How to Buy a Lab Diamond Ring: A Step by Step Guide

Made of the same carbon as traditional earth-mined diamonds, lab created diamonds allow consumers to focus on the beauty of the diamond at an affordable price. Lab grown diamonds cost up to 20-40% less than traditionally mined diamonds. Another plus is, lab grown diamond engagement rings can be found with the same cut, clarity, color, and carat weight as traditional favorites. Typically created using either High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), lab created diamonds are grown at the rate of one carat in 7-10 days. A three carat diamond can be grown in approximately one month.

Why Should I Buy a Lab Created Diamond?

There is a growing trend in the diamond engagement marketplace toward the purchase of lab created diamond engagement rings. Although the most popular style of lab created diamond engagement ring is the single, round, clear, solitaire diamond type, there are a wide variety of options for the creative engagement ring buyer. The great news is that lab diamonds are now available in a variety of styles and sizes, making them a great alternative to natural diamonds.

Lab diamonds offer great value for money. As a general rule, you will pay less for man-made gems than you would for mined ones, even though the quality is of the same high standard. Carat size and shape play a part in the price you pay when you buy lab made diamonds. The pricing rules that apply to natural diamonds are not the same as those applied to lab grown diamonds. For example, fancy shapes such as princess, emerald, and cushion might be slightly more expensive as they are easier to cut from lab grown diamonds than natural rough from the earth. Get a crash-course on lab diamonds by watching our co-founder Anubh below.

Are Lab Diamonds, Real Diamonds?

Lab diamonds are created in a controlled laboratory, rather than grown beneath the earth's surface. Moreover, they are just as stunning as their natural counterparts. Lab diamonds are produced in high-pressure chambers at a high temperature (resembling the earth's crust). Once grown, these diamond seeds will become man-made stones that will have the same chemical and optical look as natural stones.

How do I Buy a Lab Grown Engagement Ring?

To start your hunt for the best lab created ring, you would want to follow these eight steps:

• Establish a budget
• Decide on the perfect moment
• Research ring styles
• Decide on a gem shape
• Know the 4 C's: Carat, Cut, Color, and Clarity
• Get familiar with: Finish, fluorescence, and proportions
• Select a trustworthy jeweler
• Order the ring

Read further to get the details to our tips and advice!

Budgeting

As with any major purchase, you will want to be mindful of what you can afford. Although a diamond engagement ring is a symbol of your enduring love and commitment to your partner, it should be bound by the reality of the life you intend to live together. Overpaying for your first major purchase together establishes an unrealistic perception of life together, and may establish an undue burden on your growing relationship.

To set a realistic budget, you will want to research the cost of the average lab grown diamond engagement ring costs. You can expect the cost of a lab grown diamond to be considerably less than a traditional natural mined diamond. Just like a natural diamond, the cost of your lab created diamond will depend on the 4 C's. Don't worry, in this guide, we will spend some time explaining the importance of carat size, cut, color, and clarity in your jewelry choice. Side tip, try to focus on the characteristics that matter most to you and use those to set your expectations about the price.

Choosing the Perfect Moment

Do you imagine going down on one knee to propose, surrounded by the first blooms of spring? Do you relish ringing in the New Year with champagne bubbles over a stunning lab created diamond engagement ring? Let your romantic side out and think about how you want your proposal to be retold. Once you have decided on a proposal setting and date, give yourself time to research, shop, and buy your lab created diamond engagement ring. Be mindful of the amount of time it will take the jeweler to make your ring, as well as the amount of time needed for delivery. With Clarity can craft a made to order ring for as little as in 2 weeks.

Engagement Ring Styles

Consider your partner's style. The shape of the diamond you are looking for will be influenced by your partner's personal taste. A traditional bride is often expecting a single, brilliant, round stone set in a simple, or not so simple, band. However, a dainty marquise or a bold princess cut stone might be your partner’s ideal. Knowing your partner’s aesthetic taste will help you find the perfect fit for the single most important piece of jewelry you are likely to buy. Ask for advice from friends and family or take a look at her clothing taste or jewelry taste for insight.

Deciding Gemstone Shape(s)

The price of your lab created diamond engagement ring will depend on the carat size, cut, color, and clarity of the gem you are considering. The first decision should be the shape as this will establish the style and other elements of your engagement ring. You will also find that some ring styles only work with specific gemstone shapes. Once you establish the shape of your gemstone, you can determine the specifics. Common shapes for lab diamond rings include round, oval, princess and cushions. Choose a brilliant cut diamond for the maximum amount of sparkle and shine. For something with elegant sophistication, something like an emerald cut will have gorgeous appeal.

The 4 C's

The carat size, cut, color, and clarity of your ring will establish the visual presence of your diamond engagement ring. Like your love, your lab created diamond engagement ring is a balance of elements. While educating yourself, remember that the IGI certificate is your guide to all the specifications of the diamond. The certificate will include all the grades as they relate to the 4C's. For larger diamond sizes, the certificate also includes a plot of the inclusions that are visible on the diamond. Lastly, you can also see the diamond graders notes. Ensure that you read these notes to avoid diamonds that are hazy, milky or don't have adequate sparkle. Allow yourself the time you need to consider the impact of the individual C's as those are the most important in determining the look and sparkle of the diamond.

Carat

The carat, or size, of your stone, will have a large bearing on the cost of your lab created diamond engagement ring. Remember, a clear, well-cut gem with warm color may make up for some of the lost impact when you choose to reduce the diamond carat size.

Cut

One might mix the cut and shape of a diamond with each other. However, the cut of a diamond refers to its proportions. Gemologists grade a diamond's angles and symmetry, which amount to its cut, from “Poor” to “Ideal” and sometimes, to “Excellent.”

Color

On a grading color scale from D to Z, what one should aim for is a more color-free diamond. “D” shows that the white diamond has no color, whereas “Z” indicates that the gem has a distinct yellow hue. Depending on the style you get, the color of your center diamond can matter more or less. For example, a halo style diamond ring would prompt a “D” colorless diamond because there are surrounding accent diamonds exaggerating the center stone.

Clarity

Lastly, clarity, which is graded from “I” included, to “FL” flawless. The clarity of a diamond takes into consideration its flaws. Imperfections in stones can be external and internal. Many of which can only be seen with magnification. It is always best to leave clarity grading with expert gemologists. Clarity is graded from (I) included – indicating you can see the flaw, up to (FL) flawless.

Beyond the 4 C's: Finish, Fluorescence, and Proportions

Finish: Symmetry

The symmetry of a diamond is associated with its facets. When a diamond is cut, the products are flat surfaces called facets, which enhance the performance of light. Diamonds that have more uniform facet sizes and shapes, will be more symmetrical. If one facet is out of place, a diamond would not sparkle as brilliantly because cut grade and light refraction will be lower.

Finish: Polish

Light performance is dependent on the smoothness of facet surfaces. What one should avoid are striated polish lines or facet surfaces with grooves. Defects as such will result in less scintillation and radiant sparkle from a diamond stone.

Fluorescence

A diamond fluorescence scale ranges from “None” to “Strong.” Depending on its finish (symmetry and polish), the diamond will react to ultraviolet light by producing a soft hue. Keep in mind, fluorescence is neither good nor bad. Moreover, it does not affect a diamond's authenticity or sparkle. If you have any questions feel free to contact us.

Proportions: Table and Depth

A certification report might also provide a detailed overview of diamond proportions, including:

Table

How light enters and moves through a diamond is called refraction. The part of a diamond that experiences the most refraction is the diamond table, which is the largest facet of a diamond. This is worth noting because a bigger diamond table makes a diamond look larger. When a diamond table is bigger in size, the more light can enter, and then reflect and escape the diamond.

Depth

Depth is measured from the top at the diamond table, to the bottom point of the diamond called the culet. This height measurement is crucial when it comes to overall visual performance. Experts try to avoid diamonds with more depth or a bigger distance from table to culet. Conversely, diamonds with less depth, or shorter distance from table to culet, will also negatively impact visual performance. Depending on a diamond cut, one can truly know the ideal depth for a diamond. We recommend talking to a reputable jeweler or expert gemologist.

Selecting the Right Jeweler

Trying to find the best place to buy lab grown diamonds? Well, you're in luck, as these little beauties are increasingly used by jewelry makers across the globe. With skill and care, high quality lab grown diamonds can be transformed into beautiful items of jewelry, ready to be snapped up by eager consumers. Do the research you need to make yourself comfortable working with your jeweler, whether online or offline. Ensure that the jeweler is reputable by verifying reviews, contacting them with questions, and seeing they offer a reasonable return and warranty policy.

To veer on the safe side, see if your jeweler provides certification for lab diamonds. Make sure the certification comes from a reputable lab like the International Gemological Institute. An example of a diamond certification we include for all With Clarity lab diamonds is below. Other aspects like appraisals, free engraving, and cleaning services are also nice to have.

Ordering the Ring

Once you're comfortable with your choice, you may wish to get a second opinion. As this is a major life purchase, you may want to include your significant other in some, or all, of the decisions regarding the purchase of your lab made diamond ring. However, if you are going for a grand romantic surprise, you may wish to get the opinion of a close friend or family member, or even a gemologist. In general, try to find our her ring size using our handy size chart or by using a ring sizer with a current piece of jewelry that she has. Be sure to take the size from a ring that she wears on her ring finger to ensure the right fit. Good luck!