Do you know that lab diamonds are certified?

  

Diamond certifications relate to the 4 Cs of diamond quality; Cut, Color, Carat, and Clarity. If you’re in the market for diamonds for yourself or for a loved one, a careful review of the certification labels and quality scales of diamonds is a good idea. You can purchase beautiful, high-quality lab made diamonds with certifications to confirm the quality of your purchase. 

What is the GIA?

GIA stands for the Gemological Institute of America. This not-for-profit group not only certifies diamonds for quality and weight, they produce the tools that gemologists use to confirm and assign those certifications. If you currently own a diamond, it was likely reviewed and assigned quality ratings by a GIA professional on a GIA tool. 

Does GIA Certify Lab Grown Diamonds?

Yes. It’s important here to consider the history of lab grown diamonds. The earliest diamonds created by humans were formed of carbon under conditions of extreme heat and pressure. These conditions are exactly the same as diamonds created under the earth’s crust. 

These early diamonds were only used in industrial settings. Diamonds are extremely hard and can be used to cut and polish other hard materials. The quality of these diamonds was not taken into consideration as they were not intended for use in jewelry. 

However, as the technology for the formation of diamonds in a lab improved, the manufacturers realized that they were building the skills necessary to create gem quality diamonds in a controlled setting and that this controlled setting could be a way to manage the cost of diamond production. To make sure that lab created gems are clearly identified, a gemologist will easily be able to see the inscription on the base of the stone. 

About the 4 Cs

No matter the source of the stone you’re looking for, your certifications will cover the 4 Cs.

• Carat: The weight of the stone
• Clarity: The purity of the inside of the diamond. Diamonds with inclusions have a lower clarity rating
• Cut: The quality of the symmetry, surface and faceting of your diamond
• Color: The purest diamonds are completely clear and have no color, though there are collectors who seek out yellow, blue or brown diamonds

The higher the certification rating, the more expensive your diamond will be. However, if you compare a 1 carat diamond cost between a mined diamond and a lab created diamond, the lab created diamond will be much less costly. Once you set your jewelry budget, you’ll find that lab created diamonds will expand your purchasing options.

Why Are Mined Diamonds More Expensive?

Diamond mining has a troubling history. Because diamonds are formed under extreme conditions, the process of mining them from the earth often comes with serious environmental risks. Sadly, diamond mining has also long been tied to political abuse and colonial devastation. Today’s diamond mines and miners are held to a higher standard, which also pushes the cost up. 

When you buy a lab created diamond, you’re getting a real diamond. You’re simply purchasing a stone that was created far from the process of mining diamonds from the earth.

Putting the Certifications to Use

When it’s time to choose your diamonds and design your engagement ring, wedding set or earrings, you can put those certifications to the best use. A simple rule of thumb is to invest the most money into the largest Lab Grown Diamond in the setting. A 1 carat round diamond in a halo setting will sparkle just as brightly surrounded by small stones of slightly lesser quality. 

If you want a single stone, particularly a stone with a sizable table and fewer facets, the quality of your stone will matter even more. An emerald cut, cushion cut or Asscher cut features a sizable flat area on the top of the stone. Any reduced quality of clarity or color will be easier to note. In this situation, you’ll need the highest quality stone you can find. The higher the carat, the larger the visual field where variations in color or clarity will appear. 

You can be sure that your diamond choice will be of top quality, whether you purchase a mined or a lab created gem. Rare Carat has excellent reviews, both from Google Business Profile and Trustpilot. Once you have made your diamond choice, you can also use their design tools to create the perfect ring or ring set for your needs.