Lab Diamonds Buying guide

Lab Diamonds are graded by IGI only

This is the only lab certificate you will find with lab diamonds as of now.  When researching, you should have read by now that GIA is the prefered diamond certificate for buyers.  For now, GIA doesn’t grade lab diamonds.  What does this mean for you?  IGI certificates are generally off a shade on clarity and color.  If it says its an H color, its most likely an I color.  Vs2 clarity will generally be an SI1.  Some certificate companies are friendlier to the seller as GIA is more buyer-friendly.    

Diamond clarity

Be careful when buying SI1 – SI2 grades.   In fact, this is the only way you can tell the difference from a natural versus lab diamond. Lab diamonds can have long scratch like inclusions that are not common in natural stones.  Below is an example of that characteristic.  Click on the links to view these inclusion types to avoid. 

DIAMOND SAMPLE 1         DIAMOND SAMPLE 2

Not all SI1 grades are like this but know that if the stone exhibits long scratch like inclusions, it may be best to avoid that diamond. Some Si1 will be eye clean without these blemishes and those are ideal.  Vs2-VS1 grades are a better choice. 

Diamond color

Please pay close attention to color.  With the IGI grading, you want to analyze color closely.  Feel free to reach out to me for any questions.  I will be adding a pre selected criteria to keep you safe from certain grades.  But the eye test shouldn’t fail you.  If a diamond doesn’t appear white to you on the screen, avoid buying.  Take a look at this H color diamond round.   It looks white and is safe to buy.   Now compare it to this J color diamond.  Pay close attention to the side angle of the diamond.  The diamond color starts at the bottom tip.  I would avoid this stone.  Diamond shapes also need to be taken into account.  Round diamonds hide color best.  A diamond shape like a pear, oval and emerald needs to be a higher color. 

Also remember this tip:  If you are using a yellow gold or rose gold, it will change the perception of color in your diamond.  A lower grade is more acceptable in yellow gold and rose gold engagement rings.

Diamond cut 

The cut is king.  Every shape has different rules, so below I will provide an easy pre-formatted button for you.  All asp[ects will be selected for you with ideal settings.  Cut grades are always a priority.