Diamonds have been attracting people for years; they are sophisticated and fire within the surroundings. But often, especially when you consider the one carat size, the price is the most ignored factor. While diamonds from mines are a timeless investment, diamonds produced in laboratories are a more recent option that can often be just as beautiful but cost a lot less. You will get all you need to stand out in the huge ocean of options and discover everything there is to know about one carat lab diamonds in this article!
The Enchantment of 1 Carat:
It means that any diamond that weighs 1 carat will have a neutral visibility and equally measures both the size and brightness. Very large enough to make a statement, yet remains suitable for almost any type of jewellery. Though, it’s not as simple as a price tag attached to some product, there are many factors that are to be considered regarding 1 carat lab diamond cost. It is necessary to understand what is behind the terms ‘cut’, ‘colour’, ‘clarity’ and ‘carat weight’, in order to comprehend the range of prices.
Cut
Diamond’s cut determines the disposition of the light on its table and crown, which then reveals the fire and brilliance of the stone. And similar to the cutting of a diamond that produces a well-polished lens, the shimmer factor is paramount. Round cuts are the most conventional and brilliant but other shapes such as princess or emerald may bring an added dimension in look at a slightly lower cost may be due to less wastages in the process of cutting.
Colour
Diamonds are again classified on the colour scale which ranges from colourless ‘D’, ‘E’, ‘F’ to slightly coloured faint yellow or brown ‘Z’. The colourless diamonds are rare and expensive as they cost more, whereas those diamonds with very slight colour tinge become cheaper. Although it is worth noting that if a diamond is well cut, it will hide any slight tints of colour, so it is an excellent way to locate a gorgeous stone at a relatively cheap price.
Clarity:
Clarity is another major factor influenced by small presence of substances within the diamond referred to as inclusion. Among them, Ability to perfectly identify Flawless (FL) and Internally Flawless (IF) diamonds is a major challenge since they are extremely rare and expensive. However, stones with minor inclusions such as those that are classified as VS1 or even VS2, one may find it hard to notice them with his or her bare eyes and they are very cheap.
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The Price Equation: Scope Analysis
Taking into account interaction between the four Cs, the 1 carat lab diamond price can drastically differ. undefined
Lower Range ($1,000 – $2,000): This range usually consists of diamond stones which are well cut, have nearly colourless colour (G, H, I), and contain slight inclusions (SI1 or SI2). These stones are ideal for candidates seeking a brilliant gemstone while at the same time not worrying a lot over the colour or clarity of the gemstone.
Mid Range ($2,000 – $4,000): This range provides diamonds that are cut between ‘very good’ and ‘excellent’, having near colourless to faint yellow colour (F, G, H) and minor inclusion (VS1, VS2). These diamonds offer the best of both worlds in terms of sparkle, beauty and the amount of money that is being spent.
Higher Range ($4,000 and above): Diamonds in this range have excellent cut, and in many cases, are colourless to near colourless (D, E or F), and extremely high clarity (VS1 or better). These stones are targeted for those who are looking for the glint and the cleanness associated with high-end jewellery.
Beyond the 4Cs: Other considerations
Though the 4Cs are the cornerstones of diamond pricing, a few other factors might affect the ultimate price:
Certification: Renowned facilities such as GIA or IGI offer grading reports that are necessary to determine the diamond’s characteristics. Though certification gives some level of certainty, it is also a factor that makes the price slightly higher.
Retailer Markup: What you see at the store will cost will include the retailer’s expenses and profit making aspect. Another factor is that prices established for online stores are often lower than prices in physical stores because of lower overhead costs.
The Ethical and Sustainable Choice:
The lab-grown diamonds are no way considered to be fake diamonds because they are composed of carbon atoms with a chemical and physical structure that is relatively similar to the mined diamonds. However, they are synthesised in specially designed laboratory systems which do not have the social and ecological problems typical for diamond mining. Also, the lab-grown diamonds are known to be environmentally friendly because they have a lower carbon footprint as compared to the mined diamonds. This makes them a suitable option for customers with conscience who want gemstones as radiant and as attractive as diamonds.
Conclusion:
The era of 1 carat lab diamonds is as remarkable as the previous ones which reflect the combination of the nature of lab grown diamonds, affordable price and the concept of responsible diamonds. Even though it may be difficult to learn and understand every factor that comes along with 4Cs and other aspects of the diamond pricing, it is possible to go for a diamond shopping with levelled expectations.