How to Choose a Lab-Grown Diamond: A Quick Guide

Lab-grown diamonds have become an increasingly popular choice for engagement rings and fine jewellery. Offering the same brilliance and durability as natural diamonds at a more accessible price, these diamonds present a modern alternative that aligns with ethical and sustainable values. As more couples explore buying lab-grown diamonds, understanding what to look for when buying a diamond — including cut quality, clarity, and certification — is essential to making an informed decision.

This guide will walk you through how to choose a diamond, ensuring you find a piece that suits both your style and values.

Understanding Lab-Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, identical in physical, chemical, and optical properties to their natural counterparts. Unlike diamond simulants such as moissanite or cubic zirconia, which only mimic a diamond’s appearance, lab-grown diamonds are composed entirely of carbon, just like those formed naturally within the Earth.

The primary difference lies in their origin. Natural diamonds take billions of years to develop under extreme heat and pressure deep underground, while lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment using advanced technology. This modern approach not only results in high-quality diamonds but also eliminates the environmental and ethical concerns associated with traditional diamond mining.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Lab-Grown Diamond

1. Diamond Growth Method: HPHT vs. CVD

The way a lab-grown diamond is created has a direct impact on its quality, purity, and clarity. There are two primary methods:

• HPHT (High-Pressure High-Temperature): An older technique that replicates the natural formation process of diamonds. While effective, HPHT diamonds often exhibit slight impurities or colour tints.
• CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition): A newer and more advanced method that produces high-quality, larger, and purer diamonds with minimal inclusions.

At Love & Co., LVC Precieux diamonds are exclusively CVD-grown Type IIa diamonds, renowned for their exceptional purity and near-colourless appearance. Type IIa diamonds are among the rarest, comprising less than 2% of all natural diamonds, and are free from nitrogen impurities, ensuring maximum brilliance.

2. The Importance of Diamond Cut

A diamond’s cut plays a critical role in determining its brilliance. Even with the highest clarity and colour grade, a poorly cut diamond will appear dull. The best-cut diamonds reflect light beautifully, enhancing their sparkle.

For the most brilliance, consider diamonds with a Triple Excellent Cut grading, which ensures:

• Precision in Cut – Maximising light reflection for superior brilliance.
• Impeccable Polish – A smooth, flawless surface to enhance sparkle.
• Perfect Symmetry – Well-aligned facets for even light distribution.

When learning how to pick a good diamond, prioritising an excellent cut ensures that the diamond maintains its brilliance over time. If you’re looking for a meaningful touch to your selection, consider exploring our LVC Say Love Diamond collection, featuring a patented heart-shaped cut, this exceptional diamond merges the brilliance of a round cut with the romantic allure of a heart. Expertly crafted with precision, each facet is designed to unveil a heart at both the pavilion and table, making it an enduring symbol of love and meaning.

3. Understanding Diamond Certification

When buying lab-grown diamonds, certification is essential for ensuring transparency and authenticity. Reputable certification bodies assess diamonds based on the 4 C’s of diamonds — Cut, Clarity, Carat, and Colour — providing a detailed report of the stone’s characteristics.

The International Gemological Institute (IGI) is the leading certifier for lab-grown diamonds, offering comprehensive grading reports that provide peace of mind for buyers. At Love & Co., every LVC Precieux diamond is IGI-certified, ensuring that you receive a diamond of verified quality and brilliance.

How to Pick a Diamond That’s Right for You

When choosing a diamond, it’s essential to consider the diamond 4Cs in addition to its growth method and certification. If you’re wondering how to select a diamond that suits your style and budget, here are some key takeaways:

• Carat: Choose a size that fits your preference and budget—lab-grown diamonds offer more carat weight for the same price.
• Clarity: Opt for a diamond with minimal inclusions for better visual appeal.
• Colour: Near-colourless diamonds (graded D-F) appear the most brilliant.
• Cut: A well-cut diamond maximises light performance, making it sparkle.

Taking these factors into account will help you determine how to pick a diamond that balances beauty, quality, and affordability.

Finding the Perfect Diamond for Your Love Story

Selecting a diamond is a deeply personal decision, influenced by factors such as budget, values, and individual style. Whether you’re learning how to pick a good diamond or searching for a sustainable alternative, lab-grown diamonds provide an ethical, cost-effective, and brilliant option.

Whether you're looking for an engagement ring, wedding band, or fine jewellery, Love & Co. is here to guide you every step of the way. Schedule a consultation to explore our range of LVC Precieux lab-grown diamonds or personalise a diamond ring that’s as unique as your love story online.

To get started, explore some of our most meaningful designs from the LVC Precieux collection:

• LVC Precieux Love Journey Diamond Ring – Part of our signature Love Journey series, this solitaire design takes centrestage to symbolise that she is your one and only.
• LVC Precieux Classic Ellipse Diamond Ring (0.24ct) – Created to sit low on the finger, this minimalist ring is made to honour the quiet moments shared with your first love.
• LVC Precieux Dazzling Duet Diamond Ring – A unique pairing of oval and teardrop diamonds lined with side stones, this ring is a bold expression of a love like no other.