We asked our Instagram followers what they wanted to know about lab grown diamonds. The results are in, and our team of stone procurement specialists and qualified gemmologists came together to bring you the answers.
"ARE ALL LAB GROWNS ESSENTIALLY FLAWLESS AND COLOURLESS?"
It’s correct that lab grown diamonds are created with the highest grade of colour and clarity in mind. However, varying levels of control throughout the process mean that it is possible to find lab grown diamonds in lower clarity grades, albeit less likely given the strict lab conditions. We only source lab grown diamonds with a clarity of VVS2 - meaning very, very slightly included - with no inclusions that are visible to the naked eye.
A lab grown diamond is colourless when any trace elements other than carbon are removed from the chamber, and this is something the foundries have greater control over. As a result its unlikely that you’ll find a white diamond with a colour grading lower than L or M.
"CAN YOU GET DIFFERENT COLOURS OF LAB GROWN DIAMONDS?"
The colours of lab grown diamonds available - Fancy Yellow, Blue, Orange, Pink to name a few - are intentional and therefore much more vivid and saturated hues.
You can learn more about the colours of lab grown diamonds available here.
Teal Blue Lab Grown Emerald Cut Diamond
"CAN YOU GET MORE UNUSUAL CUTS FROM LAB GROWNS?"
Sadly not at the moment. There are significantly less options of unusual cuts with lab grown diamonds as they’re generally cut in the most commercially viable shapes - classic cuts such as Emerald and Round Brilliants.
"CAN A LAB DIAMOND BE GROWN FOR ME?"
No, lab diamonds aren’t specifically grown with a client in mind. Foundries grow many diamonds at one time, and they are cut and polished taking into consideration any cleavage lines in the diamond as well as the cuts that are most popular at the time.
Lab grown Emerald Cut diamond engagement ring
"ARE THEY STILL AS SPARKLY?"
This is a great question and one of our most-asked when it comes to lab grown diamonds. R.e the sparkle: absolutely! They’re visually identical to a natural diamond, even under a microscope, and you can expect the same fire and brilliance from your lab grown.
These differ from diamond simulants such a Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia, which are manufactured to look like diamonds but have different gemmological characteristics and therefore look different to the naked eye.
Emerald Cut lab grown diamond engagement ring
"IS THE PRICE SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT?"
Currently, the lab grown diamonds we source for our clients cost at least 50% less than their natural diamonds. For larger carat weights, or when certified by different companies such as GIA or IGI, the difference could be closer to 60 or 70% less.
You can delve deeper into the specifics of lab grown diamond engagement ring pricing here.
"WILL LAB GROWN DIAMONDS BE A CON IN MANY YEARS TO COME?"
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds, and they're physically and optically identical to natural mined diamonds for your engagement ring, so in that sense there is no con about buying a ‘fake’ diamond. It’s challenging to say how this relatively new industry will be perceived in years to come, but we always advise our clients to make their decision based on the information that’s available at the time.
Emerald Cut lab grown diamond engagement ring
"WHAT ARE THE PROS OF ONE OF THE OTHER?"
This is very individual to each client on the characteristics of a diamond that they place value on. If carat weight of your diamond engagement ring in relation to price is the most important factor, lab grown diamonds have a distinct advantage. If it’s rarity and a choice of colour and unique markings that are valued, then natural diamonds come out on top.
"DO I NEED AN APPOINTMENT TO VISIT?"
Yes, we are currently by appointment only and our team are always on hand to help you with your diamond decision.
You can book your in-person or digital appointment here.
Please note that while we don't have any lab grown diamond samples at our showroom, they look visually identical to real diamonds - even under magnification - so the discussion would centre more around what qualities you value most in a diamond and refine your choice in terms of cut, colour and clarity.
Type IIa lab grown diamond testing machine at our showroom
OTHER RESOURCES:
For a more in-depth look at any of the topics covered, we've created a series of unbiased lab grown and natural diamond guides:
