HRD.
You should always confirm you are getting the right certificate when buying diamonds to certify what you’re buying.
Sellers should be open about this, and state which certifiers they use.
If you want to go the extra step, ask the jewellery retailer who their supplier lab is – they should have a good relationship with them and trust them to deliver quality diamonds – as each lab is different with what they offer.
For example, The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) can identify stones that laboratories have produced using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT). … [this is known as the nomenclature] (deleuse.com)
Other Factors You Might Consider When Buying Lab Created Diamonds
A list of other factors you might consider when buying lab created diamond might include but isn’t limited to:
Do you want to buy from an online or offline seller?
If online, do they have an option to see the diamond or jewelry piece you want in person?
What is the origin of the seed diamonds used to grow the diamonds? Are they mined diamonds or other lab grown diamonds?
How much of the diamond process does the seller control themselves – making, polishing/cutting, fabricating etc. – is it done in the US or overseas?
Where are the diamonds grown? Where is the factory or diamond lab based?
What is the overall transparency like for the seller with the information they provide, and is there a guarantee on things like traceability of the origin or sourcing of the diamonds?
Where are the diamonds cut and polished?
Where are the diamond jewelery pieces fabricated and set?
Does the jewelry piece use new or recycled metal?
Does the jewelry piece use solid (not hollowed out) metal, and use quality clasps and fixings (not cheap ones that will fall apart)?
Are workers across all stages paid a fair wage and do they work in safe and fair conditions? Or, does the seller use sweatshops of some sort?
Does the jeweler use workers from the local economy, or from overseas?
Does the jeweler focus on quality products, or do they mass produce diamonds?
Does the jeweler pick only the best diamonds from a private supply, or do they use any diamond they can get access to from a more public supply?
Which independent gemological certifier does the seller use to provide lab reports and a certificate for their diamonds? (some common ones are GIA, IGI and others)
Does the jeweler provide an inscription on their diamond?
Is the diamond you are getting a Type IIa diamond, or another type of diamond?
Does the seller offer recycled diamonds, or re-cut diamonds, or other types of more eco friendly or socially responsible diamonds like Fair Trade Diamonds that you might be interested in?
How does the seller provide quality control for their diamond products?
Is a return policy offered, and what are the conditions of the return policy?
Are any guarantees offered, and what are the conditions of the guarantees?
Are warranties or insurances offered, and what are the conditions?
Are trade ins offered? What are the conditions of trade ins?
What are the steps in the seller’s specific buying process? How long does the entire process take? What date will you get your diamond?
Do you have to pay a deposit?
Do you want loose diamonds, or a full jewelry piece?
A Simplified Checklist To Buy Lab Grown Diamonds …
If all of the the information in this guide confuses you, you might keep things simple and start with a checklist similar to this one when starting your buying process …
– Know your price/budget
– Know what design and shape/style you want
– Pick a couple of priorities that are important to you in the sourcing, making and delivery of the diamond – like how eco friendly and socially responsible ethical the seller is
Make sure the seller addresses these points directly on their website or via email (the more transparency, and more precise the information they give you, the better)
– Ask the seller about exactly how they ensure the quality and value of the diamond you are buying – what standards do they follow?
– Ask the seller for the exact properties of the diamond you are buying, what the 4 C’s are of the diamond you are buying, and exactly how the diamond will look and perform when you receive it
– Choose a seller that gives you a lab report and a certification certificate with you diamond (that confirms exactly what you have bought from a recognised independent gemological certifier)
– Choose a seller that provides a quality guarantee, a return policy and insurance if you need it – this should cover your financial risk
– Know what date you need the diamond by – make sure the seller can get the diamond delivered to you by that date
These simple points might cover 80 or 90% of what is really important in buying a lab grown diamond, and keep you on track and less confused.
Although you should still do your own due diligence and research about what you need from your lab grown diamond product before buying.
About Lab Grown Diamonds, & FAQ’s On Lab Grown Diamonds
What Are Lab Created Diamonds?
They are diamonds grown/developed in a laboratory under man made conditions, instead of being mined from the ground where diamonds develop via natural processes.
It’s worth noting though that lab created diamonds DO come from a sliver of seed diamond material, which can be from mined diamonds.
How Are Lab Created Diamonds Made?
Different lab grown diamond manufacturers might make their diamonds in slightly different ways.
However, the general process might start with a small seed or sliver of real diamond material in a laboratory environment.
This seed diamond material expands with the right temperature, pressure and chemical reactions (with gases like Methane) in a lab.
The conditions mimic geological diamond formation conditions in the Earth’s mantle.
Labs can control growth (growth of carbon molecules on the seed diamond) to get the right shape and size of gem quality diamond in the space of a few months.
To get technical, the different methods to make lab created diamonds are:
– Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)
– High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT)
HPHT diamonds are made using one of three manufacturing process: a belt press, the cubic press, and the split-sphere (BARS) press
Following creation, all diamonds undergo cutting, polishing and grading to achieve certain features in regards to cut, carat size, color, and clarity.
They should then be sent to a certification lab for an independent diamond certification. There are different independent certifying bodies, and good lab grown diamond sellers should specify which certifying body or bodies they use on their site.
Some lab grown diamond manufacturers or sellers may also inscribe their own marking or quality seal on their diamonds.
How Long Does It Take To Grow A Lab Grown Diamond?
It takes about 1 week to grow a 1 carat diamond (adadiamonds.com)
Potential Pros & Cons Of Lab Created Diamonds
Read more about the pros and cons of lab created diamonds in this guide.
Are Lab Created Diamonds Real Or Fake?
They are 100% real.
They are not a form of fake or simulant diamond like a cubic zirconia or Moissanite diamond.
They have the exact same carbon structure and are made of crystalized carbon just like mined diamonds.
They are almost exactly the same in every way physically, chemically, and optically.
Difference Between Lab Created Diamonds & Mined Diamonds
There may be a very small amount of ‘insignificant’ differences between lab created and mined diamonds.
Additionally, there are ways to test if a diamond is lab created or mined.
Read more about the differences between lab created diamonds and mined diamonds, along with ways to test for each in this guide.
Some of the points we cover are:
– Are lab created diamonds the same as mined diamonds?
– Are lab created diamonds cheaper or more expensive compared to mined diamonds?
– What holds their re-sell value better out of lab grown diamonds and mined diamonds?
– What’s more eco friendly and sustainable out of lab grown diamonds and mined diamonds?
– What’s more ethical out of lab grown diamonds and mined diamonds?
Other Types Of Diamonds Other Than Lab Created Diamonds & Mined Diamonds
There’s other types of diamonds on the market other than lab created diamonds and mined diamonds.
Read more about the other types of diamonds in this guide.
Marketing Phrases Used With Lab Grown Diamonds
The FTC regulates how companies can market lab grown diamonds in the US.
They are continually updating what words can and can’t be used for the sale or marketing of lab grown diamonds, and how they can be used.
Regulations have been relaxed to an extent recently, and speculatively, this might be because of how similar lab grown diamonds are to real diamonds compared to fake, simulant or hybrid diamonds.
It’s generally good practice that a company refers to lab grown diamonds as ‘lab grown’ or ‘lab created’, and that they let you know it isn’t a mined diamond.
But, as a consumer, it’s good practice to dig down beneath the marketing terms and look at what certificates a diamond comes with, as well as talking to the diamond seller direct and asking them about a diamond test, along with any other relevant guarantees of what you’re getting.
How To Test Lab Created Diamonds To Detect The Difference Between Them & Mined Diamonds
Jewelers can use instruments, devices and equipment to test lab created diamonds and differentiate them from mined diamonds.
We wrote about this testing in this guide
Alternatives To Lab Grown & Mined Diamonds
Aside from lab grown and mined diamonds, there’s other types of diamonds to consider, such fake diamonds, hybrid diamonds, and more
Using recycled metals and casings for jewelry can also be eco friendly and more sustainable.
Should You Get Lab Grown Diamonds?
It depends on a range of factors.
You might consider different factors like price, re-sale value, your personal preference on what you find more appealing, and the individual diamond products that lab grown vs mined diamond sellers offer, amongst other factors.
Sources
1. https://www.brilliantearth.com
2. https://diamondfoundry.com
3. https://www.miadonna.com
4. https://www.diamondnexus.com
5. https://1215diamonds.com
6. https://www.swarovski-gemstones.com
7. https://lightboxjewelry.com/
8. https://www.adadiamonds.com/
9. https://www.puregrowndiamonds.com
10. https://www.cleanorigin.com
11. https://www.diamonds.pro
12. https://www.bluenile.com
13. https://www.jamesallen.com
14. https://www.ritani.com
15. https://www.diamonds.pro/education/recycled-diamonds/
16. https://www.bettermeetsreality.com/real-natural-mined-diamonds-vs-lab-created-vs-moissanite-vs-cubic-zirconia-vs-simulated-vs-hybrid-vs-synthetic-vs-man-made-vs-fake-vs-enhanced-vs-cultured-cultivated-diamonds/
17. https://www.bettermeetsreality.com/pros-cons-of-lab-grown-diamonds-benefits-disadvantages/
18. https://deleuse.com/blogs/news/buyer-beware-lab-grown-diamonds-vs-mined-diamonds
19. https://www.brilliantearth.com/lab-created-diamonds/
20. https://beyond4cs.com/lab-created-diamonds/
21. https://www.adadiamonds.com/blog/itmatters
22 https://www.ritani.com/blog/diamonds/diamond-faq-lab-grown-diamonds-vs-real-diamonds/
23. https://www.puregrowndiamonds.com/education/
24. https://www.miadonna.com/pages/stone-guide-compare-stones
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