What Do You Want in a Diamond? 8 Questions to Ask Your Jeweller Before You Buy
When you’re looking for the right diamonds for your wedding rings, the traditional choices were limited to naturally occurring diamonds. However, now that lab-grown diamonds have increasingly become a popular choice for jewellery, your selection has increased. Any stigma around lab-grown diamonds is long since out of date; these diamonds are no different from natural diamonds in every way, from appearance to facets, and all the way down to the molecules.
But for the customer interested in finding just the right diamond, right down to the finer details, it’s important to ask the right questions. Lab-grown diamonds do look identical to natural diamonds to the naked eye, and so the details behind each one matter if you’re diving deep when looking for your stone. The more you know, the more you can avoid any mistakes when making your bespoke wedding rings as well (and save yourself time and money in the process). Asking the right questions also goes a long way to ensuring you understand what you’re paying for and whether the jeweller is someone you can trust.
Here’s a short list of questions to help you find just the right diamond for your rings.
1. Is This Diamond Clearly Identified as Lab-Grown?
Diamonds grown in a lab are as real as natural ones sourced from a mine, but it should always be sold with clear disclosure of its origin. Terms such as "lab-grown," "laboratory-created," or "lab-created" on the price tag, grading report, and receipt clearly spell out the origins of the diamond.
2. How Was This Diamond Grown?
When producing lab-grown diamonds, there are two methods. The first is HPHT; this method imitates the underground pressure and heat responsible for forming diamonds. The other is CVD, which builds a diamond via a gas rich in carbon. Whichever method was used to produce your chosen diamond, you can rest assured that the resulting diamonds are authentic diamonds.
3. Has the Stone Undergone Any Treatment after Production?
For some diamond buyers, rough diamonds are a fashionable choice for their jewellery. That said, if you prefer a more traditional diamond, do take note that some lab-grown diamonds, particularly those made with CVD, are treated after growth to improve their appearance. For example, some diamonds are treated to reduce any discolouration and ensure a more authentic appearance. This is a common procedure, but you deserve to know. Ask the jeweller whether the stone was treated and whether the treatment is noted on its grading report.
4. Who Graded This Diamond, and Can I See the Report?
Not all diamonds are equal, even ones grown in a lab. Grading a diamond is a way of gauging a stone and assigning a value to quantify it and help you better understand it. An independent grading report also documents specific characteristics and confirms that it was grown in a lab. Laboratories issue reports for stones grown in a lab, which you can see for yourself to compare against your stone. Ask to see the original report before paying and confirm its details match the stone. A report from a recognized lab can also help if you need appraisals and insurance in the future.
5. Is the Number of the Report Inscribed on the St?
Many lab-grown diamonds carry a tiny inscription applied via laser to the girdle (this is the diamond’s thin outer edge). The inscription usually includes the diamond’s report number and may also identify the diamond as lab-grown. It is invisible to the naked eye, so ask the jeweller to show it to you under magnification. Matching it to the paperwork confirms you are taking home the stone you chose.
6. What Are the Stone's Measurements in Millimetres?
Two diamonds of similar weight can look different in size once they’re set; the difference very often comes down to how the stones were shaped and proportioned. Measurements in millimetres tell you how large the diamond will actually appear on the hand and give you a sense of scale. The dimensions you’re specifically looking for include the length, width, and depth. Compare these dimensions you’re provided with with your preferred setting to ensure the stone still fits well on your hand.
7. Can You Support Any Sustainability Claims?
For many buyers, it’s important that their diamonds be ethically-sourced. Lab-grown diamonds do provide environmental benefits over natural diamonds that make them such an enticing option for discerning buyers, but it does pay to ask questions to confirm for yourself. Diamonds produced in a lab often marketed as a more responsible choice, but their environmental impact also depends on how the facility is powered. If a jeweller describes a stone as eco-friendly or sustainable, ask what evidence backs that claim. Credible sellers can point to specific information about the producer.
8. What Support Do You Offer After the Purchase?
Your relationship with a jeweller should continue after you leave the store. In case a ring takes damage or fingers change over time, it’s possible a ring will need resizing or repairs long after buying the ring. Ask about warranties, cleaning services, ring resizing, and any upgrade or exchange options. Lab-grown diamonds generally have limited resale value, so understanding these policies matters for making the most of your ring. Get everything in writing to avoid confusion later.
When you consider the average price of a wedding ring in Canada is $3500, it’s all the more vital you get your money’s worth from your diamond. Buying lab-grown diamonds comes with ample benefits, but it pays to ask to ensure you make the most of your investment. Clear answers about all the ins and outs of your new diamond go a long way to helping you compare stones fairly and accurately, as well as choosing a jeweller who’s open about every detail of your final purchase.
Shopping for an engagement ring? At National Jewel Creations, our team has a wealth of experience working with a wide range of customers. We’re only too happy to walk you through all your questions and help you find the right diamond to complement you on your special day. Call us now at (647) 350-4949 or visit nationaljewelcreations.com and book a consultation to help you find the ideal diamond for you and your partner.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Count as Authentic Diamonds?
Yes, they are. Lab-grown diamonds possess similar properties to naturally occurring diamonds. These diamonds differ from natural diamonds only in their origin, given that these diamonds are made in a laboratory instead of forming underground.
2. Can You Tell Lab-Grown Diamonds Apart by Looking at Them?
Not by eye alone, no. Gemologists use specialized equipment to identify a diamond's origin, which is why an independent grading report and a girdle inscription are useful information to have.
3. Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Change Over Time?
No, they don’t. A diamond produced in a lab does not fade, cloud, or lose its sparkle. Like any diamond, it can collect oils and dirt, so regular gentle cleaning keeps it sparkling.
4. Can Lab-Grown Diamonds Withstand Everyday Wear?
Yes. They are as durable as traditional diamonds. This durability makes lab-grown diamonds a fitting choice for engagement and wedding rings, as well as other jewellery. However, a hard knock can still chip a diamond, so a protective setting helps protect against that possibility.
5. Can I Insure Lab-Grown Diamond Rings?
Yes, it is possible to insure lab-grown diamond jewellery like other fine jewellery. An appraisal and grading report help document the piece, so keep copies of both and confirm coverage details with your provider.
