Lab Grown Colored Diamonds: Grading & Evaluation

Lab grown diamonds rival Vincent van Gogh’s color palette. Diamonds are a classic but lab colored diamonds are the plot twist in the jewelry world you didn’t see coming.

Imagine a pink diamond so charming that it would make a Barbie jealous. No this gem isn’t your granny’s age-old treasure; its nature’s most glamorous imitator, perfected by human technology. 

But here comes the most important question. What makes a lab grown pink diamond a jaw-dropping piece? The answer lies in the grading and evaluation of lab diamonds.

So, if you are ready to uncover the secrets behind a lab grown diamond’s radiant sparkle, then dive in. 

Celebrity Bling

If you need proof that lab grown colored diamonds are the real deal, look no further than Lady Gaga. She stunned the world with her bold 128-carat yellow diamond necklace at the Oscars, 2019.

Or take Blake Lively’s pink diamond engagement ring, a perfect blend of romance and luxury, that has set countless trends with its colorful pop. Of course these are natural wonders but not everyone of us has a million Insta followers.

So, why not take cue from your favorite stars and craft our own story with lab made colored diamonds? A budget-friendly and stylish alternative to natural colored diamonds, it’s a win-win, right?

What are Lab Created Colored Diamonds?

Before we get into the depth of the grading system, let’s first understand the difference between natural diamonds and lab grown diamonds.

These man-made marvels are engineered in a controlled environment replicating the physical, chemical and optical properties of natural diamonds. Natural diamonds are formed over millions of years under the Earth’s crust; lab grown diamonds only take a few weeks.

Here comes another important question. Where do these diamonds get their mesmerizing color from? As we all know, natural diamonds get their hues accidentally from impurities that react with carbon items during their formation.

On the other hand, scientists infuse colors in the diamonds during the formation process using advanced techniques such as High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Each color such as pink, yellow, green and blue is a result of a different substance. 

Fascinating Color Grading System

Color is one of the most important characteristics in any gem, whether natural or lab grown.

Let’s explore the rigorous and fascinating grading process to find out how each dazzling hue is evaluated. The comprehensive color grading system to evaluate the color of diamonds focuses on three main attributes:

Hue

The hue refers to the dominant color of the diamond. In lab colored diamonds, the primary hue can be pink, blue, yellow, green or even violet. Secondary hue comprises shades such as bluish-green or yellowish-orange, adding a layer of complexity to the diamond’s overall appearance.

When it comes to lab grown diamonds, scientists can play around different hues and create a desirable color. This reduces the degree of unpredictability that is commonly seen in natural diamonds.

Tone

The tone describes the relative lightness or darkness of a hue, ranging from very light to very dark. A lab colored diamond’s tone should complement its hue to ensure that the color remains clear and vibrant. For instance, a light pink diamond may appear subtle and delicate whereas a dark blue diamond exudes depth.

Saturation

Saturation measures the intensity and purity of a color. This is one of the most critical grading factors. Lab created colored diamonds often achieve exceptional saturation levels. This is because the color saturation in fancy lab diamonds is the result of controlled infusion of trace elements by the experts. In fact, they can manipulate it according to their requirement during the diamond creation process.

Lab Grown Diamond Color Scale 

It is important to opt for diamonds that come with certification to ensure their authenticity. This is because a color grade score takes into account evaluating a diamond’s hue, tone and saturation.

Colored diamonds are not graded on the traditional D-Z scale. Take a look below and find out how the color grading scale works:

Fancy lab grown colored diamonds can achieve shades that are nearly impossible for natural fancy colored diamonds.

From mimicking the hues of a summer sky to offering rare and vivid shades of purple, the scientists and manufacturers have the ability to adjust the color of the diamonds during the growth process. The result is a valuable, romantic, eye-catching and desirable gem.

Lab Grown Diamond: Clarity Grading

Clarity basically refers to how “clean” or flawless a diamond is. Lab grown diamonds, like their natural counterparts, undergo a rigorous process of clarity grading. This process involves determining the presence of inclusions and blemishes in the diamond.

There are a number of grades on the IGI clarity scale ranging from flawless/internally flawless (IF), very very slightly included (VVS1, VVS2), very slightly included (VS1, VS2), slightly included (SI1, SI2,)  to included or easily noticeable to the naked eye (I1, I2, I3).

A naked eye can’t discern the difference among diamonds of various clarity grades, However, inclusions adversely affect the stone’s scintillation due to light not being reflected from included areas. A loop or 10x magnification reveals the inclusions in a diamond. 

Colorful Stars of Tomorrow

Lab created colored diamonds are the game-changers in the jewelry industry. As technology advances, the possibilities of having beautifully colored diamonds with custom designs and patterns are increasing. So, why dig when you can design? It’s time to break traditions, rewrite rules and treat yourself with beautiful lab grown diamonds in fancy colors.

Explore GemsNY’s wide range of lab created colored diamond jewelry pieces. From rings and pendants to earrings and bracelets, we have them all. From red carpets to Instagram feeds, these gems are turning heads with their colorful hues and sustainable nature. When are you going to add a colorful pop to your jewelry collection? Still on the fence? Check out GemsNY reviews on the internet for an extra dose of confidence.