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How to Buy Lab-Grown Diamonds Online Without Getting Scammed
Introduction
With the continued increase of popularity of lab-grown diamonds, even more consumers prefer to buy them online because of its convenient location, a tablet price, and a wider range of choices. However, buying an engagement ring or jewelry containing lab-grown diamonds online is just like any other high value online purchase and therefore careful research and diligence must be taken.
Want to buy a lab-grown diamond but afraid to get scammed or make a foolish purchasing decision? Check out this detailed guide and purchase with peace of mind--and still have a quality and certified lab-grown diamond and deal with a trustworthy vendor.
Understand What Lab-Grown Diamonds Are
Lab-grown diamonds (sometimes referred to in industry terms as lab-created, man-made or synthetic diamonds) are genuine diamonds grown in laboratories using high technology. These are chemically, physically and optically the same as the mined diamonds.
There are two major production methods:
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CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)
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HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature)
Such diamonds are usually cheaper and they are known to be environmentally friendly; a good substitute to the mined diamonds.
Why Scams Happen in the Lab Diamond Market
There are unscrupulous players in the industry just like in any other high demanding industry. Scams may consist of:
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Sale of moissanite or CZ (cubic zirconia) as lab diamonds
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Selling uncertified gemstones at high-prices
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By creating false advertisements in third-party marketplaces
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False origin, quality, certification of diamonds
It is therefore important to shop wisely by knowing what to consider before acquiring it.
10 Smart Steps to Buy Lab-Grown Diamonds Online Safely
1. Shop from Reputable, Established Jewelers
Begin with the companies one trusts and which are transparent, authentic, and have positive customer feedback. Steer clear of shady internet shops or someone you do not know on an online marketplace.
Look for:
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Contact information about the company and physical address
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HTTPS web site (secure)
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Reviews that are verified after a third party on sites such as Trustpilot, Google, or Judge.me
Recommended retailers:
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Stienhardt & Stones
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Brilliant Earth
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Clean Origin
2. Demand Certification (GIA, RIDI, IGI, etc)
A certified man made diamond will have a lab report on quality by a recognized gemological laboratory like:
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GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
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IGI (International Gemological Institute)
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Gem Certification & Assurance Lab (GCAL)
The certificate certifies the 4Cs, or cut, color, clarity and carat weight and assures that it is not a mine, or simulated diamond, it is lab grown.
Trick: Do not opt to use sellers that do provide in-house or unbranded certificates.
3. Know the policy of Return and Warranty
The reliable online jeweler provides:
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An included, transparent return policy (30 days or above)
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Free resizing
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Lifetime or long term warranty protection
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Duty-free cleaning/maintenance
Also, be sure to read the small print and do not shop with a seller who does not give the option to get a risk-free return.
4. HHV-quality pictures and 360 video Inspection
A reputable shop will not show stock images of diamonds, but real ones, or video footage. Look for:
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Varied angle-shooting close-ups
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$360^{\circ}$ rotation
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Specification and proportions
This assists you in evaluating bling, balance and the general look.
5. Make Price Comparisons to Look out on Unrealistic Offers
The diamonds grown in the lab have lower prices than the mined ones, yet an extremely low price is one of the red flags. Compare diamond prices with the same specs on a variety of trusted websites.
Example: A VS1 clarity, G-color lab diamond with a size of 1 carat Ct. will generally begin at around 1200-1600.
6. Check Move Secure Payment and Checkout
Use sites that have:
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HTTPS Secure protocols
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Famous payment gateways (Shopify, PayPal, Stripe)
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Optional finance (Affirm, Klarna and so on)
Do not use wire transfers, Venmo and cryptocurrency as requested by a seller or unless it is a trusted retailer.
7. See What Real Reviews and Testimonials
Focus on:
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Photographed buyers who are verified
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Particularly lab diamond reviews (not merely mined ones)
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Customer services feedback
Seek congruencies in reviews particularly in the areas of delivery, quality and certification.
8. Before you buy, Find your preferences.
Before you shop decide the following:
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Shape (oval, cushion, radiant, pear etc.)
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Style of setting (solitaire, halo, vintage)
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Kind of metal (white gold, yellow gold, platinum)
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Budget
Numerous websites are starting to include a "Design Your Own Ring" option allowing you to completely even down to picking the diamond to be placed in the engagement ring.
9. Don't Go to Unfamiliar Markets and Auctions
Purchases of wirements on online auctions or peer-to-peer marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist are high-risk in purchasing diamonds. Frauds are a norm and indeed it is difficult to determine authenticity and quality.
Use familiar online stores that have a customer protection policy.
10. Book a Virtual Try-On / Live Consultation
Offerings now many modern retailers include:
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Video or live chat with gemologists
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AR or Webcam-powered virtual try on tools
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Service support of custom design
Visualize how the ring will turn out using such tools and seek expert opinions before you make up your mind.
Bonus: What to Do Once You Get Diamond Ring
After your order comes:
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Match the certification information with his diamond
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Shoot videos and unboxing
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Insure with it locally appraised
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Safe keep the certificate and receipt
Should anything appear not right, call the seller immediately to start a process of a refund or inquiry.
Where to Buy Real Stores, Real Security
Suppose that you are shopping online and that you are seeking trustworthy stores, brands such as Stienhardt & Stones can be recommended because of the following reason:
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Bid GIA/IGI lab-certified diamonds
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Let you have your ring made to order
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Offer transparent prices and life long care
Thousands of millennial and Gen Z customers in the U.S and Canada trust them.
Conclusion
It is safe to purchase a lab-created diamond online so long as one does it in correct steps. Whether it is verifying certification or checking reviews, and selecting a good brand, you can now have a smooth, beautiful purchasing experience with no fear of being scammed.
Take your time in research, opt to be selective and selective, and be transparent. In that way, not only will your purchase look beautiful and ethical, but it will be safe, as well.
About the Author
Edelflor Padillo
Edelflor Padillo creates elegant jewelry inspired by timeless craftsmanship and modern style. She brings passion and precision to every piece she designs.
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FAQ's
To ensure a lab-grown diamond is genuine, always check for certification from trusted gemological institutes such as GIA or IGI. It is also important to purchase from reputable jewelers who provide authentic images of the actual diamond rather than generic stock photos.
Yes, lab-grown diamonds are safe to purchase online when buying from a qualified and reputable retailer. Ensure the seller offers secure checkout, transparent certification, and a clear return or exchange policy for peace of mind.
The most respected certifications for lab-grown diamonds are GIA and IGI. GIA is known for its stricter grading standards, while IGI is widely used and trusted for lab-grown diamond grading worldwide.
Lab-grown diamonds can be cheaper online due to lower production and distribution costs. However, unusually low prices may indicate uncertified stones or lower quality. Always compare specifications and certifications before purchasing.
Most reputable online diamond retailers offer a 30-day return or exchange policy for lab-grown diamonds. Always review the seller’s return terms and conditions on their website before completing your purchase.