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Bottom Line Recommendation about Lab-Grown DIamond Color
Since lab-grown diamond color options like E and D colorless are highly affordable, compromising on quality is unnecessary. With a budget of approximately $1,000 to $1,400, you can acquire a stunning 1.00 carat colorless diamond from a reliable seller such as this one. The carat weight of a diamond significantly influences its price and size, making it an essential factor to consider when purchasing lab-grown diamonds.
For those considering a 2.00 carat colorless diamond, a realistic budget would range from $3,000 to $4,000, depending on the diamond’s quality as you can see here. By contrast, a natural diamond of similar size and quality could cost upwards of $18,000.
If cost-saving is a priority and a nearly-colorless grade is acceptable, a budget of $2,500 to $3,500 would suffice for a J-H color 2.00 carat diamond, as showcased in this collection.
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Today we are going to cover how to pick the right color for your lab-grown diamond. It’s pretty different than natural diamonds, so make sure to keep reading.
Diamonds come in different colors which tells how valuable it is. Generally, diamonds with a slight brownish or yellowish tint are not desirable or attractive (unless you don’t mind). The basis is, the more colorless a diamond is, the more valuable and radiant it is. This is why color is not a factor to ignore while shopping for a diamond. Of course, you can compromise over the color grade to a certain degree to get a larger diamond with a better cut and clarity, but you need to know how to do it right (you’ll learn everything in this article).
One might think that lab-grown diamonds are perfectly white, but lab-created diamonds have their flaws too. Like natural diamonds, lab diamonds have a wide range of colors and clarities due to the lab’s level of technology. While some labs have the knowledge and the tech to produce colorless grades such as F, E, and D, other labs create lower grades such as J, I, and H.
What to know about diamond color
Here are four critical vital factors you should keep in mind while searching for the right color for your diamond:
Only a grading professional should determine the color grade of a diamond.
The color affects the value and price
The ring’s metal affects the appearance of the diamond’s color
Fancy colored diamonds such as yellow, pink, and blue have a different grading system from colorless diamonds
Each grade contains a wide range of sub-grades, each with a different tint or shade. But more on that later…so keep reading!
As-grown diamonds vs. Treated diamonds: How it affects the color
This is one of the most important subjects to understand to make sure you’re not getting scammed.
There are two methods to produce lab-grown diamonds:
High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) – usually creates colorless diamonds
Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) – usually creates grey and brown diamonds.
When buying a lab-grown diamond, make sure it’s:
Marked as “as-grown diamond” within the certificate
Try to stick with HPHT diamonds. Usually, HPHT is as-grown diamonds, CVD diamonds 99.9% aren’t.
Why is that important?
The HPHT process mimics the conditions in nature, which results in higher quality diamonds. Therefore, there is no need for post-growth treatment or color enhancement to make the diamonds appear better.
CVD diamonds, on the opposite, require post-growth treatment to enhance the diamond’s color since no one is interested in brown or grey diamonds.
As you can understand, HPHT diamonds worth more since the creation involves a higher cost, complex knowledge, and advanced technology. In fact, CVD treated diamonds worth around 50% less than HPHT as grown diamonds.
So, where is the risk?
Many diamond dealers know most customers are not aware of the difference, so they try to sell CVD-treated diamonds for the same price as HPHT as-grown diamonds.
Always check the diamond certificate; make sure they mention it’s HPHT and as-grown. If you don’t see it, skip to the next diamond. Don’t risk your money.
Lab-grown diamonds yellowish and bluish tint
We already know that some diamonds show a yellowish tint, but why is that? Well, it’s because these diamonds contain nitrogen, which causes the yellow tint. It can happen both in natural and lab-grown diamonds.
Be aware that you can find a bluish tint in some lab diamonds instead of the classic yellowish one. This is because such diamonds contain boron, which adds a bluish color to the diamond. In high colorless grades such as G and higher, the naked eye won’t see the bluish tint, and the diamond will appear as colorless.
The lab-created diamonds color scale
On your personal journey for the best diamond within your budget, it’s vital to verify what you are paying for. Every lab-grown diamond you consider buying should have a certificate from a respected lab, either from the IGI or GIA. This is because the IGI/GIA provides particular grades for each diamond. To avoid getting ripped off or even getting scammed, make sure to ask for the certificate. When investing thousands of dollars, don’t gamble and stay on the safe side.
The IGI and the GIA have a diamond color grading scale that ranges from D to Z, where D is a completely colorless diamond, while Z is a diamond with a visible brown or yellow color.
Grade D
The highest color grade in the chart, completely colorless. The diamond doesn’t show any tint both under magnification and when inspected with a naked eye.
Grade E and F
In general, Lab-grown diamonds in this color range are almost as colorless as D grade. To the naked eye, they are similar. Moreover, an ordinary buyer cannot tell the difference between F-D diamonds. Although F, E, and D are considered colorless diamonds, sometimes an F can show a highly soft yellowish or bluish tint. Keep in mind, it’s completely safe and can’t be noticed with a naked eye.
Grade G-H
HPHT diamonds in this grade are nearly colorless to the naked eye but do show a yellowish to bluish tint to some degree. CVD diamonds will deliver a stronger tint and even appear brownish or greyish.
Grade J-I
HPHT and CVD as-grown lab diamonds will show a soft yellowish tint, exactly like natural diamonds. Therefore, such a diamond can still be beautiful when mounted in the right setting (yellow gold or rose gold). However, a CVD lab-created diamond will show a solid brown or grey color, which is why I recommend avoiding it.
Sub-Grades: The key to success
Here are my 2 cents to make sure you pick the right color. This subject will turn you from an average diamond buyer to an intelligent buyer. Although some diamonds share the same color grade, for example, F grade: some F diamonds are brighter and colorless. On the opposite, some F diamonds show a stronger yellowish tint. This is true for all grades. To these sub-grades, we call “high F” and “low F” (or any other grade). This is why you can find some G colors that appear brighter and others that contain a lot of boron, which adds a robust bluish tint.
When searching for a diamond, always check the diamond from the side-view. This way, the diamond reveals its actual tint. Also, by putting both diamonds side by side from the side-view, you can compare their colors and pick the right one.
Lab-grown diamonds color: buying tips
Long story short, with lab-grown diamonds, aim to F grade minimum. Lab diamonds are so affordable; the difference between G nearly colorless and F colorless can sometimes be as little as $50 difference. It’s worth that extra step, trust me. You can get this 1.03 carat G VS1 for $1,950 or this beautiful 1.02 carat F VS1 for $2,000
Unless you are short on budget and can’t reach the carat mark you wish to get, there is no reason to compromise over color. The lowest color you should limit yourself to is H nearly colorless. Some show strong tint, but you might find a great deal when the research is done right.
Apart from validating the IGI certificate, have an expert on your side who can help you analyze each diamond keenly. A true expert can tell when a jeweler tries to pull off a trick to enhance the diamond’s color with strong lights or when the deal doesn’t give you good value for money.
Always inspect the diamond under natural light. Most stores use strong lights to make their diamonds appear brighter and hide their tint. What you see in the shop is not what you’ll see at home.
Always keep in mind the ring setting while choosing your diamond. Remember the color of the metal affects how the color of a diamond is perceived. Overall, the diamond should be the brightest main focal point and relatively white compared to the setting’s tint.
Matching center diamond color with side stones
If you plan to get a pave, halo, three-stone, or any other setting that involves side stones, there are two ways to make sure your center diamond stands out. The first option is quite simple, pick side stones that share a similar grade as the center diamond. For example, in this engagement ring, we can see a G center stone diamond with an H-G halo setting. The other option is to make sure the center diamond has the highest color grade and the accent diamonds have a slightly lower grade. For example, this engagement ring has an F color center stone, with an H-G pave setting. This ensures the center diamond stands out as the white sparkly and main focal point of the ring. Overall, make sure the colors of all the diamonds complement each other.
Fluorescence of lab diamonds: how it affects the color
In short, fluorescence refers to the way a diamond reacts to ultraviolet light. In general, medium to strong fluorescence makes the brilliance of a diamond dull and hazy. While finding fluorescence in natural diamonds is very common, it is rare to see it in lab-created diamonds.
Does the color grade affect the price?
The price of a diamond is mainly affected by the 4c’s: carat, clarity, cut, and color. Therefore, the higher the grades, the higher the price. As discussed earlier, there is a color grading scale that ranges from D-Z, and diamonds are separated into 3 main groups:
The lower group shows tint.
The middle group is nearly colorless.
The highest group is colorless.
The price difference between nearly colorless diamonds (J-G) is not that expensive. Sometimes you can pay only $50 more and get a colorless F diamond. On the other hand, E-D grades are naturally more costly since it’s more complicated to produce them.
Lab diamonds Vs. Natural diamonds: Color price comparison
Let’s make a price comparison between natural diamonds and lab diamonds when the only factor we change each time is the color. All diamonds are 1.00 carat, VS1 with ideal cut.
| Diamond Color | Natural Diamond | Lab-created Diamonds |
|---|---|---|
| I | $3,790 | $1,100 |
| H | $4,370 | $1,200 |
| G | $4,900 | $1,150 |
| F | $5,660 | $1,210 |
| E | $6,060 | $1,350 |
| D | $6,580 | $1,440 |
Fancy Color Lab Created Diamonds
Fancy colored diamond options, including yellow-colored lab diamonds, are common and accessible in several colors ranging from light yellow to vivid. The yellow shade comes from the nitrogen, which can be lab-controlled to make the desired yellow hue. These diamonds can also have an orange shade gotten from the solvent used in the growing process. If the lab diamond gets exposed to boron, it will have a blue hue ranging from pale to intense.
How to keep your diamond bright and beautiful
As much as your diamond is beautiful, you still need to put in some work to keep it this way. Because a diamond that is not well-cared for can become cloudy and dull after some time. It happens because of the build-up of dirt and oils from daily wear. However, there are many ways to keep your diamond sparkling brightly.
The first step in cleaning diamonds is choosing the appropriate cleaner products specifically designed to use those precious stones. For example, you should never use household cleaners or detergents that contain ammonia, as these chemicals could damage the stone’s surface with prolonged contact. Instead, it’s important to always select a gentle cleaner such as soap, water, or a unique jewelry cleanser (never solvents).
Secondly, you should pay close attention to how you store your gemstone when it isn’t being worn so it won’t get damaged.
Store it in a soft cloth bag or felt-lined jewelry box to avoid scratching.
Avoid exposing your diamond ring to chemicals and harsh cleaners at all costs! They can scratch the surface of your gemstone, causing irreparable damage.
Thirdly you should polish it regularly, which will keep its luster intact for years. Doing so also helps prevent any oxidation that may occur over time due to exposure to air. Finally, if you buy your diamond from my recommended supplier, you can go to any Jared or Kay stores and get a professional polish for free (for life).
Conclusion
Let’s sum it up to the key points when it comes to picking the right color for your lab-grown diamond:
Always ask for a certified diamond by the IGI or the GIA.
Try to get an F color and above, limit yourself to an H grade. Lab-created diamonds are so affordable, there is no reason to compromise over color that much.
Always inspect the diamond under natural light and from the side-view.
Remember that yellow gold and rose gold settings reflect their color into the diamond, which results in a stronger tint.
It’s always better to have an expert on your side. If you need help picking the right diamond within your budget, I am here (for free)
Frequently Asked Questions
What color is the best lab-grown diamond?
The best color for a lab-grown diamond depends on personal preference and the intended setting of the diamond. Colorless diamonds (graded D, E, F) are generally considered the highest quality because they allow the most light to pass through, enhancing sparkle and brilliance.
Do lab-grown diamonds turn color?
Lab-grown diamonds do not turn color over time. They are stable and maintain their color as they are created to mirror the properties of natural diamonds, which are chemically and physically stable.
Are lab-grown diamonds always colorless?
No, lab-grown diamonds are not always colorless. They can range from colorless to light yellow or brown, similar to natural diamonds. The color depends on the specific conditions under which the diamonds are created.
Do lab diamonds look gray?
Some lab diamonds can sometimes appear gray, especially those created through the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) method, which might incorporate certain impurities that give a grayish hue.
Do lab diamonds fade over time?
Lab diamonds do not fade over time. They maintain their color and clarity indefinitely under normal conditions, similar to natural diamonds.
Do all lab diamonds have a blue tint?
Not all lab diamonds have a blue tint. A blue tint can occur if boron is present during the diamond’s growth process, but this is not a standard characteristic for all lab diamonds.
Do lab diamonds glow in the dark?
Lab diamonds do not glow in the dark. Like natural diamonds, they do not possess phosphorescent properties and require light to appear luminous.
Will lab diamonds get cloudy?
Lab diamonds do not fade over time. They maintain their color and clarity indefinitely under normal conditions, similar to natural diamonds.
Why does your lab diamond look blue?
If a lab diamond looks blue, it might be due to the presence of boron during the growth process or due to fluorescence, which can emit a blue glow under UV light. This is not a common feature for all lab diamonds.
What is the difference between D and E color lab diamonds?
The difference between D and E color lab diamonds is minimal, affecting mostly the diamond’s valuation rather than its appearance. D color diamonds are completely colorless, while E color diamonds have a nearly undetectable amount of color.
What does the color of a lab diamond mean?
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