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My Bottom Line Recommendation
For those of you in a hurry, let me summarize the top places to buy lab-grown diamonds based on my experience and extensive research. Without further ado, let’s unveil our carefully curated bottom-line recommendations:
The Ultimate Buying Experience: My top-recommended retailer provides an unparalleled online shopping experience for lab-grown diamonds. With a vast inventory of over 60,000 lab-grown diamonds, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect one. Each diamond listing includes a 40X magnification video, using trustworthy videography technology to showcase the true beauty and any potential flaws. You can confidently make your choice, even without being a diamond expert.
GIA Lab-Grown Diamonds Galore: Boasting over 15,000 GIA-certified lab-grown diamonds, this trustworthy retailer is the largest online seller of GIA lab diamonds globally. If a GIA-certified lab-grown diamond is what you’re after, you can expect competitive pricing, clear 360-degree videos, and the ability to select the ideal diamond within your budget.
Affordable Prices Without Compromise: Scouring for a great deal on a diamond can be challenging, and many buyers inadvertently fall prey to scams while searching for low prices. Our recommended retailer offers a wide selection of lab-grown diamonds at 10% off, ensuring that what you see through the 40X magnification is exactly what you’ll receive – all while enjoying a discounted price.
>> Click here to see the 10% off collection <<
Distinctive Engagement Ring Designs: If budget isn’t a concern and you’re seeking unique designs that may come with a premium price tag, I recommend exploring this retailer’s offerings. You’ll find an array of stunning engagement rings unavailable elsewhere, complemented by a vast selection of competitively priced lab-grown diamonds.
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Table of Contents
Embarking on the journey to find the best place to buy lab-grown diamonds might seem daunting, particularly for those new to the scene. Fret not, as I’m here to offer a helping hand and ensure you discover the perfect diamond without any hassle.
In this article, we’ll explore the crucial factors to consider when searching for a reliable retailer. After that, we’ll evaluate different retailers and rank them, making it a cinch for you to compare and select the ideal option that caters to your needs.
Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
Factors to consider when choosing the best place to buy lab-grown diamonds
When looking for the perfect place to buy lab-grown diamonds, weighing several factors to make an informed decision is essential. Here are the key aspects to consider when choosing the best retailer for your lab-grown diamond purchase:
1. Reputation and Credibility:
Opt for a reputable retailer with positive customer reviews and testimonials. A solid return policy is also an indicator of a trustworthy company that stands behind its products.
2. Selection and Variety:
Seek out retailers with a diverse selection of lab-grown diamonds, including various shapes, sizes, and styles. This ensures you find the perfect stone that caters to your unique preferences.
3. Certification and Authenticity:
4. Price and Value:
Compare prices among different retailers to get the most bang for your buck. Watch for promotions and discounts to secure a better deal on your dream diamond.
5. Customer Service:
Look for retailers with responsive and helpful customer service, as this demonstrates that you’re in good hands, especially when making a significant investment.
6. High-Quality Diamond Videos:
Choose a retailer that offers detailed 360-degree videos of their diamonds under 10x-40x magnification. Reputable sellers like James Allen and Blue Nile are known for providing consistent and trustworthy diamond imagery. Ensure the videos are unedited and showcase the true beauty and flaws of the diamond.
Check easily if the diamond is eye-clean or not
Not eye-clean
Eye-clean
By considering these factors while shopping for lab-grown diamonds, you’ll be well-prepared to make a well-informed decision and ultimately find the perfect lab-created diamond for you or your loved one.
Top 3 best places to buy a lab-grown diamond
And now… the moment we’ve all been waiting for! My recommended retailers:
James Allen
James Allen has earned a sterling reputation as a reliable and trustworthy online diamond retailer dedicated to providing customers with an exceptional buying experience. In this summary, we’ll delve into what sets James Allen apart from the competition, highlighting its commitment to quality, value, and customer satisfaction.
- Reputation and Credibility: Established in 2008, James Allen has built a solid reputation within the diamond industry. Their acquisition by Signet Jewelers, one of the world’s largest jewelry companies, further cements their credibility and protects your investment.
- Selection and Variety of Diamonds: James Allen caters to a wide range of tastes and budgets with a staggering inventory of nearly 600,000 natural and 60,000 lab-grown diamonds. Their exclusive True Hearts collection showcases the top 1% of round diamonds, offering unparalleled brilliance and fire for those seeking the very best.
- Certification and Authenticity: James Allen is committed to providing certified and authentic diamonds, offering only IGI and GIA-certified options. This gives customers detailed information about each diamond’s characteristics and growth process, ensuring they can make well-informed decisions.
- Price and Value: Competitive pricing is a hallmark of James Allen, with both natural and lab-grown diamonds available at attractive price points. This makes them an excellent choice for those looking to invest in stunning jewelry without breaking the bank.
- Customer Service, Buying Policies, and Showrooms: James Allen prioritizes customer satisfaction, offering hassle-free returns, lifetime upgrades, and warranties on their products. Fast and free shipping, easy-to-use online customization tools, and a partnership with Kay Jewelers for complimentary cleaning services enhance the customer experience. You can also visit their showrooms and get a one-on-one experience while seeing the diamonds in person.
- High-Quality Diamond Videos: A standout feature of James Allen is its amazing 360-degree diamond videos, which allow customers to inspect each diamond in detail under 40x magnification. This state-of-the-art technology empowers even novice buyers to confidently select the perfect diamond.
James Allen Top Tier 360 Videos Example
In conclusion, James Allen stands out as a reputable and reliable diamond retailer, offering an extensive selection, certified authenticity, competitive pricing, top-notch customer service, and cutting-edge diamond inspection technology. Focused on helping customers make informed decisions, James Allen is the ideal choice for anyone purchasing a beautiful, high-quality diamond.
Blue Nile
Blue Nile, a reputable and reliable name in the online diamond industry, has recently expanded its offerings to include GIA-certified lab-grown diamonds. With their competitive pricing, extensive selection, and commitment to customer satisfaction, Blue Nile is quickly becoming a go-to choice for lab diamond shoppers. In this summary, we’ll explore why Blue Nile might be the perfect place to find your dream diamond.
- Reputation and Credibility: Blue Nile has built a solid reputation as a leading online diamond retailer, in fact, they are in the top 2 online retailers along with James Allen in size and value. Their acquisition by Signet Jewelers, the parent company of other well-known brands such as James Allen and Zales, has further strengthened their credibility in the market.
- Selection and Variety of Diamonds: Blue Nile offers a vast selection of nearly 14,000 GIA-certified lab-grown diamonds, catering to various tastes and budgets. From affordable 0.69-carat diamonds to stunning 5.27-carat showstoppers, you’ll find something for every occasion. They have the most extensive GIA-certified lab-grown diamonds collection worldwide, making it the ultimate place if the GIA is what you are looking for.
- Certification and Authenticity: Blue Nile exclusively offers lab-grown diamonds certified by the prestigious GIA. This ensures that the diamonds you purchase are of high quality and meet strict standards for authenticity.
- Price and Value: Blue Nile’s lab-grown diamonds are competitively priced, often more affordable than those offered by retailers like James Allen and Brilliant Earth. With their commitment to value, you can be confident that you’re getting a great deal on a beautiful diamond.
- Customer Service, Buying Policies, and Showrooms: Blue Nile provides exceptional customer service and supports through their live chat and phone assistance. They offer a hassle-free 30-day return and exchange policy, an upgrade program, and a lifetime warranty on their diamonds. While they have physical showrooms if you want to see the diamond in person, their user-friendly website and high-quality diamond videos make for a seamless online shopping experience.
- High-Quality Diamond Videos: Blue Nile has upgraded its diamond videos to give customers a better visual inspection of their diamonds. These 360-degree HD videos, similar to the high standards set by James Allen, enable customers to confidently choose and purchase the perfect diamond online.
In conclusion, Blue Nile’s commitment to quality, value, and customer satisfaction makes them an excellent choice for purchasing lab-grown diamonds. With their extensive selection, GIA certification, and user-friendly shopping experience, Blue Nile is a top contender in the online diamond market.
Brilliant Earth
Brilliant Earth has established itself as a reputable and ethical online diamond retailer focused on elevating industry standards and providing customers with stunning, conflict-free jewelry. In this overview, we’ll explore the unique aspects that make Brilliant Earth stand out, emphasizing its dedication to sustainability, exceptional quality, and outstanding customer experience.
- Reputation and Credibility: Brilliant Earth has been a pioneer in the diamond industry since 2005, with a focus on ethical practices and raising industry standards. Their commitment to offering conflict-free jewelry has gained them a stellar reputation. With a market cap of $428.64M and fiscal year revenue of $380.2M, they have established themselves as a significant player in the market. As a publicly-traded company (BRLT), they maintain transparency and strive to satisfy their shareholders by providing excellent products and services.
- Selection and Variety of Diamonds: Brilliant Earth offers a vast inventory of nearly 100,000 natural diamonds and 128,503 lab-grown diamonds. Their natural diamonds may not be the most affordable option. Still, their unique settings and ethical practices make them worth considering. Their lab-grown diamonds cater to various tastes and budgets, with both CVD and HPHT diamonds graded by reputable labs like IGI, GIA, or GCAL. Moreover, their stunning fancy colored diamonds set them apart from competitors, offering a rare selection of breathtaking colors.
- Certification and Authenticity: Brilliant Earth ensures that all their diamonds are certified by well-respected grading labs such as IGI, GIA, or GCAL. Their partnership with Everledger allows them to provide detailed information about each diamond’s journey through blockchain technology, further enhancing their commitment to transparency and ethical practices.
- Price and Value: Although Brilliant Earth’s prices may not be the lowest on the market, they offer fair and competitive prices compared to both online and brick-and-mortar stores. While cheaper options may be available, investing a bit more in a Brilliant Earth diamond ensures an exceptional buying experience and beautiful results.
- Customer Service, Buying Policies, and Showrooms: Brilliant Earth is dedicated to providing excellent customer service and support through live chat, phone assistance, and virtual appointments. They offer a complimentary 30-day return or replacement policy, 60-day free ring resizing, and free shipping. In addition, Brilliant Earth has over 20 showrooms across the US, where you can schedule an appointment to see the diamond in person and receive one-on-one attention.
- Diamond Videos: Brilliant Earth provides 360 HD videos for around 80% of their lab-grown diamonds. Although the quality of the videos may not be perfect, they still offer valuable insights into the diamond’s appearance. To better understand a diamond’s actual color, you can compare videos taken under similar conditions or visit one of their showrooms to see the diamond in person.
Brilliant Earth Showroom
In summary, Brilliant Earth is a reputable and credible diamond retailer known for its ethical practices and a stunning selection of diamonds and engagement rings. Their commitment to certification and authenticity, competitive pricing, and industry-standard diamond videos make them an excellent choice for customers looking for beautiful engagement rings and ethically-sourced diamonds.
How to verify the quality of lab-grown diamonds
I’m excited to guide you through the process of verifying the quality of your newly purchased lab-grown diamonds. These straightforward steps will give you peace of mind and confidence in your investment.
- Examine the Certificate: First and foremost, make sure your lab-grown diamond comes with a certificate from a reputable organization like GIA, AGS, or IGI. This certification vouches for the quality and authenticity of your gemstone.
- Assess the 4Cs: Get acquainted with the four critical diamond characteristics: carat weight, cut, color, and clarity. These factors establish the overall quality and value of your lab-grown diamond. Compare the diamond you received with the information on the certificate to confirm its quality.
- Inspect Your Diamond Closely: Utilize a jeweler’s loupe or microscope to examine your lab-grown diamond for any inclusions, blemishes, or imperfections. Ensure the diamond’s overall appearance matches the retailer’s description and images.
- Verify the Girdle Number: Reputable diamond grading labs like GIA, IGI, and AGS engrave a certificate number on the diamond’s edge or girdle. This unique number links your diamond to its grading report. Use the lab’s online report check feature to verify your diamond engagement ring by entering this number on their website. Although the inscription is invisible to the naked eye, some retailers, such as James Allen, even provide a diamond loupe in the box for your convenience.
- Consult a Trusted Jeweler: If you need more clarification about your lab-grown diamond’s quality, seek a second opinion from a reliable jeweler. They can professionally evaluate your diamond and provide expert guidance, bolstering your confidence in your purchase.
By following these steps, you can easily confirm the quality of your lab-grown diamond and know that you’ve made an intelligent choice.
How much should I spend on a lab diamond?
Let’s explore how much to allocate for a lab-grown diamond purchase. While no universal answer fits everyone, several factors can help determine your budget for this significant investment. By understanding these factors, you can establish a realistic budget and identify the best option that aligns with your preferences.
Personal Finances:
Your financial situation is the most critical factor to consider. Establish a budget that takes into account your individual circumstances and ensures you’re comfortable with the amount you’re investing in a lab-grown diamond.
Size and Quality:
Lab-grown diamonds come in various sizes and quality levels, directly influencing their cost. Familiarize yourself with the 4Cs (carat weight, cut, color, and clarity) to comprehend how these factors affect a diamond’s price. Generally, larger and higher-quality diamonds carry a higher price tag, so consider your preferences and prioritize accordingly.
Setting and Design:
The diamond’s cost is just one aspect of the overall price. The setting and design of your chosen piece will also contribute to the final cost. Decide whether you prefer a simple or intricate design, and incorporate this into your budget.
Remember that different retailers offer engagement rings at varying prices, and the choice of material will also affect the cost. For instance, platinum settings are less affordable than 14K white gold.
Know Your Limits and Set Realistic Expectations:
Conduct brief research and filter your options based on your budget to understand what you can afford and what’s unrealistic. Generally, you have three options: buy the largest diamond within your budget, strike the best balance between all factors, or compromise on carat weight and opt for a smaller diamond with maximum brilliance, fire (blue and yellow reflections), and sparkle.
Remember to purchase the most beautiful diamond within your budget and avoid exceeding your financial limit.
Two Months' Salary Rule:
Some people adhere to the “two months’ salary rule,” suggesting you allocate the equivalent of two months’ income for a diamond purchase. However, this is merely a guideline, and it’s crucial to set a budget that suits your individual financial situation and preferences.
In conclusion, determining how much to spend on a lab-grown diamond depends on your personal finances, preferences, and priorities. Consider the abovementioned factors, and set a budget that feels comfortable. Remember, a lab-grown diamond symbolizes love and commitment, so focus on finding a piece that genuinely reflects your unique story and relationship.
Why low prices aren't always the best
You might wonder, “Why haven’t you mentioned websites like With Clarity, Clean Origin, Lab-grown Brilliance, and other lower-tier retailers?” Well, my answer is simple.
While the competitive market allows these smaller retailers to offer seemingly “identical products” at lower prices, you may compromise on other aspects. Customer service, diamond quality, and overall buying experience are not on par with those provided by our recommended vendors.
Opting for a cheaper price could come with hidden costs and risks. Personally, I’d rather pay a bit more and have the peace of mind of knowing I’m in good hands. Moreover, if any issues arise with my diamond, I know someone will be available to help me.
Conclusion - My Personal Experience
Whenever someone inquires about where to purchase their lab-grown diamond engagement ring, James Allen is the first name that springs to mind. Undoubtedly, they currently stand as the ultimate choice, checking all the essential boxes.
They have earned their reputation as a legitimate company with a solid background, exceptional customer service, and policies that ensure you’re covered for any issues that may arise. However, the real game-changers are their competitive prices and the industry-leading 360-degree videos.
People reach out to me daily through my contact page, seeking help choosing a diamond. Sometimes, they send me a link to a diamond from an unfamiliar website, accompanied by a low-quality video. It would be unprofessional for me to work with such a website and jeopardize your hard-earned money, even if they offer tempting low prices.
James Allen provides the best customer experience, allowing me to rely on my expertise and keen eye to select the finest diamonds without risking my reputation. For newcomers like yourself, their videos offer peace of mind, ensuring that what you see is precisely what you get. There’s no need to be a diamond expert—simply recognize what looks beautiful and what doesn’t.
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