A diamond can appear beautiful in the jewellery store lights and look completely different in daylight, so this is why choosing one deserves more consideration than simply finding the largest stone that fits your budget.
Buy lab grown diamonds provide yet another option for Singaporeans shopping for an engagement ring, wedding jewellery or special gift.
They possess the same chemical composition and crystal structure as mined diamonds, but are created in carefully controlled environments instead of being extracted from the earth.
When shopping for lab diamonds, it is worth knowing how their appearance is determined, what grading refers to and which details are worth paying for.
Why More Shoppers are Considering Lab Diamonds
The reason many people are considering lab diamonds is that there is an opportunity to acquire a bigger or higher-grade stone for the same price.
Lab-grown diamonds typically cost less than comparable natural diamonds, and while prices will vary between retailers, grading, shape and setting can affect budgets.
This could provide significant benefits when shopping for an engagement ring, since the majority of the budget would not have to be spent on the centre stone, meaning there is more money to invest in a suitable ring.
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, as opposed to diamond simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite.
They share the same physical and optical properties of natural earth-mined diamonds, but originate from different sources.
However, it should still be remembered that the individual characteristics of a stone are important and buying a more expensive diamond does not guarantee that it will be more attractive.
What to Check Before You Buy Lab Grown Diamonds
The usual four Cs (cut, colour, clarity and carat weight) are still relevant when examining the characteristics of lab-grown diamonds.
The cut has a big impact on a stone’s ability to reflect light, so a round brilliant cut diamond can look lively and bright whereas a poorly cut diamond can appear murky even if it has excellent colour and clarity.
On the other hand, the colour of a diamond is an indicator of how much body colour is visible, with stones graded D to F classified as colourless, G-J regarded as near-colourless and those beyond J possessing visible body colour.
Some buyers will want the highest colour grades, but a near-colourless stone can appear just as attractive depending on the setting.
Similarly, clarity refers to a diamond’s internal characteristics and surface features, but a diamond with VS (Very Slight) grade clarity is unlikely to look significantly different to the unaided eye than a flawless diamond.
Carat weight is a measure of a diamond’s weight rather than its physical size, and two stones of the same carat weight can look substantially different depending on their shape.
Where to Buy Lab Grown Diamonds in Singapore
Singapore shoppers can compare lab diamonds through both showroom visits and online searching, and the benefits of each option should be weighed up.
Visiting a showroom means being able to view the diamond in different lighting conditions, compare ring settings and appreciate the difference that a specific carat weight can make on the hand.
Online searching provides greater opportunities to compare shapes, grades and prices before arranging a showroom viewing.
Novita Diamonds Singapore and other retailers should also be considered when exploring lab-grown diamond options since their websites (novitadiamonds.com.sg for Novita Diamonds Singapore) act as an introduction to diamond jewellery and different design options.
Before ordering, it should also be remembered to check the grading documentation, final price, delivery arrangements, and any resize or after-sales services.
Diamond Certification Matters More Than a Sales Description
A retailer might describe a diamond as brilliant, premium or exceptionally clear.
A better indication of value comes from an independent grading report.
IGI (International Gemological Institute) and GIA (Gemological Institute of America) are established in the gem industry.
However, the way reports are presented currently can be different, so it is always important to check that a report states clearly that a diamond is laboratory-grown and to take note of its measurements, colour, clarity, proportions and any relevant treatment disclosure.
Some diamonds have a microscopic report number inscribed on the girdle.
When available, this can help to match a stone to its documentation.
A grading report is different from a valuation or proof of future resale value, since it simply describes characteristics of the diamond at the time of inspection.
Choosing a Diamond Shape that Suits the Ring
Round diamonds are a familiar choice, but they are not the only option.
Oval diamonds possess an elongated outline that can appear graceful on the finger, while emerald cuts offer a broad step-style facet pattern and a more subdued sparkle.
Pear-shaped stones combine a rounded end with a tapering point, whereas cushion cuts offer softer corners and a more rounded appearance.
Each type of diamond possesses its own considerations, however.
For example, elongated diamonds can possess a dark bow-tie pattern running across the middle, and this is something that can vary from stone to stone.
This can be seen in photographs, videos or during a showroom visit.
Emerald cuts tend to highlight any internal characteristics of a diamond due to their large open facets, so buyers considering this shape should be particularly aware of clarity.
There is no best shape of diamond, since choosing one comes down to individual preferences, finger proportions and the design of the ring.
How Much Should You Spend on a Lab-Grown Diamond?
There is no ideal amount that a Singapore buyer should spend on an engagement ring.
Start by setting a total budget in SGD (Singapore Dollars) that takes the diamond, setting and GST into consideration and ensures that the centre stone does not consume a disproportionate amount of the money intended for the ring.
It should also be noted that when comparing diamonds, a 1.5-carat stone with a lower colour grade should not be seen as equal value to a 1.5-carat stone with different cut quality and proportions.
For Novita Diamonds Singapore shoppers, comparing shortlisted stones against similar graded diamonds from other retailers can help to determine whether a quoted price is reasonable.
Remember that lab-grown diamond prices can change considerably over time, and they should generally only be bought for enjoyment and wear rather than as an investment.
Ring Settings Deserve as Much Attention as the Stone
A beautiful diamond needs a setting that secures it and allows it to look good in everyday conditions.
Platinum and 18K gold are common choices for fine jewellery, and platinum is naturally white while 18K gold is available in yellow, white and rose.
Solitaire settings keep the eye on the diamond, whereas halo settings can provide an additional level of detail to the design.
Bezel settings utilise a rim of metal to secure the stone and can be preferred by those who want a smoother appearance.
Consider what the wearer will be doing before opting for delicate prongs or an unusually high setting.
Someone who performs manual work might prefer a lower-profile setting.
Finger size is also important since Singapore’s warm and humid conditions can cause fingers to swell, so it is worth noting the fit rather than relying on a single measurement.
Questions Worth Asking Before Making a Purchase
A diamond purchase should always come with clear answers as to what is being purchased.
Ask if the stone in the photographs and videos is the one being sold, and check if taxes are included in the quoted price or if the ring setting is an additional cost.
For customised rings, make sure to establish how long production may take and whether the design can be changed.
It is also worth asking about resizing, manufacturing warranties, maintenance and returns, and whether personalised jewellery is excluded from general return policies.
When browsing Novita Diamonds Singapore or another local jeweller, remember to check the terms directly rather than assuming that all retailers offer the same services.
Take Time to Compare the Diamond in Different Lighting
Jewellery showroom lighting is designed to make diamonds sparkle, but this does not always reflect how a stone will look in everyday conditions.
If possible, examine the diamond in softer indoor lighting and daylight to judge its overall brilliance and to check if there are areas that appear too dark for your liking, and whether the shape appeals to you.
For online purchases, request for videos that show the actual diamond from multiple angles, and note that a rotating video can reveal more than a still image.
A diamond with slightly lower grades can appear more attractive than a technically higher-graded alternative, so personal examination should complement the grading report.
The aim when buying lab-grown diamonds is to buy a stone you enjoy looking at in a ring that looks good and fits within your budget.
