In the fast-evolving luxury jewelry industry, lab-grown diamonds are becoming increasingly popular as a chic yet green option. The question is how do you make sure that you are picking a lab-grown diamond of the highest grade? Here’s a useful guide that will help you choose a gem that embodies both quality and elegance.
The Four Cs – Timeless Standards
Even with lab-grown diamonds, the quality standard remains with the Four Cs – Cut, Color, Clarity, & Carat.
Cut. A well executed cut is the one that increases the sparkle of diamonds. Choose round brilliant and princess cuts to achieve the highest sparkle. Color. D-F color grade diamonds are preferred for that classic, icy clarity. Blue and pink are equally exquisite and offer a unique twist. Clarity. While total depth cannot be compared, there are certain inclusions which should ideally be kept to a minimum in a good quality diamond. Look for clarity levels of VS1 or greater. Carat. Yes, bigger is better but ensure the cut and proportions enhance the stone’s brilliance.
Certification – Don’t skip it!
Do not settle for anything less than certified. Well-known certifications from an establishment such as the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemmological Institute (IGI) are indicators of quality. Think of a certificate as a pedigree for diamonds, assuring authenticity and value.
The Sparkle Test
Truly, the beauty of a diamond lies in its sparkle. Take your diamond to different types of lighting and look for its brilliance. With lab-grown diamonds of high quality, they will sparkle but will do so in an elegant manner—not flashy.
Selecting the Right Jeweller
The diamond you buy is important, but so is where you buy it. Look for a jeweller who won’t hide anything, conducts their business ethically, and values their customers. A transparent and reputation-driven jeweler will provide a frictionless experience—from choosing your diamond to making your purchase.
Sustainability – The ModernLuxury
The “part” of the appeal to lab-grown diamonds is the ethical and environmental advantages associated with them—but they’re not all created equal. If purchasing a lab-grown diamond, it should be produced with sustainable methods, so you know you not only found a beautiful diamond, but it stands for something. When making your decision to select a lab-grown diamond, it’s important to understand exactly what impacts the value, more than just visual appeal. After all, true luxury is in the details—and now, dear reader, you are empowered to pay attention to every intricate detail.