Diamond Guide: Complete Lab Grown Diamond Buying Guide
A complete guide to lab grown diamonds, the 4Cs, shapes, cut, color, clarity, carat, proportions, fluorescence, IGI reports and choosing diamond jewelry in Bangkok.
What Is a Diamond?
A diamond is a crystalline form of carbon whose optical beauty comes from the interaction of light with its facets. Hardness helps resist scratching, while toughness, cleavage directions and setting design affect how safely it can be worn.
Diamond is carbon arranged in a strong three-dimensional crystal structure.
Highly resistant to scratching, but vulnerable edges can still chip.
Beauty depends on how facets reflect, refract and contrast light.
Lab Grown vs Natural Diamond
Lab grown and natural diamonds are both real diamonds. Their defining difference is origin: natural diamonds form through geological processes, while lab grown diamonds are created by HPHT or CVD technology under controlled conditions.
| Feature | Lab Grown Diamond | Natural Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Diamond | Diamond |
| Origin | HPHT or CVD growth | Geological formation |
| Appearance | Can be visually indistinguishable | Can be visually indistinguishable |
| 4Cs | Applied | Applied |
| Independent report | Available | Available |
| Typical price | Usually lower for comparable specifications | Usually higher |
| Rarity story | Technology and production | Geological origin |
Read the Lab Grown Diamond vs Natural Diamond Guide for the full comparison.
The Diamond 4Cs
Controls brightness, fire, scintillation and contrast.
Commonly graded D to Z for colorless-to-light-yellow diamonds.
Evaluates internal and surface features under standardized viewing.
One carat equals 0.2 grams; visible size also depends on dimensions.
Diamond Shapes
| Shape | Visual character | Strengths | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round | Classic and brilliant | Strong light return and easy setting compatibility | Cut precision and price premium |
| Oval | Elongated and elegant | Large face-up spread | Bow-tie and outline symmetry |
| Cushion | Soft square | Romantic shape and varied facet styles | Depth and facet pattern |
| Emerald | Linear step cut | Clarity and elegant flashes | Inclusion visibility and windowing |
| Radiant | Angular and brilliant | Durability and sparkle | Bow-tie and depth |
| Pear | Teardrop | Length and directional elegance | Symmetry and point protection |
| Marquise | Long and dramatic | Maximum finger coverage | Bow-tie and point protection |
| Princess | Square brilliant | Modern geometry | Corner protection |
| Asscher | Octagonal step cut | Art Deco character | Clarity and face-up spread |
| Heart | Symbolic | Distinctive romantic outline | Symmetry and cleft definition |
Explore the Diamond Shape Guide.
Diamond Cut and Light Performance
Cut quality describes how effectively the facets manage light. For round brilliant diamonds, cut grading is more standardized; for fancy shapes, buyers should rely more heavily on visual assessment, measurements, video and comparison.
| Factor | What it controls | Buying note |
|---|---|---|
| Proportions | Light return and spread | Avoid judging one percentage in isolation |
| Polish | Surface finish | Excellent or Very Good is commonly preferred |
| Symmetry | Facet alignment | Important for balanced contrast |
| Contrast | Pattern of light and dark | Creates scintillation and visual structure |
| Brightness | White-light return | Should remain lively in normal lighting |
| Fire | Spectral color flashes | Varies with lighting and facet design |
Read the Diamond Cut Guide and Hearts & Arrows Cut Mechanics.
Diamond Color
| Grade range | General appearance | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| D–F | Colorless | Premium color-sensitive designs |
| G–H | Near-colorless | Strong balance of whiteness and value |
| I–J | Near-colorless with more warmth | Warm metals or budget optimization |
| K and below | Increasing visible warmth | Vintage, yellow-gold or intentionally warm designs |
Diamond size, shape, setting style and metal color all influence how color appears. Read the Diamond Color Guide.
Diamond Clarity
| Grade | Meaning | Practical interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| FL / IF | Flawless or internally flawless at 10× | Rare and not necessary for eye-clean beauty |
| VVS1 / VVS2 | Very, very slightly included | Minute inclusions, difficult to see under 10× |
| VS1 / VS2 | Very slightly included | Often an excellent balance for fine jewelry |
| SI1 / SI2 | Slightly included | Can offer value; inspect inclusion type and visibility |
| I1 and below | Included | Inclusions may affect beauty or durability |
Read the Diamond Clarity Guide.
Carat Weight and Face-Up Size
Carat measures weight, not visible diameter. Two diamonds with the same carat can look different because of shape, depth, girdle, pavilion structure and face-up dimensions.
| Buying factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Millimeter dimensions | Directly indicate face-up scale |
| Depth percentage | Affects spread and light performance |
| Shape | Elongated shapes may appear larger |
| Setting | Halo, bezel and prong styles change visual presence |
| Finger or body scale | Changes perceived size |
Read the Diamond Carat Guide.
Proportions and Measurements
| Term | What it means | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Table % | Table width relative to diamond width | Influences brightness and facet balance |
| Depth % | Total depth relative to width | Affects spread and light path |
| Crown angle | Angle of upper facets | Influences fire and light entry |
| Pavilion angle | Angle of lower facets | Strongly affects light return |
| Girdle | Outer edge thickness | Affects durability and weight distribution |
| Culet | Bottom point or facet | May be visible if large |
Fluorescence
| Grade | Typical description | Buying approach |
|---|---|---|
| None | No observable fluorescence | Neutral choice |
| Faint | Minimal reaction | Usually not visually important |
| Medium | Moderate reaction | Inspect in daylight and UV-rich conditions |
| Strong / Very Strong | Pronounced reaction | Check for haziness or unusual appearance |
IGI Certification and Reports
A grading report is an identification and grading document, not a guarantee that a diamond will look beautiful in every setting. Sphere Diamond offers IGI-certified lab grown diamonds for qualifying stones and selected designs.
| Report field | What to check |
|---|---|
| Report number | Match with seller records and laser inscription |
| Origin | Laboratory-grown identification |
| Measurements | Length, width and depth |
| Carat weight | Recorded weight |
| Color and clarity | Laboratory grades |
| Cut, polish and symmetry | Finish and performance indicators |
| Comments | Growth process, treatment or relevant notes |
Read the IGI Certificate Guide.
Settings and Metals
| Setting | Character | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Prong | Open and light | Maximizing diamond visibility |
| Bezel | Smooth and protective | Active wear and modern design |
| Halo | Larger visual presence | Bridal and statement looks |
| Hidden halo | Side sparkle | Modern engagement rings |
| Channel | Clean continuous line | Wedding and eternity rings |
| Pavé | Fine surface sparkle | Bands, halos and accents |
Compare 18K white, yellow and rose gold with Platinum 950 in the Jewelry Material Guide.
How to Choose a Diamond
Infographic: Six-Step Diamond Buying Process
Choosing by Jewelry Type
| Jewelry type | Primary diamond priorities | Engineering priorities |
|---|---|---|
| Engagement ring | Cut, shape, center size, report | Setting height, prong security, ring size and wedding-band fit |
| Wedding ring | Matching, consistency and durability | Comfort, spacing and shared-prong wear |
| Earrings | Pair matching, face-up size and total weight | Backs, post strength, droop and comfort |
| Pendant or necklace | Visible scale, movement and orientation | Chain, bail, length and clasp |
| Bracelet or bangle | Matching and continuous appearance | Links, hinge, clasp, fit and setting wear |
Explore Related Guides and Collections
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a diamond?
A diamond is crystalline carbon arranged in a strong three-dimensional structure that creates exceptional hardness and distinctive optical properties.
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. They have the same crystal structure and essentially the same chemical, physical and optical properties as natural diamonds.
What are the 4Cs?
Cut, color, clarity and carat weight. Together they describe important characteristics of a diamond.
Which C matters most?
Cut usually has the strongest effect on visible sparkle, although the best balance depends on shape, design and budget.
What is diamond cut?
Cut describes how well a diamond’s proportions, facets, polish and symmetry work together to return light.
What is diamond color?
Color grading describes how much body color is visible, commonly using a D-to-Z scale for colorless-to-light-yellow diamonds.
What is diamond clarity?
Clarity describes internal inclusions and surface blemishes observed under standardized conditions.
What is carat weight?
Carat is a unit of weight. One carat equals 0.2 grams.
Does a higher carat always look larger?
No. Face-up size also depends on shape, proportions, depth and measurements.
What is an ideal cut?
Ideal cut is a trade term used for diamonds with proportions intended to deliver strong light performance. Standards vary by laboratory and seller.
What is Triple Excellent?
For round brilliant diamonds, it commonly refers to Excellent grades for cut, polish and symmetry.
What are Hearts & Arrows?
It is a precise optical pattern seen in some highly symmetrical round brilliant diamonds when viewed through a special scope.
Does Hearts & Arrows guarantee beauty?
No. It indicates optical symmetry, but overall proportions, contrast and light performance still matter.
What is fluorescence?
Fluorescence is visible light emitted by some diamonds under ultraviolet radiation.
Is fluorescence bad?
Not automatically. Its effect varies by strength, color and the individual diamond.
What is a diamond certificate?
A grading report records characteristics such as measurements, carat, color, clarity and origin identification.
Does IGI grade lab grown diamonds?
Yes. IGI issues grading reports for laboratory-grown diamonds.
Do all Sphere Diamond pieces include IGI reports?
IGI-certified lab grown diamonds are available for qualifying stones and selected designs. Confirm documentation for the exact piece.
How can I verify an IGI report?
Match the report number and grading details with the diamond and verify the report through IGI’s official system.
What is laser inscription?
A microscopic inscription on the girdle that may include the report number or other identification.
What is diamond depth percentage?
Depth percentage compares total depth with average width and affects face-up spread and light performance.
What is table percentage?
Table percentage compares the table facet width with the diamond’s width.
What is a girdle?
The girdle is the outer edge separating the crown from the pavilion.
What is a culet?
The culet is the small facet or point at the bottom of the pavilion.
Which diamond shape sparkles most?
Round brilliant is engineered for strong brilliance, but every shape can be attractive when well cut.
Which shape looks largest?
Oval, marquise and pear shapes often provide generous face-up coverage for their weight.
What is a bow-tie effect?
A dark bow-shaped contrast pattern that can appear across elongated fancy shapes such as oval, pear and marquise.
Which clarity is best value?
Eye-clean VS2 or SI1 diamonds can offer value, but the best grade depends on size, shape and inclusion placement.
Which color is best value?
Near-colorless grades such as G to H often balance appearance and budget, depending on metal color and diamond size.
Is D color always necessary?
No. Many near-colorless diamonds appear very white in jewelry.
Can lab grown diamonds have inclusions?
Yes. They can show growth-related inclusions and features.
Can diamonds chip?
Yes. Diamond is extremely hard but can chip if struck at a vulnerable edge or point.
How should I clean a diamond?
Use warm water, mild soap and a soft brush, rinse carefully and dry with a lint-free cloth.
How often should diamond jewelry be inspected?
Frequently worn pieces should be checked periodically and whenever a prong, clasp or stone feels different.
Which setting is safest?
Prong, bezel, channel and other settings can all be secure when properly engineered and maintained.
What is a bezel setting?
A metal rim surrounds all or part of the diamond’s edge.
What is a halo setting?
A halo uses smaller diamonds around a center stone to increase visual presence and sparkle.
What is a hidden halo?
A row of small diamonds placed below the center stone, usually visible from the side.
Which metal is best for diamonds?
18K white, yellow and rose gold and Platinum 950 are all suitable depending on design, color preference, weight and care.
How do I choose a diamond for an engagement ring?
Balance cut, shape, measurements, color, clarity, carat, report, setting and budget.
How do I choose diamonds for earrings?
Focus on pair matching, face-up size, total weight, backs and comfort.
How do I choose diamonds for a necklace?
Consider pendant size, chain length, setting, movement and how the diamond sits on the body.
How do I choose diamonds for a bracelet?
Check matching, flexibility, clasp security, setting wear and fit.
Where can I compare diamonds in Bangkok?
Visit Sphere Diamond at CentralWorld Bangkok to compare shapes, sizes, grades, settings and IGI reports.
Does Sphere Diamond make custom jewelry?
Yes. Custom projects may include diamond selection, metal, setting, proportions and personal design details.
Are lab grown diamonds cheaper?
They generally cost less than natural diamonds with comparable specifications, although prices change over time.
Do lab grown diamonds have resale value?
Secondary-market behavior is variable and not guaranteed. Buy primarily for wear, design and meaning.
Are natural diamonds always an investment?
No. Future resale depends on rarity, demand, documentation, condition and selling channel.
What should I prioritize on a limited budget?
Prioritize cut, an attractive face-up appearance, an eye-clean clarity level and a setting that protects the stone.
Should I buy online or in person?
Online research is useful, but in-person comparison helps evaluate scale, sparkle, color, comfort and craftsmanship.
Compare Lab Grown Diamonds at CentralWorld Bangkok
View diamond shapes, cut quality, color, clarity, carat, IGI reports and finished jewelry with guidance from Sphere Diamond specialists.
Conclusion
A strong diamond purchase starts with cut, face-up appearance and a clear understanding of how shape, measurements, color, clarity, carat, proportions and setting work together. Use grading reports as a technical reference, then confirm beauty and suitability by viewing the actual diamond and finished jewelry.
Sphere Diamond at CentralWorld Bangkok specializes in lab grown diamond engagement rings, wedding rings, earrings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets and custom fine jewelry. IGI-certified lab grown diamonds are available for qualifying stones and selected designs.
About This Guide
This pillar guide was prepared to help customers understand diamond quality, grading and jewelry design without relying on a single grade or marketing claim.
Sphere Diamond Jewelry and The GIA Graduate Gemologist
CentralWorld Bangkok
lab grown diamond fine jewelry
Reviewed by Sphere Diamond Jewelry and The GIA Graduate Gemologist, Showroom: CentralWorld Bangkok, Specialty: lab grown diamond fine jewelry
