Lab created diamonds offer the same stunning sparkle as naturally mined stones at a more budget friendly price point. They make for an excellent alternative to cubic zirconia and moissanite at the perfect price point!
Laboratory diamonds are created through either HPHT (high pressure high temperature) or CVD (chemical vapor deposition). While lab created diamonds London take billions of years to form under the earth’s surface, scientists have been able to simulate those same natural processes in a lab setting.
1. Look for the Laser Inscription
Laser inscription is a process in which a fine, precise laser beam is used to write a diamond’s grading report number or customize personal messages on diamonds weighing 0.18 carats or larger. It’s an economical way to add your special message without affecting the quality or light performance of the stone.
On lab grown diamonds nz, GIA reports include a micro-laser inscription of their unique GIA report number for identification purposes. This provides customers with added assurance when making a purchase.
2. Look for the Report Number
When shopping for a lab created diamond, the best way to determine its authenticity is by checking its Report Number. This will let you know if the stone has been tested and graded by an independent gemological laboratory.
Report Numbers are laser-etched into the girdle of a diamond, usually using advanced laser technology. Since these characters are so small and require magnification to read, most jewelers utilize a loupe for assistance when reading this inscription.
Report numbers are typically accompanied by a certificate from an independent laboratory that verifies whether the diamond has been mined or grown in a lab.
3. Look for the Carat Weight
Carat weight is one of the key elements in determining a diamond’s value. Larger stones tend to be rarer and harder to locate than smaller ones, making them more costly overall.
However, just because a diamond weighs more does not guarantee larger dimensions. Two diamonds with the same carat weight can appear drastically different!
Calculating a diamond’s carat weight accurately begins with measuring its dimensions. Use a ruler to measure the length and width of the stone, then multiply those figures by an adjustment factor for an approximate estimate of its carat weight.
4. Look for the Shape
Lab created diamonds can appear to be identical to natural diamonds, so it’s essential to know what you’re searching for. One way jewelers typically distinguish lab created diamonds from natural ones is by the shape of the stone – something most consumers don’t consider when shopping.
The most popular diamond shapes are round, princess and cushion. However, there is also a range of fancy cut diamond shapes such as pear and oval cuts available.
5. Look for the Color
The color of a lab created diamond is one of the most critical factors determining its value. To accurately assess this characteristic, you should inspect it in person.
In a gemological laboratory, diamonds are graded against an array of master stones under controlled lighting and precise viewing positions. After being assigned an official letter grade such as D, E or F, it will then be assigned its assigned letter.
Diamonds in D and F ranges are the most colorless. However, some diamonds in the G-J range may have some tint of color; however, these are less valuable than a D or H color diamond.
Look for the Clarity refers to the presence or absence of inclusions or blemishes in a diamond. While most lab created diamonds are nearly flawless, it’s still important to check for any visible inclusions under magnification. Diamonds with fewer inclusions are more valuable, so the clarity grade of a diamond can have a significant impact on its price. The GIA grading scale ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3), with most lab created diamonds falling in the VS (Very Slightly Included) or SI (Slightly Included) categories.
Conclusion
Look for the Cut The cut of a diamond is the most crucial factor in determining its brilliance and sparkle. A well-cut diamond reflects light from one facet to another, creating a dazzling display of fire and brilliance. Lab created diamonds can be cut to the same specifications as natural diamonds, with round brilliant cuts being the most popular. When shopping for a lab created diamond, look for one with an excellent or very good cut grade for maximum sparkle. In conclusion, recognizing a lab created diamond requires attention to detail and knowledge of the factors that determine a diamond’s quality and value. By checking for a laser inscription, report number, carat weight, shape, color, clarity, and cut, you can be confident that you are getting a high-quality lab created diamond at an excellent price point.
