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Lab-grown diamondshave indeed gained popularity in recent years as an alternative to natural diamonds. Here's a guide on how to buy a lab-grown diamond ring and some tips on where to find them:
Lab-created diamonds are man made diamonds that possess the same chemical and physical properties as naturally mined diamonds. It's virtually impossible to distinguish a lab-grown diamond from a diamond that has been mined from the earth.
Before diving deeper into selecting a high-quality diamond, it's crucial to first decide on the preferred shape of the diamond for your ring's centrepiece. The shape of the diamond significantly impacts the ring's overall appearance and character.
Round-cut diamonds, known for their exceptional brilliance, are the most popular choice. Their unparalleled sparkle, along with the fact that they result in more rough diamond waste during cutting, makes them the priciest option.
On the other hand, fancy-shaped diamonds offer a more budget-friendly alternative. Options like the marquise-cut, the currently trending oval-cut, and the pear-cut, tend to look larger than other shapes with the same carat weight because of their expansive surface area. For those working within a strict budget, it might be wise to steer clear of Asscher-cut and cushion-cut diamonds. Despite their beauty, these shapes often appear smaller compared to other diamond shapes of the same carat size.
To make an informed choice when selecting a lab-grown diamond, familiarise yourself with the 4 Cs: Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat. These four characteristics are the universal criteria for assessing a diamond's aesthetics and worth. If you find yourself uncertain at any point, our team of expert gemologists is available to assist and guide you through the process.
Cut is often regarded as the foremost among the 4 Cs in diamond evaluation. The quality of a diamond's cut greatly influences its sparkle. To ensure a diamond that truly dazzles, aim for the highest cut quality you can find. For round-cut diamonds, this means selecting an Ideal cut, while for fancy-shaped diamonds, a Very Good cut is the optimal choice for maximum brilliance.
Colour in diamonds is all about the absence of colour, with the most sought-after diamonds being those that appear colourless. Diamonds are graded on a scale from D, which indicates complete colourlessness, to Z, which denotes noticeable yellow or brown coloration. To achieve a balance between cost and appearance, consider opting for near-colourless diamonds, such as those graded G or H. These diamonds will still present a white face-up appearance. It's worth noting that truly colourless diamonds are quite rare and, as a result, carry a higher price tag.
Carat is a measure of a diamond's weight, but it can also give an indication of its apparent size. With lab-grown diamonds being more affordable than their natural counterparts, you have the opportunity to select a larger diamond at a lower cost. The typical size for engagement ring diamonds in the Ireland is around 1.50 carat.
The setting refers to the metal framework that holds your diamond in place on the ring. Below, we explore some of the most popular setting styles available for your selection.
A solitaire setting showcases a single diamond mounted onto the band. This design is renowned for its simplicity and elegance, ensuring that solitaire diamond rings remain timeless in style.
Sidestone rings feature small diamonds embedded along the band, adding extra shimmer and brilliance. This style is ideal for those seeking a ring that combines classic beauty with a touch of glamour.
For those desiring even more sparkle than a sidestone setting, a halo setting is an excellent choice. Halo rings are characterized by small diamonds encircling the chosen center stone, creating the visual effect of a larger central diamond. This style, particularly popular at McGuire Diamonds, offers a striking and luxurious appearance.
As the name suggests, three-stone rings are designed with three diamonds set into the band. This style allows for a range of diamond shapes to be used as side stones, offering options like pear-cut diamonds, princess-cut diamonds, among others, to create a unique and personalised look.
McGuire Diamonds stands as a top choice for purchasing a lab-grown diamond ring. Don't just take our word for it – consider our customer reviews. With a vast selection of over 100,000 competitively priced lab-grown diamonds, you're guaranteed to find the perfect match for your budget.