Cost Per Carat of a Lab Grown Diamond

Lab diamonds are cheaper than mined diamonds of equal quality and grading, which makes them an attractive choice for those on a budget. But there are some things to consider before buying one.

Besides cost, another important factor to consider is rarity and sustainability. While lab diamonds are more affordable, they are not as rare as natural diamonds.

1. Size

The size of a lab grown diamond is important, as it will determine its overall quality and cost. A larger diamond will be a more expensive option, while a smaller one will be cheaper.

The cost per carat for a lab grown diamond depends on the characteristics of the stone, as well as where it is purchased from. For example, a lab-grown diamond that is a perfect, round brilliant cut will be more expensive than a lab grown diamond with a different shape and color.

When comparing prices, it is important to remember that the cost of lab-grown diamonds is declining as technology improves and manufacturing capabilities increase. As a result, lab-grown diamonds are becoming increasingly competitively priced and have become more popular in jewelry over the past few years.

According to a report from Bain & Company, the cost of producing high-tech diamonds in a lab has declined by 50% in the past 20 years. This has made it more affordable for consumers to purchase a lab-grown diamond, thereby increasing consumer confidence in this type of diamond.

However, it is important to note that lab-grown diamonds have a few disadvantages over natural diamonds. First, they are less valuable than mined diamonds and won’t hold their value as well over time. Secondly, they have a lower rarity than natural diamonds.

Another disadvantage is that they are more likely to be found in a mass-produced environment and won’t have the same “one-of-a-kind” feel as mined diamonds. This may be problematic if you’re planning to sell your engagement ring in the future.

If you’re considering purchasing a lab grown diamond, it is best to discuss the differences between natural and man-made diamonds with a jeweler before making your purchase. They can help you find a diamond that will meet your specific needs and preferences while remaining within your budget.

2. Shape

While many people think of a round diamond when it comes to lab grown diamonds, there are actually a number of different shapes. These include emerald, asscher, princess, and marquise.

These cuts are typically chosen to maximize a diamond’s sparkle and fire. They also allow the lapidary to make the most of a diamond’s size, as well as any particular characteristics that are unique to each shape.

Expert jewelers recommend that a round diamond be cut into a Princess or Marquise shape, as these shapes tend to be the most flattering for any particular setting. However, if a round diamond isn’t sized right, it can appear smaller than a similar-sized natural diamond of the same carat weight.

The shape of a diamond can have an impact on how it looks to the naked eye, and it can be a factor in its cost per carat. For example, a princess or marquise diamond can be more expensive than an emerald or asscher stone because of its larger overall shape.

A diamond’s color is another important consideration when purchasing a lab grown diamond. As with natural diamonds, there is a wide range of color grading options available on the market today.

According to Lauren B’s clients, most choose lab grown diamonds in the D-F color range. In fact, nearly 71% of Lauren B clients purchase a lab diamond in this color range.

The shape of a lab diamond can also affect its price, as it can be more expensive to produce and sell a fancy shaped stone than a round diamond. Moreover, a diamond’s cut can affect its size and price.

3. Clarity

Lab grown diamonds come in a variety of clarity grades. The highest grade is Flawless, or Internally Flawless (IF). These stones have no blemishes on the surface that can be seen with the naked eye.

The next clarity grade is Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS), which contains flaws that can be seen with a magnifying glass but not the naked eye. This clarity grade includes VVS1 and VVS2 diamonds, which require 10x magnification to see a flaw.

However, some lab grown diamonds can contain inclusions that are easy to see with the naked eye but difficult to identify. These can include microscopic foreign particles that are not visible under 10X magnification or inconspicuous inclusions located on the girdle of the diamond.

These inclusions may have a negative impact on the quality of a diamond, affecting its appearance and overall beauty. For this reason, the clarity of a lab diamond should be carefully examined to determine its level of quality before you purchase it.

The clarity of a lab grown diamond should be evaluated by an independent grading laboratory to ensure that it meets the highest standards. Most of these laboratories, such as GIA and the Gemological Institute of America, grade lab grown diamonds using the same standards used to evaluate natural diamonds.

In addition, GIA laser-inscribes each diamond’s girdle with its report number and a statement that indicates the stone is lab grown. This helps consumers confirm that their jewelry is truly made of genuine lab-grown diamonds and not synthetics.

With the cost per carat of a lab grown diamond edging down and the availability increasing, lab diamonds are becoming more popular among couples looking for an alternative to natural mined diamonds. This trend is likely to continue, as more companies enter the market and more technologies improve.

4. Color

A lab grown diamond is just as sparkly as a natural diamond, with the same cut, clarity, and size options. The only difference is that color can be added during the growth process. Using the same color enhancement methods that are used for natural diamonds, lab diamonds can be colored in various shades.

For example, a yellowish tint is created when nitrogen is used during the growing process. This tint can be subtle, or more intense depending on the size and carat weight of the lab grown diamond.

Similarly, boron can create a blue color in a lab grown diamond. This color is less noticeable than the tint from nitrogen, but it still affects the overall look of the diamond.

In addition, a lab diamond’s fluorescence can also impact its color. High-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes will result in diamonds that appear yellow or bluish, although this is a natural characteristic of the underlying diamond crystal.

The color of a lab grown diamond can be an important factor in determining its value and price. Generally, the more vibrant and intense the color of a diamond, the higher its value will be.

However, the cost of a lab grown diamond will vary by its clarity grade and size. Larger lab diamonds will be more expensive than smaller ones.

The IGI (International Gemological Institute) grades lab diamonds on a scale from D to Z, with the highest grade being Flawless. A diamond that is Flawless, or “F,” has no visible inclusions at 10X magnification.

5. Carat

The cost per carat of a lab grown diamond is generally significantly lower than that of a mined stone. This is because the process for creating a lab grown diamond does not require the same amount of energy and water as a mined diamond.

This allows lab-grown diamonds to be more affordable for consumers and make them a more viable option for jewelry buyers. It also means that a larger amount of lab grown diamonds can be produced at a much faster rate than naturally mined diamonds.

Moreover, lab grown diamonds can be produced in different sizes and shapes. Round is the most popular and widely recognized shape, but fancy cuts can be just as beautiful. Fancy shapes can be a great option for those on a budget, since they are less expensive to cut than rounds.

For example, emerald and cushion cuts can be more affordable than round stones because they don’t waste as much diamond. These shapes can be a great choice for women who want to save money without sacrificing beauty or quality.

Another important factor to consider when shopping for a lab grown diamond is the color. Like mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds come in a range of colors from yellow to blue. The color of a lab grown diamond is determined by trace amounts of nitrogen that are released during the growth process.

In addition, boron can also be released during the growing process to give the diamond a blue hue. Both lab-grown and mined diamonds can have this tint, but it is not reflected in the grading reports from the GIA or IGI.

Ultimately, the price per carat of a lab-grown diamond is a reflection of the rarity and quality of the stones being sold. The market is still adjusting to this type of product, and prices are likely to drop as more diamonds are created and sold.

Cost Per Carat of a Lab Grown Diamond