Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Lab-Grown Diamond Jewellery Online

Lab-grown diamond jewellery is quite accessible and user-friendly when buying online. Comparing various designs, viewing price options, and selecting jewellery from home is possible. In addition, you might find that you can afford to wear more lab-grown diamonds when shopping online due to affordability. 

The most significant problem with online purchasing is the inability to physically inspect the diamond and the jewellery. This makes it very possible to miss vital, essential details about the stone you may purchase and as it relates to the mounting or pendant. 

Here, you will learn about the most common mistakes, helping you to shop confidently when purchasing your online lab-grown diamond. 

1. Thinking Every Lab-Grown Diamond Is Perfect

A lab-grown diamond is created inside a laboratory. Being created in a laboratory means it’s not necessarily a perfect diamond; it may contain inclusions, color, and many other attributes. The difference from a real diamond is how it is rated using its 4Cs - clarity, color, cut, and carat- all of which speak to value.
Thus, do not select the carat, as it is high.

Pay attention to:

• Cut: How well the diamond reflects light.

• Color: How much color is visible in the stone.

• Clarity: The number and visibility of inclusions.

• Carat: The weight of the diamond.

A better deal for the looks of the diamond can be obtained using a decent blend of 4Cs.

2. Focusing on Carat Instead of Cut

A larger diamond may look impressive in an online picture. But size is not everything.

Cut affects how a diamond handles light. A well-cut stone can look bright and lively. A poorly cut diamond may look dark or less sparkling, even when it has a larger carat weight.

What Should You Check?

Check out the cut grade, polish, symmetry, and available images and videos. For round diamonds, grading reports often offer extensive detail regarding proportions and quality of cut.

Please don't confuse shape with cut! Round, oval, pear, and emerald are all shapes, while cut refers to the quality of its crafting and light show.

3. Skipping the Grading Report

One of the biggest online shopping mistakes is buying a diamond without checking its grading report.

A reputable independent laboratory report gives you important information about the stone. It can confirm its origin and document details such as the 4Cs. GIA and IGI both provide laboratory-grown diamond grading or assessment services. 

Before You Buy

Check whether:

• The seller provides a grading report.

• The report number can be verified online.

• The report matches the diamond being advertised.

• The diamond is clearly identified as laboratory-grown.

IGI, for example, allows buyers to verify report details online. GIA also recommends checking report information when buying diamonds online. 

Do not rely only on a seller's own description of the diamond.

4. Mistaking a Simulant for a Lab-Grown Diamond

Not every stone described as “lab-created” is a lab-grown diamond.

This is where online product descriptions can become confusing. Cubic zirconia (CZ) and moissanite are diamond alternatives, but they are not lab-grown diamonds. They have different chemical and physical properties.

A genuine lab-grown diamond is diamond material. A simulant is a different gemstone that is made to look similar.

The Simple Rule

Always look for the words “lab-grown diamond” in the product description. Then check the grading report to confirm the stone's identity.

Independent laboratories can screen gemstones to determine whether they are natural, laboratory-grown, or simulant. 

5. Paying Attention Only to the Diamond

When you look at pictures of jewellery online, it's easy to get captivated by the central gemstone. However, the setting also plays an integral role. Beautiful diamonds would be of no use if their setting are not strong, durable, and designed with your lifestyle in mind. Before purchasing your piece, verify:

• Metal Type: Check for 14K or 18K gold. For platinum, look for 950 Platinum.

• Prongs: Make sure the prongs hold the gemstone securely.

• Setting Style: Choose a setting that fits your lifestyle.

• Jewellery measurements: Be aware of the band width and size for a necklace. 

• Product images: View the jewellery piece from all angles. 

Wherever you purchase your pieces from, ensure that the listing has clear product images and videos; this will enable you to make the best decision. 

6. Ignoring the Seller's Policies

Buying jewellery online can be tempting when the price is low. But price is not everything. Pictures may look different in person. The size may also be wrong. You may need to exchange the item.

Factors to check before purchasing:

Return policy: Know how many days you have to return the item.

Exchange policy: Check whether size changes or exchanges are offered or not. 

Warranty: Examine what will be covered if a problem occurs with a setting or other jewellery item. 

Shipping and insurance: Understand how your package will be secure during the shipment. 

Customer reviews: Read reviews by actual customers rather than just looking at promotional pictures. 

These policies will typically be visible to buyers of any reputable seller and can prevent disputes in the future. 

Conclusion

Shopping for a lab-grown diamond engagement ring is easier and more cost-effective when ordering online. However, you should not get caught up in the pretty pictures or good prices. Taking the time to check out the 4Cs of the diamond, consider the cut, get a certification, ensure the jewellery is made from actual lab-created diamonds (and not just simulants), as well as examine the metals used, ring settings, the shop's review and refund plan, is a great way to have a beautiful result in accordance with your expectations and your budget.

If you are looking for a trusted option, explore Siara By Ark for a range of lab-grown diamond jewellery and engagement rings.