Source: Pinterest
Natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds share the same physical and chemical properties, captivating everyone with their beauty, value, and durability. The similarity makes them indistinguishable to the naked eyes, but they are actually different.
In this post, we will discuss diamond grading, how natural & lab-grown diamonds are graded, their general differences, and which one to choose for your business.
Are All Diamonds the Same Quality?
No, all diamonds are not the same quality. There are different grades of diamonds, making them vary in quality. The diamond grades (Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat) determine their overall beauty, rarity, color, and value.
The 4 Cs of Diamond & Lab-grown Diamond Grading
The 4 Cs of diamonds (Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat) are the same for natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds. Since they are both composed of carbon atoms arranged in the same crystal structure, they are graded using the same criteria.
Diamond Color Scale
Refers to the actual tint or hue of a diamond. Diamond color scale ranges from D (completely colorless) to Z (slight yellow or brown tint). Diamonds closer to colorless are generally more valuable because they offer better light reflection and beauty.
But there are some diamonds in pink, red, green, and blue colors – which are often made through irradiation.
Source: Google
How is Diamond Color Graded?
The diamond color grading by the GIA standards (Gemological Institute of America) is divided into five categories, which are:
- D, E, F (Colorless): These diamonds show no precise color. They are very rare and more expensive.
- G, H, I, J (Near Colorless): These diamonds have a very slight tint that’s nearly invisible to the naked eyes.
- K, L, M (Faint Color): A faint yellow or brown hue is visible in these diamonds, however they have good value.
- N, O, P, Q, R (Very Light Color): These diamonds have a mild tint that’s visible and noticeable to most people.
- S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z (Light Color): These diamonds have a clearly noticeable brown or yellow tint.
Diamond Clarity Scale
Natural and lab-grown diamond clarity refers to the presence of inclusions (internal flaws) and blemishes (external flaws) that may affect the appearance of the diamond. These inclusions and blemishes range from tiny spots or lines to larger formations inside or on the diamond’s surface.
The fewer imperfections a diamond has, the higher the diamond grading scale.
Source: Google
How is Diamond Clarity Graded?
The diamond clarity grading developed by the GIA is divided into six categories, which are:
- Flawless: No inclusions or blemishes. These types of natural and lab culture diamonds are extremely rare and highly priced.
- Internally Flawless: No inclusions within the diamonds, but they have minor surface blemishes.
- VVS1, VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included): Contains small inclusions that are very hard to detect, even for a skilled diamond specialist.
- VS1, VS2 (Very Slightly Included): These diamonds contain minor inclusions that are quite visible, but still offer good value.
- SI1, SI2, SI3 (Slightly Included): These diamonds have noticeable inclusions that are visible to the naked eyes, depending on their size and location.
- I1, I2, I3 (Included): Contains obvious inclusions that are very clear to the naked eyes, which affects the diamond color and clarity scale.
Diamond Cut Scale
The quality of the cut is important as it affects how light is reflected from the diamond’s surface, producing brightness, color dispersion, and flashes of light when the diamond moves. The natural and lab diamond grading chart can be impacted by the surface smoothness and symmetry of the diamond.
Source: Google
How is Diamond Cut Graded?
According to GIA standards, these are the various diamond cut grades:
- Excellent: This is the best level for diamonds cut. It reflects all light, achieving maximum brilliance, fire, and scintillation.
- Very Good: This type of diamond cut reflects most light with impressive sparkle, though may have minor imperfections affecting the light.
- Good: Reflects a good amount of light with reasonable sparkle, but with noticeable imperfections.
- Fair: This cut level has pronounced issues in polish and symmetry, resulting in a fair amount of light reflection, with less brilliance and fire.
- Poor: Have significant flaws in the cut, making it reflect very low light. The diamond looks dull and unattractive.
Diamond Carat Weight Scale
The carat weight completes the four C’s of diamonds. It’s mainly to measure the weight of a diamond, which largely influences the diamond price. Generally, one carat is equivalent to 100 points, which means a diamond weighing 50 points is ½ a carat.
Source: Google
While carat weight alone doesn’t determine a diamond quality, it does play a major role in its perceived value and rarity. Diamonds with higher carats are more valuable and rare.
Key Differences of Diamond and Lab-grown Diamond Grading
While the diamond grading chart for both are the same, there are some elements that puts them apart, such as:
Origin
- Natural Diamond: Formed organically within the Earth crust under extreme heat and pressure over billions of years. Its origin is a main distinction when doing a quick comparison of cubic zirconia vs moissanite vs diamond vs lab-grown diamond. While others are man-made, natural diamonds originated organically.
- Lab-grown Diamond: Are lab-grown diamonds real? Yes, lab-grown diamond is just as real as natural diamonds, but are created in a lab using High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) methods, which are capable of replicating the natural processes.
Certification
- Natural Diamond: Often graded and certified by gemological institutes like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or American Gem Society (AGS).
- Lab-grown Diamond: Usually certified by the same organization as natural diamonds, but labeled as “lab-grown”. Also, they must have gone through strict quality control for quality assurance.
Color
- Natural Diamond: Usually appear colorless (D-F) or show a tint of yellow or brown depending on the diamond’s inclusions and blemishes.
- Lab-grown Diamond: Lab-grown diamond color and clarity chart is the same as natural diamond, but there are usually slight differences. For example, diamonds created using the HPHT method have better color, reaching D-F (colorless). But diamonds created using the CVD method often have a yellowish tint.
Price and Value
- Natural Diamond: Formed naturally over extensive geological timescales, natural diamonds are rarer and hold higher market value. They are perceived as unique and timeless assets, making the price and value very high.
- Lab-grown Diamond: Are lab-grown diamonds worth anything? Yes, a lab-grown diamond is still 100% authentic and identical to a naturally mined diamond. It is largely valuable, desirable, and not very common.
How to tell the Difference between Lab-grown and Natural Diamond
Differentiating lab-grown vs natural diamond is impossible with the naked eyes. The only way to tell them apart is by using specialized equipment like a spectrometer, microscope, or fluorescence detector.
Lab-grown Diamond vs Natural Diamond: Which One to Choose?
Source: Google
Choosing between a lab-grown diamond and natural diamond depends on the 4Cs as discussed, but you have to also consider the jewelry design support for business purposes highlighted below.
For Luxury Jewelry Brands
- Recommended Diamond Type: Natural Diamonds
Natural diamonds are best for luxury jewelry brands because of their rarity, timeless appeal, and high value. They meet the high-class market expectations and add an exclusive touch to luxury jewelry pieces.
- Recommended Diamond Grade: Top Grades (D-J Color, FL-VVS2 Clarity, Excellent-Very Good Cut)
To ensure top quality, opt for those with enhanced diamond grading scale, usually within D-J color, FL-VVS2 clarity, Excellent-Very good cut, and high carat weight.
For Fashion Jewelry and Small Brands
- Recommended Diamond Type: Lab-grown Diamonds
The best option is lab-grown diamonds, as it’s cheaper and maintains the same beauty & quality as natural diamonds. Typically, a lab-grown diamond is 30-50% less expensive, making it perfect for fashion jewelry and small brands that want to provide customers with quality, accessible diamonds.
- Recommended Diamond Grade: Mid-to-High Grades (D-J color, IF-VS2 Clarity, Excellent–Good Cut)
Choose lab-grown diamond grades that offer a balance of quality and affordability. Opt for lab-grown diamonds with D-J color, IF-VS2 clarity, Excellent-Good cut, and high carat weight, to get stunning pieces without the expensive tag.
For Fashion Jewelry Lovers
- Recommended Diamond Type: Lab-grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamond is the better choice for jewelry enthusiasts focused on style rather than rarity. It serves as an ethical and affordable option, allowing for a wider selection and versatility in jewelry designs.
- Recommended Diamond Grade: Mid Grades (G-J Color, VVS1-VS2 Clarity, Good to Very Good Cut)
Amongst the different levels of diamonds, choose lab-grown options with G-J color, VVS1-VS2 clarity, Good-Very good cut, and high carat weight. They are attractive diamonds that retain their sparkle while remaining within a slim budget.
In addition, you have to consider the target market, budget, environmental impact, resale value, and aesthetics before choosing a type of diamond for your business.
Key Takeaway
Natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds have the same grading system, which comprises the 4Cs – Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat. Despite the same diamond grading system, they have different origins, certification, color variety, and price. Your type of business determines the better option to choose. Make sure to contact a professional custom jewelry manufacturer to get the best diamond for your brand.
