Lab-Grown Diamonds
Unlocking the Brilliance: Navigating the World of Lab-Grown Diamonds
Welcome to the captivating realm of lab-grown diamonds! With over a decade of experience as a GIA gemologist, specializing in both natural and lab-grown diamonds, and having collaborated closely with numerous diamond factories, suppliers, cutters, and manufacturers to assist customers in their quest for the perfect diamond, I'm thrilled to share insights into this innovative and sustainable alternative to mined diamonds.
Before this groundbreaking innovation, many consumers found themselves limited by certain constraints when selecting diamonds for their engagement rings and jewelry. Despite falling in love with the allure of natural diamonds, the prohibitive costs often rendered their dreams out of reach. However, with the advent of lab-grown diamonds, this landscape has transformed dramatically.
Now, customers who admire the brilliance and durability of diamonds can finally realize their desires without breaking the bank. The availability of lab-grown diamonds means that individuals can afford larger stones of exceptional quality that were once deemed unattainable. Moreover, they have the freedom to choose from an array of meticulously crafted cuts, further enhancing the beauty and sparkle of their cherished gems.
Concerns about the resale value of lab-grown diamonds are understandable, but it's important to recognize the substantial savings realized at the time of purchase. While natural diamonds may retain some of their value differently in the resale market, the initial cost savings with lab-grown diamonds often outweigh any potential disparities. Additionally, lab-grown diamonds appeal to customers who prioritize the durability and sparkle of the gem over its resale value.
Ultimately, the decision to purchase a natural or lab-grown diamond depends on individual preferences and priorities. What's most important is that customers make an informed decision that aligns with their values and preferences. Both natural and lab-grown diamonds offer timeless beauty and elegance, ensuring that every purchase is a cherished investment in love and beauty.
When considering a lab-grown diamond purchase, there are several key points to keep in mind:
When it comes to purchasing natural diamonds, you'll often encounter grading reports predominantly issued by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). However, the landscape shifts when delving into the realm of lab-grown diamonds, where reports primarily emanate from the International Gemological Institute (IGI). Why this dichotomy? The historical backdrop reveals that the GIA only began offering grading reports for lab-grown diamonds in 2007, initially providing partial assessments without comprehensive color grades. Instead of precise color designations like D, E, F, G, etc., lab-grown diamond reports offered descriptive categorizations such as Colorless (DEF) or Near Colorless (GHIJ). Furthermore, the term "synthetic" employed by GIA to describe lab-grown diamonds faced resistance within the industry due to its connotations. Concurrently, the IGI emerged as a favorable alternative, furnishing comprehensive grading reports akin to those issued for natural diamonds. Consequently, many suppliers gravitated towards the IGI for certifying their lab-grown diamond inventories, resulting in a preponderance of IGI certificates. Fast forward to July 1, 2019, and the GIA introduced a comprehensive grading system for lab-grown diamonds, eschewing the term "synthetic." Despite this, suppliers entrenched in the familiarity of IGI reports continued their preference, further amplifying the predominance of IGI certificates. What does this entail for consumers? For those seeking higher-quality lab-grown diamonds with DEF color and VVS to VS1 clarity, the choice between GIA and IGI reports bears minimal significance, given the consistency of IGI grading. With the paramount goal of consistency in grading, customers can rest assured in the reliability of IGI assessments. Although IGI grading for natural diamonds tends to deviate by one or two grades from GIA standards, lab-grown diamond reports exhibit a remarkable consistency in color and clarity grading, closely mirroring GIA standards. Thus, opting for IGI reports for lab-grown diamonds in the higher quality spectrum (G+ and VS1+) presents a viable choice. While occasional discrepancies may arise, our complimentary diamond curation service and rigorous in-house inspection protocol serve as bulwarks against inaccuracies, ensuring that diamonds from any IGI laboratory conform to stringent quality benchmarks. For consumers, this translates into a broader inventory selection comprising predominantly IGI-certified diamonds, translating into enhanced options and potentially more competitive pricing due to the higher supply volume of IGI reports.
On a lighter note, did you know that distinguishing between lab-grown and natural diamonds presents a challenge even for trained gemologists? While several methods exist, such as scrutinizing inscriptions or assessing distinctive clarity characteristics under a microscope, the subtlety of these distinctions underscores the need for advanced equipment or recourse to certified laboratories. While some lab-grown diamonds may exhibit unique fluorescent properties under ultraviolet illumination, discerning these nuances requires specialized expertise or equipment. Ultimately, definitive differentiation necessitates recourse to advanced equipment like the GIA iD100 machine or certified laboratory assessments. Notably, handheld diamond tester pens lack the precision requisite for distinguishing between lab-grown and natural diamonds, underscoring the complexities inherent in this fascinating realm.
With these insights and considerations, customers can confidently navigate the world of lab-grown diamonds and make informed decisions that suit their preferences and needs. At BESPOKE BRILLIANT, we're dedicated to providing exceptional guidance and assistance to ensure every diamond purchase is a memorable and rewarding experience.