Buying a lab-grown diamond is not simply about finding the largest stone within your budget. The better approach is to compare the complete diamond, including its cut, proportions, color, clarity, carat weight, grading report and price.
A good lab-grown diamond buying guide should help you understand what each specification means and, more importantly, which differences you are likely to notice when you actually look at the diamond.
What Is a Lab-Grown Diamond?
A lab-grown diamond is a diamond produced using technology rather than geological processes beneath the Earth's surface. Lab-grown diamonds have essentially the same chemical composition and crystal structure as natural diamonds, but their origins are different.
Two common production methods are CVD, or Chemical Vapor Deposition, and HPHT, or High Pressure High Temperature.
The Federal Trade Commission provides guidance on how laboratory-grown diamonds should be represented to consumers and distinguishes them from diamond simulants such as cubic zirconia. You can read its Jewelry Guides for more information.
How to Choose a Lab-Grown Diamond
The traditional 4Cs are the best starting point:
- Cut
- Color
- Clarity
- Carat weight
However, they should not be treated as four isolated numbers. The stone's proportions, shape, and how it interacts with light can all affect its appearance.
Cut
Cut has a major influence on a diamond's brightness and sparkle.
For round brilliant diamonds, a higher cut grade can be particularly useful when comparing stones. For fancy shapes such as oval, pear, emerald, and radiant, you should pay closer attention to the actual proportions and appearance, as grading systems can differ by shape and laboratory.
When possible, compare photographs or videos of the actual diamond rather than relying entirely on the grading report.
Color
Diamond color is generally graded from D through Z, with D representing the highest colorless grade in the traditional scale.
You do not necessarily need the highest color grade. The setting can also influence how much color you notice. For example, a diamond set in yellow or rose gold may have different visual considerations from one set in platinum or white gold.
The best approach is to compare diamonds rather than automatically paying for the highest available grade.
Clarity
Clarity refers to internal inclusions and external blemishes.
A higher clarity grade does not necessarily mean a diamond will look noticeably better to the naked eye. Depending on the diamond, a lower clarity grade may still appear clean when viewed normally.
The position, size and nature of an inclusion matter, so inspect the actual stone whenever possible.
Carat Weight
Carat is a measurement of weight, not simply visible size.
Two diamonds with identical carat weights can have different dimensions because of their shape and proportions. This is why it is useful to check the measurements as well as the carat weight.
GIA provides a useful overview of the 4Cs and explains how they are used when evaluating diamonds in its diamond buying guide.
What Makes a Good Lab-Grown Diamond?
There is no universal combination of specifications that makes one diamond perfect for everyone.
If sparkle is your priority, you may want to allocate more of your budget toward cut and overall light performance. If size is more important, you might consider a different balance between carat, color and clarity.
For example, paying considerably more for a clarity grade that you cannot distinguish without magnification may not provide as much visual benefit as improving another characteristic.
The objective is to find a diamond where the specifications work well together rather than simply choosing the highest number in every category.
How Much Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Cost?
Lab-grown diamond prices can vary significantly depending on factors such as carat weight, cut, color, clarity, shape and the retailer.
Before comparing individual stones, it is useful to understand current lab-grown diamond prices and how different specifications influence the overall cost.
Do not compare diamonds based only on carat weight. Two 2-carat diamonds can have substantially different prices because their cut, color, clarity, proportions and grading reports differ.
If you are buying a finished engagement ring, remember that the total cost also includes the setting, metal, design and craftsmanship.
Should You Buy a Certified Lab-Grown Diamond?
A grading report can give you independent information about the characteristics of a particular diamond.
When shopping, look for the report associated with the specific diamond, rather than relying on a general statement that a retailer sells certified stones.
Check the report number and, where the grading laboratory provides an online verification service, confirm the information yourself.
GIA explains that its laboratory-grown diamond reports identify characteristics such as the growth method and disclose certain post-growth treatments. Its laboratory-grown diamond information is a useful reference when reviewing reports.
What Information Is on a Diamond Report?
Depending on the laboratory and report type, you may find:
- Carat weight
- Color grade
- Clarity grade
- Measurements
- Cut information
- Polish
- Symmetry
- Fluorescence
- Growth method
- Treatment information
The exact information can vary between grading laboratories, so always check what the particular report actually covers.
Which Lab-Grown Diamond Shape Should You Choose?
Shape is primarily a matter of personal preference, but different shapes have different visual characteristics.
Round Brilliant
Round is a traditional choice and is designed to maximize brilliance through its facet arrangement.
Oval
Oval diamonds have an elongated outline and can create a larger-looking appearance across the finger. When comparing ovals, look carefully at symmetry and the distribution of light across the center.
Emerald
Emerald cuts use step-style facets that create broad flashes rather than the intense sparkle associated with brilliant cuts. Because the facets can make inclusions easier to see, clarity deserves particular attention.
Radiant
Radiant diamonds combine a rectangular or square outline with brilliant-style faceting, making them an option for buyers who want an elongated shape with considerable sparkle.
Pear and Marquise
Both shapes have distinctive elongated silhouettes. Symmetry and proportions are particularly important because irregularities can be more noticeable in these designs.
How to Buy a Lab-Grown Diamond Online
Online shopping gives you access to a large selection, but you need to pay close attention to the information provided for each stone.
Before purchasing, check:
- The exact carat weight.
- Color and clarity grades.
- The grading laboratory.
- The report number.
- The diamond's measurements.
- Available photographs or video.
- Return and exchange policies.
- Warranty information.
- Shipping and insurance arrangements.
- The seller's contact and business information.
GIA also provides specific guidance for online diamond purchases, including checking the grading report, retailer information and return policies in its article on buying diamonds online.
Don't Choose a Diamond Based Only on Its Certificate
A grading report is valuable, but it should not be the only factor in your decision.
Two diamonds can have similar grades but look different because of their proportions, facet arrangement, symmetry and light performance.
This is especially relevant when comparing fancy shapes. A certificate can tell you important information about the stone, but it cannot completely replace seeing the actual diamond.
If a retailer provides high-resolution photographs, videos or 360-degree views of the exact stone, use them to compare your options.
Questions to Ask the Seller
If anything about a diamond listing is unclear, ask before purchasing.
Useful questions include:
- Is this the exact diamond shown in the photographs?
- Which laboratory issued the grading report?
- Can the report number be verified?
- What are the diamond's exact measurements?
- Was the diamond treated after growth?
- What is the return period?
- Who pays return shipping?
- Is the diamond insured during delivery?
- Does the warranty cover the setting as well as the stone?
A seller should be able to provide clear information about the diamond and its purchasing terms.
Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds
The fundamental difference between the two is their origin.
Natural diamonds form through geological processes, while laboratory-grown diamonds are manufactured using controlled technological processes.
Lab-grown diamonds should also not be confused with diamond simulants. A simulant may resemble a diamond visually without having the same chemical and physical properties.
The FTC discusses the terminology and disclosure of laboratory-grown diamonds in its consumer guidance for jewelry and precious metals.
For buyers, the decision ultimately comes down to factors such as budget, preferences, desired specifications and how much importance you place on the diamond's origin.
A Practical Lab-Grown Diamond Buying Checklist
Before placing an order, work through this checklist:
Set your budget: Decide how much you are comfortable spending.
Choose the shape: Narrow down the styles you actually like.
Compare cut: Prioritize visual performance rather than simply chasing grades.
Check color: Decide how much color is acceptable for your setting.
Review clarity: Look at the actual stone and determine whether inclusions are visible.
Compare measurements: Carat weight alone does not tell you how large a diamond will look.
Verify the report: Make sure the report corresponds to the specific stone.
Compare prices: Look at diamonds with similar specifications before deciding which offers the better value.
Read the return policy: Understand your options before completing the purchase.
Inspect the actual diamond: Use photographs, videos or an in-person viewing where available.
Final Tips for Buying a Lab-Grown Diamond
The most useful way to shop is to compare complete diamonds, rather than focusing on a single specification.
Start with your budget and preferred shape. Then compare cut, color, clarity, carat weight, measurements, grading information and price. If two diamonds have similar specifications, look closely at the actual stones and choose the one you prefer visually.
You do not need the highest possible grade in every category. A well-balanced diamond that looks beautiful to you can be a more sensible purchase than paying extra for specifications that make little visible difference.
Before buying, use this lab-grown diamond buying guide as a checklist, verify the diamond's documentation and make sure you understand the seller's return terms. That gives you a much stronger basis for making the final choice.
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