Choosing an engagement ring involves more than finding a design that looks attractive in a display case. The centre stone, diamond proportions, setting, metal, ring profile and grading information can all affect how the finished ring looks and performs in everyday wear.
For shoppers researching engagement rings Parramatta, lab-grown diamonds have also expanded the range of options available. They offer the physical and optical characteristics associated with diamond while having a different origin from naturally mined stones.
A useful way to approach the purchase is to separate the decision into three parts: the diamond, the setting and the retailer’s documentation and service terms.
Table of Contents
Start With the Diamond Rather Than Carat Weight Alone
Carat is a measure of weight, so it indicates how much a diamond really weighs, but it does not say to you how big it will look on your finger.
So, two one-carat diamonds can look different because of the shape and distribution of their weight.
For example, if the weight of a diamond is dominated by its lower (hidden) part, it will look smaller than another diamond of the same carat weight, which has a larger upper bulge.
That is why it is important to consider a diamond’s shape when choosing it.
In addition, oval, pear and marquise shapes usually appear to have different weight distributions from round brilliants, while emerald and radiant cuts have completely different ways of presenting weight in their facets.
Rather than choosing by carat alone, compare:
- face-up dimensions
- shape
- proportions
- cut quality where a cut grade is provided
- colour
- clarity
- grading information
These factors give a more complete picture of what you are actually buying.
Why Cut Can Matter More Than Buyers Expect
Cut indicates how well a diamond’s facets interact with the light. It should not be mistaken for diamond shape.
Round brilliant is a shape whereas cut quality describes how well the proportions and facets interact with the light.
Proper light performance makes the diamond lively and visually balanced. Wrong proportions, even when colour and clarity are high, will make a diamond appear dull.
That is why it is important to remember that when it comes to buying a diamond, 4Cs should not be seen as four separate set of values. The overall appearance of the diamond is the result of how all of its characteristics interact with each other.
For many buyers, it might be worth investing more money into a better cut and appearance rather than paying for higher clarity that cannot be seen without a loupe.
What Colour and Clarity Actually Tell You
Diamond colour grading indicates the intensity of the presence or absence of the colour according to the specific system being applied. These preferences are dependent on the setting metal, diamond shape and personal tastes.
For instance, the visual contrast between a diamond and yellow gold can be different compared to a white gold or platinum setting.
The concern of the clarity covers the internal inclusions and external blemishes.
Therefore, a higher grade does not guarantee the overall attraction of the stone to the naked eye, since some imperfections might be almost invisible under magnification, whereas some other can barely be visible to a layman.
Instead, it is better to evaluate if the stone is free from any defects at normal vision.
Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Real Diamonds With a Different Origin
Lab-grown diamonds are not the same as man made diamonds simulants such as cubic zirconia or moissanite.
They are diamond material created in a controlled laboratory environment rather than under natural geological forces in the earth. Lab grown and natural diamonds tend to have similar physical, chemical and optical qualities typical of diamond, despite their different origins.
There are two main methods of production.
CVD Diamond Growth
Chemical Vapour Deposition, or CVD, generally grows diamond material from carbon-containing gases inside a controlled chamber.
HPHT Diamond Growth
High Pressure High Temperature, or in short HPHT, utilizes controlled high-pressure and high-temperature environments to facilitate the growth of a diamond crystal.
Each of the two methods is not necessarily better than the other as the resulting diamond has to be evaluated on its cut, color, clarity, carat weight and other attributes.
Use the Grading Report as a Verification Tool
A grading report helps you understand what has been assessed about a diamond.
Depending on the grading laboratory and stone, a report may include:
- carat weight
- measurements
- colour grade
- clarity grade
- proportions
- polish
- symmetry
- fluorescence
- identifying characteristics
- laboratory-grown origin
- report number
Recognised laboratories such as IGI and GIA provide grading services for laboratory-grown diamonds.
The report number may also be associated with a laser inscription on the diamond if one is present. This serves as an additional form of reference for the diamond.
A grading report should not be mistaken for an appraisal. The grading report simply states the characteristics of the diamond according to the laboratory’s standards. It does not indicate a diamond’s resale value or set a price for a potential future sale.
Match the Setting to the Way the Ring Will Be Worn
The choice of a setting also has some very real-world implications.
Solitaires are set so that the focal point — the centre stone — gets most of the visual attention. Halo and hidden-halo styles put smaller stones around or at the sides of the diamonds in the centre. Pavé settings also feature smaller stones, but they’re mounted along the band, while bezel settings use metal to go around more of the diamond’s surface.
It’s also wise to think of the practical aspects of life with a ring on it. A profile that commands more attention can look dramatic but may also be set further from the finger. Some settings simply look better in the everyday world.
The type of setting can also make a difference to how easy it is to clean, care for and wear the ring with a wedding band. If the engagement ring will be worn alongside a straight wedding band, it’s worth checking that the profile on the two pieces allows them to be worn close together the way wanted.
Metal Choice Changes More Than Colour
In the range, platinum, white gold, yellow gold and rose gold give different effect.
The metal choice may well affect the overall appearance of the diamond, the contrast around the centre stone and the style of the ring completed.
It is also important to find out the exact specification of the metal rather than just its colour. Ask what metal and fineness are being supplied and whether there are any particular maintenance considerations associated with the finish selected.
The best option is not universal. The proper metal depends on the look, comfort, the budget, how often to wear it and the design of the ring.
Compare Finished Rings With Loose Diamonds
Some buyers prefer to start with a completed engagement ring, whereas others opt for a loose lab-grown diamond before selecting a setting.
Having the loose stone to inspect can provide more buying power because the buyer can pay closer attention to the measurements, proportions, grading details and visual appearance prior to deciding on a mounting.
A finished ring simplifies the task because the stone and design are already put together.
Nothing is inherently superior about either method.
Buyers who are investigating engagement rings Parramatta should compare the centre diamond and final product rather than analysing the ring from headline carat weight only.
NOVITA Diamonds is one diamond jewellery company offering Australian-based shoppers the chance to research lab-grown diamond engagement-ring possibilities.
Check the Details That Affect Ownership After Purchase
A ring purchase does not end when the design is selected.
Before completing an order, read the retailer’s policies and confirm what applies to the exact product you are considering.
Useful questions include:
- Is resizing available, and are there limits?
- What is the return or exchange policy?
- Does the ring include a diamond grading report?
- Can the report number be independently verified?
- Does the quoted carat figure refer to the centre stone or total carat weight?
- Are accent stones lab-grown, natural or another material?
- What precious metal specification is used?
- What maintenance does the setting require?
- Are warranty or servicing terms clearly documented?
Keep the grading report, purchase receipt and other documentation after buying the ring.
Compare Appearance, Not Just Grades on Paper
Two diamonds with similar grading information may still look different. Shape, proportions, facet pattern, inclusion location and size can affect what you see. An oval diamond may have a different pattern of light flashes than a round brilliant. An emerald cut diamond relies more on broad flashes and clarity of the step-cut facets.
This is why a grading report should complement a visual inspection rather than replace it. If images, videos or an in-person inspection are available, you should use these in conjunction with the grading report.
You should also compare diamonds in more than one lighting condition if possible. Store lighting can make diamonds appear more sparkly, but a different condition of indoor or natural lighting may show a different impression.
Avoid Treating a Lab-Grown Diamond as an Investment
Engagement rings are bought for personal reasons and should not be seen as income-generating assets.
The resale value of lab-grown diamonds can be determined depending on supply and demand, retailer conditions, jewellery’s state, the diamond’s qualities, or available outlets. The initial cost may bear no relation to the price at which the item is re-sold.
The same goes for lab-created and mined diamonds because both categories can be viewed as interchangeable, but neither should be positioned as an investment category. Instead, an evaluation should be made based on the current appeal, design, diamond qualities, paperwork, cost, and overall desirability as every day jewellery.
The final product should not reflect a set of impressive scores but rather present a harmonious creation that can serve as a meaningful possession.
