6 mistakes to avoid when buying lab-grown diamonds

6 mistakes to avoid when buying lab-grown diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds are becoming increasingly popular by the day. The main reasons for this are that they cost less than natural diamonds (despite being just as pure) and are ethically sourced. However, when it comes to purchasing lab-grown diamonds, buyers should avoid certain mistakes to make sure that they are purchasing the right piece and to avoid suffering a financial blow. Here are six mistakes to avoid when buying lab-grown diamonds.

Not going to a good jeweler
Diamonds are among the most precious and priciest things in the world, regardless of whether they are natural or lab-grown. The price of lab-grown diamonds starts somewhere around a thousand dollars for a carat depending on its quality. So, when one is about to make such a significant purchase, it is crucial to approach a trusted seller. To choose a good jeweler, one can do their due diligence and check for online customer reviews. Overlooking this step could be a costly mistake as one could get cheated into buying a fake or a blood diamond. One could even get conned into paying a high price for a poor-quality diamond.

Not checking the 4Cs of the diamond
There is a norm that all buyers must follow when buying diamonds, whether natural or man-made. This norm is checking the 4Cs of the diamond to understand its quality and pricing. These 4Cs are cut, carat, clarity, and color, and they differ for every diamond.

  • Cut : How a diamond is cut and polished determines the way it will refract light, impacting its shine. A few popular cuts (shapes) that diamonds are usually available in include princess cut, round cut, and Asscher cut.
  • Carat : This refers to the size and the weight of the diamond.
  • Clarity : This denotes any flaws the diamond might have, like air cavities.
  • Color : Diamonds can also have slight color variations, which are graded from D to Z. Here, D stands for the most colorless diamond, which is also the rarest.

Keeping in mind all these aspects when buying a lab-grown diamond can help one determine whether a piece is worth its price.

Neglecting to get a certificate for the diamond
All genuine diamonds, whether natural or lab-grown, are given a certificate against their 4Cs to confirm their authenticity. This certificate is issued by top institutes, such as the International Gemological Institute (GIA) and the Gem Certification and Assurance Lab (GCAL.) One of the biggest mistakes individuals often make when buying lab-grown diamonds is forgetting to obtain this certificate. Ideally, the jeweler should proactively provide this certificate to the buyer at the time of purchase. However, if a jeweler forgets or does not give it, the buyer must remember to ask for it.

Buying lab-grown diamonds certified by unknown labs
While an authentic diamond must have a certificate, it is also important to check whether the certificate itself is authentic. So, when a buyer is presented with the diamond’s certificate, they must check which lab has provided it. For this, one must do some basic research about the authentic labs that can provide these certifications. Some of these labs include the International Gemological Institution (IGI), GIA, and GCAL.

Not doing proper research before buying
Another crucial mistake to avoid before buying lab-grown diamonds is not doing proper research about them. Without proper prior research, one could end up buying the wrong kind of diamond or even a white diamond. Often, without proper research, individuals also end up buying the first diamond they are shown. If, instead, one goes to a jeweler who has the required knowledge and expertise, one can look at several pieces and choose the best one. One can also ask the jeweler to show pieces that would best fit their preferences and budget (like a ring or a necklace).

Failing to check diamonds under natural light
When one goes to purchase a lab-grown diamond, most jewelers show the pieces under the store’s white or yellow lights. These lights are usually extra bright and make the diamond appear more sparkly. To confirm that they are making the right choice, buyers should take a look at the pieces under natural light. This way, they will be able to see the true sparkle of the diamond.

Next Read

5 trustworthy brands to shop for lab-grown diamonds

When looking for diamond jewelry, things can quickly get overwhelming. Right from everyday jewelry to special rings and bands, purchasing a diamond piece is an investment. However, there is an option that will give buyers similar results but with a lower price point. Individuals might not immediately consider buying lab-grown diamonds, but it is a thought that needs attention. One will be paying less and have similar products, while also being sustainable. 5 places to shop for the best lab-grown diamonds Grown Brilliance Grown Brilliance exclusively works with lab-grown diamonds and has some of the best jewelry to offer. Its customers can decide to invest in a solo diamond or put together fine jewelry of their dreams. They can shop for diamonds based on clarity, cut, carats, shape, or size of the stone. The brand also has ready-to-ship jewelry pieces, right from everyday accessories to bands for engagements and weddings. Grown Brilliance is committed to its ethics and delivering quality products. When buying loose lab-grown diamonds from Grown Brilliance, individuals also receive certificates of authenticity from some of the most reputable organizations like GIA or IGI. Individuals can make the most of their Design Your Ring program. Additionally, they can enjoy benefits like a lifetime warranty and free shipping and returns. Brilliant Earth Brilliant Earth is a lab-grown diamond brand that is focused on providing sustainability and environment-friendly products. Originally an online jewelry platform, Brilliant Earth was one of the first to venture into the sector of lab-grown diamonds. They started in 2012, and by 2021, they were one of the most popular brands for lab-grown diamonds. Brilliant Earth is also among the first names to obtain the independent certification of Sustainability Rated Diamond. Every lab-grown diamond bought from Brilliant Earth comes with assurance of origin, ethical stewardship, climate neutrality, and responsible production practices. The label offers engagement rings, wedding bands, modern jewelry pieces, and colored stones to buyers. Also, expect benefits like free-30 day return period, free shipping, lifetime warranty, flexible payment options, custom designs, and more. James Allen A well-established online platform for purchasing lab-grown diamonds, James Allen has a variety of designs and stones to offer. One of the key features that can entice customers and assure them of their choice is the facility of a 360-degree view of the product. The all-around images can help customers better assess the piece of jewelry they are about to pay for. This feature lets customers have a comprehensive and detailed view of the product. James Allen has a reputation for transparency and quality, making it one of the most reliable brands. It also offers free international shipping and reasonably priced products, ensuring that customers do not have to reconsider their choices. Vrai Vrai has a diamond foundry that exclusively works with lab-grown diamonds for their jewelry designs. It is located in the Pacific Northwest near the Columbia River, and it has a zero-emissions claim. The brand does not have any middlemen and directly deals with customers. It also has no price markups. Buyers can pick from their ready designs or choose a custom design to make their jewelry more special. Vrai offers its buyers certification and a complete warranty for their purchases. The starting price here can be as low as $145 and can go up based on the selected design, size, carat, and other details of the jewelry piece. Blue Nile Another reliable place to shop for lab-grown diamonds is Blue Nile. The online retailer offers a wide range of designs for lab-grown diamond jewelry, right from fine everyday pieces to wedding bands. The brand has a customer-first policy that educates buyers about diamonds and gives them clarity about the pricing of the stones they purchase. It is one of the best and most reliable places one can go to without the fear of quality compromise. Blue Nile gets their lab-grown diamonds graded by independent organizations that give retailers and customers a grade sheet to determine the stone's quality. Shoppers can get jewelry pieces starting at as little as $350 when they shop from Blue Nile. They can also enjoy perks like jewelry insurance, free returns, free shipping, a diamond price guarantee, product warranty, and professional appraisals.

Our Blogs

6 of the most recognized running shoe brands

6 of the most recognized running shoe brands

If you want to invest in a pair of good-quality running shoes, choose one from a brand that specializes in making them for professional and casual runners. Look for a manufacturer that offers good arch and pronation support that matches the shape and size of your feet. Generally, a pair of running shoes cost between $110 and $150, while some iconic and popular shoes may cost higher. To help you choose from the top brands, here are the leading running shoe brands that are popular among runners: Brooks Brooks is originally from Canada and operates in the U.S. The brand has been making shoes since 1914 and started making running shoes after the Olympics in 1972. The collaboration of Jerry Turner from Brooks, David Schwaber of a rubber company, and Marty Liquori, a long-distance runner, created a cushiony midsole material from ethylene vinyl acetate. Using this, they introduced the Brooks Villanova in 1975. Their pioneering innovation then became the norm for other brands making sneakers. Some of its other innovations of Brooks include a removable sock line, silicone fluid, GORE-TEX, diagonal rollbar, use of pods on the outsole, and use of flexible material under the ball of the foot. Some of the most well-known running shoes from Brooks include the MOGO series, Green Silence, PureProject, Transcend, and the DNA series.
Read More
4 timeless jewelry pieces every woman must own

4 timeless jewelry pieces every woman must own

Every woman, irrespective of age, uniquely expresses her fashion style. And accessories play an important role in the manner of expression. If you think that classic metal or gemstone jewelry is expensive or unsuitable for everyday use, it’s time to change your opinion. Some must-own timeless jewelry pieces can never go out of style. They instantly amp up your look no matter the outfit and garner eyeballs wherever you go. Make these exquisite jewelry options yours now.  Stud earrings Stud earrings are dainty yet elegant pieces of jewelry. They fit quite well on the top of your ear, emitting the right amount of sheen. It has a singular point with a post that passes through the pierced ear, connected through a backing or a clutch behind the ear. The stud, the main part of the earning, can be made of bare metal like gold, silver, or platinum and/or hold a gemstone like a diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, coral, or pearl. The size of the stud and the type of stone could determine the price of the pair of earrings. While stud earrings made with precious stones can be expensive, you can opt for those affordable options with semiprecious stones like turquoise, rose quartz, or garnets.
Read More
5 leading SUVs and useful buying tips

5 leading SUVs and useful buying tips

Sports utility vehicles, or SUVs, have come a long way from being mere large-family vehicles to one of the most versatile and in-demand passenger cars. They are safe, well-designed, spacious, and fun to drive. The large-SUV market segment’s revenue is estimated to reach $148.60 billion in 2022. With increasing interest and demand, many new or redesigned models have entered the market. Here are a few leading SUVs to look for: Hyundai Tucson Hyundai has redesigned the Tucson completely. The 2022 version has multiple trim levels, including a sporty N Line model and a rugged XRT model. It also has three different powertrain options: hybrid, gasoline, and plug-in hybrid. Further, the 2022 Tucson has upgraded infotainment systems, multiple rear USB ports, Wi-Fi hotspot, top-class safety features, and driver-assistance technologies like cruise control, blind-spot collision avoidance systems, and driver attention warning. The price of the 2022 Tucson starts at around $25,350. Jeep Grand Cherokee Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-sized SUV. The 2022 variant, redesigned to offer a smoother ride, can accommodate five passengers in its top-class interiors with comfortable and supportive seats. The car has three powertrains: the existing V-6 and V-9 and a 4xe plug-in for the hybrid variant. Rear-wheel drive is standard in all models with V-6.
Read More
Top 5 electric cars to consider in 2022

Top 5 electric cars to consider in 2022

The sale of plug-in electric vehicles is expected to rise to 20.6 million in 2025, making up 23% of new passenger car sales. Battery, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid are the three main types of electric vehicles currently being rolled out. You can choose one from either of these car types on the basis of your driving requirement and budget. Here are some of the top suggestions for electric cars to consider this year: Kia EV6 The EV6 has a stylish exterior and classy interior with hi-tech features like smart parking and vehicle loading capabilities. This five-seater offers 17.6 cubic feet of cargo space even when the seats are not folded. The car’s engine has a 77.4 kWh all-wheel-drive powertrain, 321 bhp, 605Nm of torque from twin motors through a single-speed automatic transmission, and a range of 310 miles. It is quick to power up as a 350kW charger can charge the car from 10%-80% within 18 minutes. The driver assistance feature includes an augmented reality head-up display and remote smart park assist, which helps you park into a narrow space and pull out again when you are back by pressing a few buttons. Nissan Leaf Nissan’s Leaf is one of the cheapest electric cars in the market, costing under $20,000 after taking the tax credit of $7,500.
Read More
3 important factors to consider before buying new tires

3 important factors to consider before buying new tires

New all-season tires last for about six to seven years with minimal use and about three to five years if you drive about 12,000 to 15,000 miles a year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that worn-out tires cause 11,000 accidents every year. To ensure your safety and others on the road, you must change your tires as and when required. Before you buy them, keep the following points in mind: Know to read the tire codes Learn about the tire code to know the right tire for your automobile. If you look carefully, you will notice a code with letters and numbers on the sidewall of your tire. Knowing the tire codes is important to buy similar or better tires that fit your wheel. Some of the relevant codes you need to know when you buy a new tire are: Tire type – the first alphabets indicate the tire type P for passenger cars LT for light truck tires ST stands for special trailer tires T for temporary or spare tires Tread width The three-digit number represents the tread width, the distance between sidewall edges in millimeters, followed by a slash and a ratio. Aspect ratio A two-digit number follows the slash and indicates the tire height from bead to tread.
Read More
4 hair styling tools that give a salon-like look

4 hair styling tools that give a salon-like look

If you like to style your hair frequently without having to spend money at salons, you can invest in some basic hair styling tools. These tools can create beach waves or curls or even straighten them out. There are many hair styling tools that are versatile, easy to use, and do little or no damage to your hair. If you want to invest in hair styling tools, here are a few tools to check out: Hair straightener and curler Combining a hair straightener and curler that is suitable for all hair types allows you the freedom to try out trending hairstyles. Look for a professional straightener or curler with a ceramic or copper flat iron. Choose a flat iron that allows you to control the temperature so that you don’t damage your hair. Experts claim that setting the straightener or curler to temperatures as high as 455 degrees can help straighten the most challenging and rigid curls. The copper ceramic tools also ensure that the hair doesn’t break while you are straightening, leaving your hair straight and smooth once you are done. You can also choose regular and smart Bluetooth straighteners to help you choose the best temperature and care settings every time you use the tool.
Read More