As the saying goes, “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” Diamonds often come with a lifelong commitment. Engagement rings, family heirlooms, or precious keepsakes – these are just among the few reasons to get a stunning rock of your own.

Lab diamonds are a popular choice for many people who want to buy diamond jewelry. They’re more ethical and eco-friendly than mined diamonds, which can be difficult to source in an environmentally sustainable manner. Lab diamonds are also less expensive, meaning you can get the quality of diamond that appeals to you without breaking the bank.

However, there are still some common mistakes people make when buying lab diamonds that they need to avoid in order to ensure they find a stone with all of the qualities that it needs.

Assuming that all diamonds are created equal

Lab-grown diamonds can be very different in terms of quality depending on where they were grown and how they were made. This means that even two stones with the same weight could look completely different from each other because their chemical composition is different. Just like naturally grown diamonds, you will never find two diamonds that are 100% identical. Be sure to do your homework on the origins and history of the seller and lab.

Not taking into account the diamond’s cut

The appearance of a diamond is not just about how it looks on the outside. The cut, polish, and symmetry all play an important role in determining its beauty. A well-cut stone will shine brighter, allowing more light to enter the gemstone and reflect off at different angles which leads to better brilliance.

Overlooking Diamond clarity

In the lab, diamonds that have undergone the cutting process will go through polishing to attain a smooth, glass-like surface. Gemologists examine the finished diamond and give it a clarity rating from poor to excellent.

While excellent polishes do not mean perfect diamonds, these imperfections are not even visible under a 10x loupe, much less to the naked eye. On the other hand, a low-polish cut means that the surface of the stone has many small nicks and scratches. This ‘C’ is something that buyers think they may be able to compromise on and regret later on.

Thinking that carat weight is a good measure of a diamond’s size

When purchasing diamonds, the carat weight is often used as the unit of measure. However, this doesn’t necessarily indicate how large a diamond will be when mounted on an engagement ring or other jewelry piece.

There are also different shapes that can make a stone appear larger than others which might not have as much carat weight but still look just as beautiful. When buying diamonds online, especially, make sure that the seller has specified all the information clearly.

Focusing on just color

The color of a diamond is a critical factor when purchasing one. This is because the diamond’s color can make it look dull and lifeless or vibrant and dazzling, depending on its hue. While color plays a significant part in your dream rock, this shouldn’t be the only factor to consider. There are other aspects of a diamond that should be considered before making this important purchase like carat weight, clarity rating, price, and durability, as mentioned above. Finding the middle ground between all these aspects is key to getting the best bang for your buck.

Buying from companies without reputations for quality and authenticity

You’ve found your dream engagement ring, but there’s one thing that’s bothering you: the diamond. Some may think that the price guarantees a diamond’s authenticity, and they end up forking out huge amounts for counterfeits. Looking for outside reviews of the company to make sure that it is accredited and has the relevant expertise to sell jewelry. Products should also come with a certification to ensure grading has been done.

Going for huge markdowns

Buying diamonds at a discount may seem like a good idea, but there is the chance that you’re just ending up with a fake or subpar stone. Diamonds have a timeless value that does not fluctuate with seasons and trends, which is what makes them a great investment piece. While reputable sellers do offer discounts from time to time, huge and frequent sales are often a red flag.

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