How to Buy a Lab Grown Diamond: A Simple Buying Guide

Lab grown diamonds have become one of the most popular choices for engagement rings and fine jewelry. They look the same as mined diamonds, they are graded the same way, and they cost far less. But with so many shapes, grades and certificates to compare, choosing the right stone can feel confusing.

This lab grown diamond buying guide gives you the short answer first, then explains what lab grown diamonds are, how to read their quality grades, and the simple checks that help you buy with confidence.

Shop the styles in this guide

Radiant Cut Hidden Halo Pave Lab Diamond Engagement RingSolitaire Round Brilliant Lab Diamond Eternity Engagement RingPear Cut Lab Diamond Hidden Halo Pave Solitaire Engagement RingVintage Marquise Cut Lab Diamond With Side Stone Engagement Ring

Quick Lab Grown Diamond Buying Checklist

• Cut: choose Excellent or Ideal, with Excellent polish and symmetry.
• Color: D to F for an icy white look, or G to H for the best value.
• Clarity: VS1 or VS2 is usually eye-clean.
• Certificate: ask for an IGI report with full grades and check that its number matches the listing.
• Shape and carat: pick the shape you love first, then the size that fits your budget.

What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?

A lab grown diamond is a real diamond made of pure carbon, grown in a laboratory instead of mined from the earth. It has the same chemical, physical and optical properties as a mined diamond, including a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale. In 2018 the US Federal Trade Commission updated its definition of a diamond so that it no longer depends on whether the stone was mined.

Lab diamonds are grown with one of two methods:

• HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature): recreates the heat and pressure deep inside the earth.
• CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition): grows the diamond layer by layer from carbon-rich gas.

Both methods produce real diamonds. Neither is better by default; the final grade of the individual stone is what matters.

Shown: Dutch Marquise Hidden Halo with Pave Band Lab Diamond Ring

Lab Grown vs Mined Diamonds: The Key Differences

The practical takeaway: a lab grown diamond lets you choose a larger or higher-grade stone for the same budget. If resale value is important to you, keep in mind that lab diamonds are bought for their beauty, not as an investment.

How to Choose a Lab Grown Diamond: The 4Cs

Lab grown diamonds are graded on the same 4Cs as mined diamonds.

1. Cut

Cut decides how much a diamond sparkles, so it is the most important of the four. Look for Excellent or Ideal cut, with Excellent polish and symmetry.

2. Color

Color is graded from D (colorless) to Z. D to F are colorless, while G to H look near-colorless to most people and offer great value, especially in yellow or rose gold.

3. Clarity

Clarity measures tiny internal marks called inclusions. VS1 or VS2 diamonds are usually eye-clean, meaning you cannot see inclusions without magnification. VVS grades are even cleaner but cost more.

4. Carat

Carat is the weight of the diamond. Because lab diamonds are more affordable, many buyers move up from 1 carat to 1.5 or 2 carats for the same budget.

How the 4Cs Work Together

No single grade tells the whole story. A well cut G color stone often looks brighter and whiter than a poorly cut E color stone, because strong light return masks a faint tint. In the same way, a VS2 diamond with its inclusion near the edge can look cleaner than a VS1 with a mark right under the table.

The smart approach is to set a minimum for each grade, then compare stones that clear all four. That keeps you from paying for a top color grade while accepting a cut that leaves the diamond looking flat.

Where to Spend and Where to Save

Buying just under a popular carat weight is one of the simplest savings. The difference in size is impossible to see once the stone is set, but stones at round numbers tend to cost more because demand clusters there.

Shown: Oval Cut Lab Diamond Bridal Ring Set with Eternity Band

Always Ask for a Grading Certificate

A grading report from an independent lab confirms the stone's carat, measurements and quality, and states that the diamond is laboratory grown. Many stones also carry a tiny laser inscription on the girdle that matches the report number.

For lab grown diamonds, an IGI report is the most useful because it lists the full grades: cut, color, clarity and carat. GIA changed its lab grown reports in October 2025: instead of letter grades for color and clarity, it now labels each stone "Premium" or "Standard." Both labs are independent and trusted, but an IGI report makes it easier to compare stones grade by grade.

Before you buy, check that the report number on the listing matches the certificate, and that the carat and grades on the certificate match the product page.

How to Read a Grading Report

A report has more useful information than the four headline grades. When you open one, check these lines:

• Report number and inscription: the number printed on the report should match the laser inscription on the girdle, when there is one.
• Origin statement: the report should clearly say the diamond is laboratory grown. Some reports also state the growth method, CVD or HPHT.
• Measurements: length, width and depth in millimeters. Two stones of the same carat weight can face up at different sizes, so compare millimeters, not only carats.
• Proportions: table and depth percentages help you judge how well the stone handles light, especially for fancy shapes that do not get a cut grade.
• Fluorescence: how the stone reacts to UV light. In most lab diamonds this has little visible effect in normal lighting.
• Comments: notes about post-growth treatment, which is common in lab diamonds to improve color, are listed here. Treatment that is disclosed on the report is normal and not a reason for concern on its own.

For a deeper look at how the two main labs differ, see our guide to IGI vs GIA lab grown diamond certificates.

How We Check Every Piece at Ivevar

We design, cast, set and polish our jewelry in our own workshop in Surat, India, one of the world's main diamond-cutting centers. Before production starts, we send you a CAD design of your piece for approval. Before your order ships, we share photos or a video of the finished piece so you can see exactly what you are receiving. For certified loose diamonds, we share the grading report so you can match the report number yourself.

Popular Shapes for Lab Grown Diamonds

• Round: the most brilliant and classic choice.
• Oval: elongated, flattering on the finger, and looks larger than a round of the same weight.
• Emerald: elegant step cut with a clean, vintage look.
• Pear: a graceful teardrop shape that combines round and marquise.
• Cushion and Radiant: soft square shapes with lots of sparkle.

Matching the Shape to the Wearer

Shape is a personal choice, but a few practical points help narrow it down:

• Longer, slimmer look on the finger: oval, pear, marquise and elongated radiant or emerald cuts draw the eye along the finger.
• Most sparkle for an active lifestyle: round and oval brilliants hide small inclusions and scratches on the setting well and have no sharp corners to chip.
• Clean, architectural style: emerald and Asscher step cuts show flashes of light rather than glitter, so choose higher clarity for them.
• Largest look for the weight: ovals, pears and marquise cuts usually show more surface area from the top than a round of the same carat weight.

Pointed shapes such as pear, marquise and princess should sit in a setting with protective prongs or a V-tip on each point, because the tips are the most exposed part of the stone.

Shown: Round Cut Lab Diamond Cushion Halo Engagement Ring

Loose Diamond or Finished Jewelry?

Buying a loose lab grown diamond lets you pick the exact stone and certificate first, then choose a setting. If you prefer a ready design, browse our lab grown diamond engagement rings, such as the Classic Oval Solitaire Ring, or everyday pieces like lab grown diamond stud earrings, including our Oval Solitaire Studs.

If you plan to choose the stone first, our step-by-step guide on how to buy a loose lab grown diamond walks through comparing listings, reports and measurements in detail.

Choosing a Setting Style

The setting affects how big the diamond looks, how secure it is, and how easy the ring is to wear every day. Here are the most common styles and what each does well.

• Solitaire: a single stone on a plain or pave band. It puts all the attention on the center diamond and is the easiest style to clean. Browse lab diamond solitaire rings.
• Halo: a ring of small diamonds around the center stone. It makes the center look larger and adds sparkle, which suits buyers who want maximum presence. See lab diamond halo rings.
• Hidden halo: small diamonds set under the center stone, visible from the side. It keeps a clean top view with a detail you notice up close.
• Three stone: a center diamond flanked by two side stones, often read as past, present and future. It covers more of the finger and suits wider hands. It pairs well with oval, pear and emerald center stones.
• Bezel: a rim of metal around the stone. It is the most protective option and works well for people who work with their hands.

Prongs and Profile

Four prongs show more of the diamond, while six prongs hold it more securely and make a round stone look slightly rounder. A low profile setting sits closer to the finger and catches less on clothing, while a high setting lets more light reach the stone and leaves room for a wedding band to sit flush.

Choosing a Metal

The metal changes both the look of the ring and how it wears over time. At Ivevar, pieces are made in 925 sterling silver or 10K to 18K gold.

White gold makes a colorless diamond look icy, while yellow and rose gold add warmth and make a G or H color stone look whiter by contrast. If you plan to wear a wedding band next to the engagement ring, choose the same metal and karat for both so they wear evenly.

Getting the Ring Size Right

A ring that spins, pinches or slides over the knuckle is uncomfortable and puts the diamond at risk. Because made to order pieces are crafted to your size, it is worth measuring carefully before you order.

• Measure at the end of the day, when fingers are slightly larger, and avoid measuring when your hands are cold.
• Choose a size that slides over the knuckle with slight resistance and does not spin freely.
• Wide bands, 5mm and up, often need a quarter to a half size larger than a thin band.
• If you are buying as a surprise, borrow a ring the wearer already wears on the same finger and measure its inside diameter.

Our ring size chart explains how to measure at home with a strip of paper or an existing ring.

What Affects the Cost of a Lab Grown Diamond

Price differences between two stones that look similar in photos almost always trace back to a handful of factors:

• Carat weight: cost rises faster than size, so a stone twice as heavy costs more than twice as much.
• Cut quality: better proportions take more of the rough crystal and more skilled polishing time.
• Color and clarity: each step up costs more, even when the difference is hard to see.
• Shape: rounds lose more rough crystal in cutting than most fancy shapes, so they tend to cost more at the same weight.
• Certification: a graded stone with a full report usually costs more than an ungraded one, and the report is worth it for center stones.
• Setting and metal: halos, pave bands and higher karat gold add metal, labor and small diamonds to the total.

Lab Grown Diamond vs Moissanite

Moissanite is the other popular alternative to a mined diamond, and the two are easy to confuse online. They are different materials with different looks.

Choose a lab diamond if you want a diamond in every sense. Choose moissanite engagement rings if you love extra fire and want the biggest look for the budget. Our moissanite vs lab grown diamond vs mined diamond page compares all three side by side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Shopping by carat alone. A large stone with a poor cut looks dull and smaller than its weight suggests. Our guide to lab grown diamond cut grades shows what to look for.
2. Paying for grades you cannot see. D color and FL clarity are rare labels, not visible upgrades, once the stone is set.
3. Skipping the report check. Always match the report number, carat and measurements to the listing.
4. Ignoring the setting. Thin prongs, a very thin band or an unprotected point can matter more for daily wear than one clarity grade.
5. Guessing the ring size. Measure properly, especially for made to order rings.
6. Buying for resale. Lab diamonds are a great way to get more diamond for your money, not a way to store value.

Step-by-Step Buying Checklist

1. Set a total budget that covers both the diamond and the setting.
2. Choose the shape the wearer loves.
3. Pick a setting style and metal that fit their lifestyle.
4. Set minimum grades: Excellent cut, G or better color, VS2 or better clarity is a strong starting point.
5. Compare stones by millimeter measurements, not only carat weight.
6. Check the grading report and match its number, carat and grades to the listing.
7. Ask for photos or video of the actual stone or finished piece.
8. Confirm the ring size with a proper measurement.
9. Read the seller's shipping, insurance and return terms before you pay.
10. Plan for care: a soft brush, mild soap and a regular prong check.

Who a Lab Grown Diamond Suits

A lab grown diamond is a strong fit if you want a real diamond with the same hardness and brilliance as a mined one, and you would rather put your budget toward size, cut quality or a better setting. It also suits buyers who want a stone with a clear, documented origin and a grading report.

It may not be the right pick if resale value is a priority, or if the wearer has a strong personal attachment to a stone formed in the earth. In those cases, a mined diamond or a family stone in a new setting might feel more meaningful.

Caring for Your Lab Grown Diamond

Lab diamonds do not get cloudy or lose their sparkle, but lotion, soap and skin oils build up on the back of the stone and make it look dull. Clean it every week or two with warm water, a drop of mild dish soap and a soft toothbrush, then rinse and dry with a lint-free cloth.

Take rings off for heavy lifting, gardening and swimming in chlorinated water, and store each piece separately so diamonds do not scratch other jewelry or each other. Have prongs checked once or twice a year. Our jewelry care guide covers cleaning by metal type.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?

Yes. They are made of the same carbon crystal as mined diamonds and pass standard diamond testers.

Can a jeweler tell a lab diamond from a mined one?

Not by eye. Telling them apart requires specialized lab equipment.

Do lab grown diamonds get cloudy or change color?

No. A good quality lab diamond keeps its sparkle and color for a lifetime, just like a mined diamond.

Is a lab grown diamond the same as moissanite?

No. Moissanite is a different gemstone made of silicon carbide. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds made of carbon.

What is the best color and clarity for a lab grown diamond?

For most buyers, G or H color and VS1 or VS2 clarity give an eye-clean, white look at a sensible cost. Step cuts such as emerald and Asscher benefit from higher clarity because their open facets show more.

Is CVD or HPHT better?

Neither method is better by default. Both produce real diamonds, and the grades on the report tell you far more about how a stone will look than the growth method does.

Will a lab grown diamond pass a diamond tester?

Yes. Standard thermal diamond testers read lab grown diamonds as diamond, because they conduct heat the same way. Only advanced lab equipment can identify a stone as lab grown.

How big should an engagement ring diamond be?

There is no correct size. Think about the wearer's finger width, their style and how they use their hands, then compare millimeter measurements on the hand rather than chasing a carat number.

Can I buy a lab grown diamond online with confidence?

Yes, if the stone comes with a grading report you can verify, the listing shows real photos or video, and you read the seller's shipping and return terms before you pay.

Find Your Lab Grown Diamond

Browse oval, round, emerald and pear lab grown diamonds, check the grading details on each listing, or design a custom ring with our team. Every order includes free worldwide shipping and 30-day easy returns.

Related Guides

• Are lab grown diamonds real? The facts explained
• Lab grown diamonds: common myths busted
• How to buy lab grown diamond stud earrings

Author Bio

Aumsri Pradhan

Founder, Ivevar Luxury

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Aumsri Pradhan is the founder of Ivevar Luxury, a Surat-based fine jewelry brand that designs and handcrafts lab grown diamond and moissanite jewelry in its own workshop. She leads the brand's design and customer experience, from engagement rings and bridal sets to custom pieces made to each client's story. Through the Ivevar blog, she shares practical guidance on lab grown diamonds, moissanite, diamond grading and ring design to help buyers choose with confidence.

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