How much does it cost to get a custom piece of jewelry made?

Pricing varies based on materials and complexity, but we’ll give you a clear quote upfront. Simple designs can start at a few hundred dollars.

Is custom jewelry cheaper?

Not usually. But the value is in wearing something that lasts and actually means something. Over time, the cost per wear often makes custom pieces more worthwhile than mass-produced ones.

How long does custom jewelry take to make?

On average, 4 to 8 weeks. Some pieces take more time, especially if they’re complex or require rare materials. We’ll let you know early on what to expect.

How do you know if a jeweler is good?

Trust your instincts, but also check credentials, client reviews, and how well they explain things. A good jeweler won’t rush you; they’ll guide you.

May 06, 2026

How to Choose the Right Lab Grown Diamond

Large round brilliant diamond held between fingers close up

The acquisition of a diamond represents a significant decision, often marking a cherished personal milestone. For discerning individuals seeking both exceptional value and ethical sourcing, Lab grown diamond options present a compelling alternative to traditionally mined stones. These scientifically cultivated gems offer identical physical, chemical, and optical properties to their natural counterparts, distinguishing themselves primarily by their origin. This guide is designed to provide you with the detailed knowledge necessary to make an informed choice when considering lab grown diamonds.

Understanding the characteristics and evaluation criteria for these modern jewels is fundamental to a satisfactory purchase. At Van Drake Jewelers, we believe that an educated buyer is a confident buyer. Our objective is to present a clear and authoritative framework for your diamond selection process, ensuring you comprehend the nuances that contribute to a diamond's beauty and value.

Heart shaped diamond held in tweezers with sparkle detail

Understanding Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds are genuine diamonds, composed entirely of crystallized carbon atoms in an isometric crystal system, just like natural diamonds. The principal distinction lies in their formation process. While natural diamonds form deep within the Earth's mantle over billions of years, lab grown diamonds are created in controlled laboratory environments over a period of weeks.

Two primary methods are employed for their creation:

High-Pressure/High-Temperature (HPHT): This method replicates the natural diamond formation process by subjecting carbon material to extreme heat and pressure.
Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): This technique involves placing a diamond seed in a sealed chamber, which is then filled with carbon-rich gases. These gases are ionized into plasma, causing carbon atoms to attach to the seed, layer by layer.

Both methods yield diamonds that are indistinguishable from natural diamonds to the unaided eye. They possess the same brilliance, fire, and scintillation. The key advantage for many buyers centers on their traceable origin and often more accessible pricing structure.

Brilliant cut diamond resting on textured gemstone surface

The Four C's of Diamond Selection

The universally accepted criteria for evaluating diamond quality, known as the Four C's, apply equally to lab grown diamonds. Comprehending these factors is central to your diamond buying guide.

Carat Weight

Carat refers to the diamond's weight, not its size. One carat equals 200 milligrams. While a higher carat weight generally correlates with a larger diamond, the actual visible size is also influenced by the diamond's cut and shape.

Considerations for carat weight:

Visual Impact: A larger carat weight typically creates a more prominent presence.
Budgetary Implications: Carat weight significantly impacts price; incremental increases in weight often result in disproportionately higher costs.
Proportion to Setting: The carat weight should harmonize with the chosen setting and the wearer's hand size for aesthetic balance.

Cut Quality

The cut is arguably the most critical of the Four C's, as it dictates a diamond's brilliance, fire, and scintillation. It refers to the diamond's proportions, symmetry, and polish, not its shape. A well-cut diamond reflects light optimally, creating a captivating sparkle.

Key aspects of cut quality:

Brilliance: The total amount of white light reflected from the diamond.
Fire: The dispersion of light into spectral colors.
Scintillation: The flashes of sparkle and pattern of light and dark areas when the diamond is moved.
Grading Scales: Reputable laboratories assign cut grades (e.g., Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor) based on these characteristics.

Different diamond shapes, such as round brilliant, princess, emerald, and oval, possess distinct facet arrangements that influence their light performance.

Color Grade

Diamond color is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The absence of color allows more light to pass through the diamond, enhancing its brilliance.

Factors related to color:

D-F: Colorless, representing the highest quality and rarity.
G-J: Near-colorless, appearing colorless to the casual observer, especially when mounted. These often offer excellent value.
K-M and below: Faint to light color, which becomes more noticeable.
Impact on Appearance: For many, a diamond in the near-colorless range provides a beautiful appearance without the premium associated with truly colorless stones.

Clarity Grade

Clarity refers to the absence of inclusions (internal characteristics) and blemishes (external characteristics) within a diamond. The clarity scale ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3).

Understanding clarity grades:

FL (Flawless): No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification.
IF (Internally Flawless): No inclusions, only minor blemishes visible under 10x magnification.
VVS1, VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included): Inclusions are extremely difficult to see under 10x magnification.
VS1, VS2 (Very Slightly Included): Inclusions are difficult to see under 10x magnification.
SI1, SI2 (Slightly Included): Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification, and may be visible to the unaided eye in SI2.
I1, I2, I3 (Included): Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification and typically visible to the unaided eye, impacting transparency and brilliance.

For many buyers, selecting a diamond that is "eye-clean" (meaning inclusions are not visible without magnification) in the VS or SI range offers an optimal balance of beauty and value.

Certification and Grading for Your Diamond Selection

Independent gemological laboratories play a crucial role in verifying the quality of both natural and lab grown diamonds. These organizations provide impartial assessments of a diamond's Four C's, offering a standardized report that details its characteristics.

Prominent grading laboratories for lab grown diamonds include:

International Gemological Institute (IGI): Widely recognized for grading lab grown diamonds.
Gemological Institute of America (GIA): Also provides grading services for lab grown diamonds.
Gem Certification & Assurance Lab (GCAL): Known for its comprehensive reports, including light performance analysis.

A diamond certificate provides assurances regarding the stone's authenticity and stated quality. It is an indispensable document when making a significant purchase, providing transparency and confidence in your diamond selection. Always request to review the accompanying certificate for any lab grown diamond you consider.

Choosing the Right Shape and Style

Beyond the Four C's, the aesthetic appeal of a diamond is significantly influenced by its shape and the setting in which it is placed. Your personal style and preferences should guide these decisions.

Popular Diamond Shapes

Each diamond shape possesses unique characteristics and visual impact:

Round Brilliant: The most popular shape, renowned for its exceptional brilliance and timeless appeal.
Princess: A square or rectangular shape with sharp, uncut corners, offering modern appeal and significant sparkle.
Oval: An elongated round shape that can make the wearer's finger appear longer and more slender.
Emerald: A rectangular shape with step-cut facets, known for its elegant, sophisticated appearance and "hall of mirrors" effect.
Pear: A teardrop shape, combining the brilliance of a round cut with a distinctive silhouette.
Cushion: A square or rectangular shape with rounded corners and large facets, providing a romantic, vintage feel.

Setting Styles

The setting enhances the diamond's beauty and influences the overall aesthetic of the jewelry piece.

Solitaire: A classic design featuring a single diamond, emphasizing its individual beauty.
Halo: A center diamond encircled by smaller diamonds, which increases the perceived size and sparkle of the main stone.
Pave: A setting where small diamonds are set closely together with minimal metal visible, creating a continuous surface of sparkle.
Three-Stone: A design featuring a central diamond flanked by two smaller diamonds, symbolizing a couple's past, present, and future.
Bezel: The diamond is fully or partially encircled by a metal rim, offering a modern look and enhanced protection.

Consider your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and how the piece will be worn when selecting a shape and setting.

Budgeting for Your Lab Grown Diamond

Establishing a budget is a practical first step in your diamond buying guide. Lab grown diamonds generally offer a more accessible price point compared to natural diamonds of comparable quality and size, allowing for greater flexibility in achieving your desired aesthetic.

Factors influencing price:

The Four C's: Higher grades in cut, color, clarity, and larger carat weights correlate with higher prices.
Certification: Diamonds from reputable grading laboratories may have a slight premium due to the assurance they provide.
Retailer: The pricing structure and services offered by the jeweler will affect the final cost.

It is advisable to prioritize the 'C's that are most important to you. For instance, some individuals may prefer a larger carat weight with a slightly lower color or clarity grade, while others may prioritize a flawless cut above all else. A balanced approach often yields the most satisfactory outcome within a given budget.

Ethical Considerations and Sustainability

For many consumers, the ethical and environmental considerations associated with their purchases are significant. Lab grown diamonds offer a transparent origin, as their creation process is fully controlled. This provides a clear alternative for those who prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing in their diamond selection. The controlled laboratory environment minimizes the environmental impact often associated with traditional mining operations.

The Van Drake Jewelers Advantage in West St. Paul, MN.

When you are ready to make this significant purchase, the guidance of knowledgeable professionals becomes invaluable. At Van Drake Jewelers, we maintain a tradition of trust, high ethical standards, and deep knowledge of our jewelry products and services. Serving generations of families in West St. Paul, MN. area, our commitment is to provide personalized service and expert advice.

Our staff possesses gemological training and stays current with industry developments, ensuring you receive informed counsel throughout your diamond buying guide journey. We understand that individual taste and styling are important, and we are dedicated to helping you select the exact lab grown diamond that celebrates your unique personality and lifestyle. Our promise is to provide a shopping experience that exceeds your expectations in every facet of our business.

Your Diamond Buying Guide: Next Steps

Choosing a lab grown diamond is a personal journey that culminates in a cherished possession. By understanding the Four C's, the importance of certification, and the array of shapes and settings available, you are well-prepared to make a confident decision.

We encourage you to:

Review Your Priorities: Determine which of the Four C's are most important to you.
Consider Your Style: Reflect on the shapes and settings that align with your aesthetic.
Seek Expert Consultation: Engage with experienced jewelers who can provide detailed insights and show you physical examples.

Discover the perfect lab grown diamond that reflects your unique style and values. Visit Van Drake Jewelers in West St. Paul, MN, or contact us for personalized guidance.

FAQ

Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?

Yes, lab grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds. They are composed of pure carbon and exhibit the same brilliance, fire, and hardness. Their only difference is their origin: one is formed in the Earth, the other in a laboratory.

How do I care for my lab grown diamond jewelry?

Caring for a lab grown diamond is similar to caring for a natural diamond. Regular cleaning with a mild soap and water solution, or a commercial jewelry cleaner, will maintain its sparkle. Avoid harsh chemicals and store your diamond jewelry separately to prevent scratching. Professional cleaning and inspection are also recommended periodically.

Do lab grown diamonds hold their value?

The value of any diamond, whether lab grown or natural, is subject to market dynamics. Lab grown diamonds offer a distinct value proposition due to their transparent origin and often more accessible pricing. Their inherent beauty and durability ensure they remain a precious and lasting item.

What should I look for on a lab grown diamond certificate?

When reviewing a lab grown diamond certificate, pay close attention to the grades for the Four C's (carat, cut, color, clarity). Additionally, check the specific measurements, polish, symmetry, and fluorescence. The laboratory's name (e.g., IGI, GIA, GCAL) should also be clearly stated, affirming the report's credibility.