What Decides The Shape Of A Lab Grown Diamond?
A lab grown diamond is physically, chemically, and optically similar to a naturally mined gemstone. It exhibits the same sparkle and shines as your traditionally mined diamond.
When a diamond is grown in the laboratory, it is usually made through two processes – Carbon Vapor Deposition and High Pressure High Temperature. Both of these processes were used to produce diamonds for industrial use. However, in the past 10 years or so, the quality of lab diamonds has become commercially viable. And the best part – the difference between a lab diamond and mined diamonds is visually indistinguishable.
Lapidaries, also known as gem cutters, select the shape of any gem very carefully. A lab grown diamond is no different in this respect. At first, it is determined if the gemstone is suitable for a faceted cut. It will be quite obvious in the case of an opaque stone but may require a good magnifier and light in some situations. The lapidary then decides to inspect the crystal structure of the gemstone.
The ultimate goal for a faceted stone is to get the maximum "fire" and "sparkle" to magnify the gemstone's size. A lapidary must also ensure they do not destroy the stone while selecting the right shape of the stone's crystal.
Which Shapes Are Most Popular Among Lab Made Diamonds?
Lab created diamonds come in various shapes and sizes. The most popular shape is the brilliant-round stone, which has more fire than any other stone. Similarly, the oval cut is also quite popular among women as it gives the illusion of a bigger stone.
Looking for a lab grown diamond shape that looks larger? You can go for pear, marquise, or cushion shape. These cuts require fewer stones to be cut away from the original gemstone and are thus economical for the buyer.
To put it simply, these shapes need fewer rough stones to manufacture similar weights of a finished gem than other types of shapes. Some of our favorite choices include shapes such as marquise, radiant, princess, and the oval cut.
Buying Guide For The Marquise Cut
Let us first understand what a marquise shape is. The cut has 56 facets in an elongated shape that ends with a point on both sides. The elongated shape of this cut gives an illusion of a bigger cut stone. The distinct and impressive appearance of a marquise stone makes it a unique choice for someone looking for something different.
The Length To Width Ratio Of A Marquise Cut Gemstone
The most popular width-to-length ratio of a marquise cut lab grown diamond ranges between 1.70-2.15. you can determine the length-to-width ratio by dividing the length of the stone by its width.
The marquise diamond, with a ratio of 1.75, is slightly sturdy and is more durable than stones with a higher ratio. The 1.95 gemstone is slender and provides sufficient stability. The gemstone with a ratio of 2.15 is elongated to a greater extent and may provide less durability than others.
The Color And Clarity Grade Of The Marquise Diamond
As a general recommendation, we advise looking for an S1 or S2 to get the best value and clarity in the Marquise cut diamond. However, it would be best if you remembered that each gemstone needs to be assessed as per its appearance and merit to the naked eye. You should also remember the diamond's look after it is set in the jewelry.
G and H marquise cut looks colorless, just like F or E but more affordable. Looking between G and H is generally recommended when we talk about the color grade. It will provide maximum value while still maintaining transparency to the naked eye.
Buying Guide For The Radiant Cut
Among the different shapes of diamonds available in the market, the radiant cut diamond lives up to its name and expectations. You will find 70 facets in the pavilion and crown of the radiant cut gemstone. The precision of each of these facets provides the stone with its immense fire and brilliance. Only a round-cut diamond can surpass the sparkle and shine of a radiant-cut stone.
The radiant cut stone's main area is smaller than a round cut of an equal carat. However, the long diagonal cut measurement tricks our eye by making the radiant cut stone look bigger than it already is.
The Cut Guide And The Length To Width Ratio Of A Radiant Cut Stone
While buying this type of cut, ensure that the corners of the stone are not too wide or too narrow. It needs to be even to provide more stability and maintain the overall aesthetic of the stone.
The radiant cut lab grown diamond's ratio completely depends on what you find the most aesthetic. The common range for this type of cut is 1.00-1.35, with the lower part suggesting a square shape.
The Clarity And Color Grade Of The Radiant Diamond
It is generally recommended to choose S1 or S2 in the clarity grade of a radiant cut diamond. The inclusions and blemishes are not noticeable in this clarity grade and will give you an aesthetic gemstone. When we talk about the stone's color grade, you should go for the H color as it will appear colorless and transparent to the naked eye.
Buying Guide For The Princess Cut
Among lab diamond shapes, a princess-cut diamond provides excellent fire and brilliance. It is traditionally square and has 50 to 58 facets depending on how the gemstone is cut. Only a few facets are on the girdle of the ring, and mostly it is present on the pavilion and the crown.
Princess-Cut Diamonds: Key Features
- This square-shaped stone exhibits maximum sparkle and shine.
- It is composed of two or four chevron patterns.
- It is less costly per carat than round-cut diamonds because of the maximum rough stone in the cutting process.
- It is quite a popular choice gemstone for earrings and engagement rings.
The Clarity And Color Grade Of The Princess-Cut Diamond
When buying eye-clean princess cut lab grown diamond, we highly recommend you go for VS2 and SI1 clarity stones. Even VS1, VVS2, VVS1, IF, and FL are great in clarity grade, but why waste money when you can get the same quality at a lesser price in VS2 and SI1.
When choosing the color grade, we suggest you go for either H, or I color diamond as you will get the best value on your stone. You can go even higher than H and I.
Buying Guide For The Oval Cut
The oval-cut lab diamond is unique, exquisite, and often considered a fancy shape. Bursting with fire and brilliance, its elongated shape makes it look bigger than other cuts of the same carat. The beautiful shape of the stone often makes fingers and hands appear slimmer. Since it has no sharp corners, it is less prone to chipping.
The Length To Width Ratio Of An Oval Cut Gemstone
You can calculate the length-to-width ratio by dividing the length of the gemstone by its width. The most appealing ratio of this type of cut is between 1.30 – 1.50.
The Clarity And Color Grade Of The Oval Cut Diamond
We suggest you go for SI1 or SI2 clarity diamond that will give you the best value. You can also go for higher-grade clarity diamonds, but it won't make much difference to the naked eye.
You can go for the H color grade for color, as it is perfect for oval-cut diamonds. You will spend less money to get a maximum return on your investment.
