We love lab-grown diamonds because they make it easy to buy ethical gems without doing a lot of homework. Even though many jewelers are doing a better job when sourcing their stones, it’s sometimes not enough for many consumers’ peace of mind.
Shopping for synthetic diamonds isn’t too different from buying natural rocks. You’ll still need some basic knowledge and a plan. Here are the basic steps to getting your hands on a perfect lab-grown diamond. At any point, you can click on links within the article to become a better-informed consumer.
Set a Budget.
Good news: lab-grown diamonds can be up to 50% cheaper than natural stones! And there’s no bad news in this section.
Still, setting a firm budget should be your starting point. It’s easy to fall in love with a rock that you can’t afford. Remember, just because lab-grown diamonds are more affordable, that doesn’t mean their price can’t be sky-high.
Rare Carat offers some of the most competitive prices on the market and you can use rare carat website to make sure you’re staying within budget.
Understand the 4Cs.
You don’t have to become a diamond expert but you should still learn more about the basics.
The 4Cs refer to four characteristics that determine the quality and value of your rock. They are cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
The cut doesn’t only refer to the general shape, but it also makes a big difference in the way a diamond shines. A better cut equals more sparkle.
The color is self-explanatory. Diamonds can come in different shades and hues depending on what’s mixed in with those carbon atoms. In nature, it happens when trace elements like boron or nitrogen get trapped in the diamond crystal. These can color the diamond blue or yellow, respectively. When growing the diamond in the lab, these elements are introduced on purpose in the process. Their color can also be manipulated through irradiation or heat treatments. Don’t worry, these processes won’t make the color fade or get cloudy.
Clarity refers to the number of marks or blemishes inside the diamond. Because lab-grown diamonds are created under controlled conditions, they will usually have better clarity than your average natural rock.
And finally, the carat weight refers to their size. The bigger the number, the bigger the diamond.
Look for an Independent Certification.
Independent certification is the best way to know you are buying good-quality lab-grown ice. When you shop for diamonds, look for information on their 4Cs, as well as their origins and treatments.
Some of the most reputable institutions are the International Gemological Institute (IGI), and the Gem Certification and Assurance Lab (GCAL). Both operate independently and are not affiliated with a specific manufacturer.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) doesn’t produce reports for lab-grown diamonds, but they can determine if your stone is natural or lab-made. And keep in mind that you can get a free diamond report and certificate from Rare Carat as well. If you want to learn more about this topic and how to read your certificate,
Pick a Design.
Now, time for the fun part. Lab-grown diamonds are great for unleashing creativity and playing with colors, cuts, settings, etc.
One of the biggest trends recently is rose gold unique engagement rings. If you choose a lab-grown diamond for your ring, you can afford a truly unique design at a less painful price point. Just remember to include the price of the band and the setting in your budget.
If Millenial kryptonite (aka rose gold) is not your cup of tea, don’t worry. Lab-grown diamonds will have a beautiful sparkle no matter the setting. You can reach out to our gemologists for tips that will fuel your inspiration.
Final Thoughts
The first steps that should have been included in this article were “choose a reputable seller” and “compare prices”. However, if you’re using Rare Carat, that work is already done for you.
Rare Carat works with some of the best lab-grown diamond suppliers and offers some of the best prices in the industry. We also do price matching if you can get the same diamond elsewhere for less.
Feel free to get in touch with our customer service at any point for more information and advice.
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