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How to Buy Loose Diamonds: Lab Grown Diamonds for Sale

by Haley Anhut
Last updated on September 19, 2023

Looking to buy loose diamonds? If you’re searching for the perfect loose diamond then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will help you understand how to choose the best stone for your money and much more.

Why Buy Loose Diamonds?

Perhaps you’re using a setting that has been passed down through generations. Or maybe you’re shopping for diamond engagement rings. You might even be replacing a lost diamond for a second anniversary gift or a 10th-anniversary gift. There are many reasons why you would want a loose diamond.

But whatever your reason, we want to help. Therefore, we’ve compiled all the information you need to make an educated decision about your loose diamond purchase.

What Is a Certified Diamond?

Lab grown diamonds. Buy loose diamonds.
Lab Grown Diamonds

When a diamond is certified, it means it has been verified and graded for quality by a 3rd party gem laboratory.

The lab will use the 4 c’s to grade the diamond and give its ‘stamp of approval.’ Learn more about how to get a diamond certified here.

Why Go With a Certified Diamond?

Professionals evaluate certified diamonds. Buy loose diamonds.
Professionals Evaluate Certified Diamonds

When you buy a certified diamond, you know a professional evaluated it.

This information lets you compare diamonds with knowledge about each stone. With this knowledge, you can make an informed decision about your diamond, whether you buy loose lab diamonds or natural diamonds.

When searching for the perfect engagement ring, you want to make sure it is truly of the same quality as advertised.

How Do They Grade Lab Grown Diamonds? 

All Clean Origins diamonds receive certifications. Buy loose diamonds.
All Clean Origin Diamonds Receive Certifications

Lab grown diamonds go through the same diamond certification and grading process as mined stones.

At Clean Origin, we only partner with independent, internationally recognized laboratories. These laboratories include the GCAL and IGI. This ensures we get the highest quality lab created diamonds.

After the lab grades the diamond, it issues a formal report. This report grades each diamond’s attributes in detail. A visual “map” of the diamond indicates any inclusions or “birthmarks” formed during the diamond’s creation. This report also assigns a unique identification number to each diamond.

What Should I Look For When I Buy a Loose Diamond?

The 4C's Determine The Grade of a Diamond
The 4C’s Determine The Grade of a Diamond

Use the 4 C’s of diamonds to decide what stone is best for you.

What are The 4 C’s?

The 4 C’s are the categories that diamonds are judged with. Each C has its own standards. Together, all 4Cs determine the overall quality of a diamond.

Cut

People often confuse diamond shape and diamond cut.

Round cut, oval cut, and princess cut are all examples of diamond shapes. However, a diamond’s cut is an assessment of the diamond cutter’s skill. The diamond cutter plans, maps, and hand cuts the facets on each diamond.

Clean Origin’s cut grade scale goes from ‘good’ all the way up to ‘ideal.’

Color

When talking about color in diamonds, it actually means the absence of color. The color of a diamond is graded on a scale that starts at D and ranges down to Z. D indicates a colorless diamond and Z means it has a yellow hue.

Colorless diamonds are the most rare and expensive. Other diamonds may have a slight brown or yellow tint, so they will cost less.

At Clean Origin, we do not offer any color lower than J. Moving up or down one color is an easy way to save a bit of money. It is a slight change that is unnoticeable to a naked, untrained eye.

Clarity

Clarity measures how many natural inclusions or imperfections there are in a diamond. There is a specific scale for diamond clarity to help you determine how perfect a diamond is.

Most of the time, the imperfections on a diamond are invisible to the naked eye. So it isn’t vital to buy a diamond with the highest clarity grades.

Since lab grown diamonds are grown using replication of what happens under the Earth’s surface, they still contain varying levels of these ‘blemishes.’ Clean Origin diamonds start at SI2 and go up to VVS1.

Carat Weight

The most commonly known amongst all ‘C’s,’ carat, refers to the physical weight of the diamond. You may often hear about a one carat or two carat engagement ring.

Size is a large factor in the price of a diamond. But if you’re saving 20-40% by going with lab grown, you could easily buy a diamond that’s 20-40% larger for your same original budget! We offer a wide variety of carat sizes, starting as small as 0.30.

How Much are Loose Diamonds?

Diamond Prices Vary Based On Many Factors
Diamond Prices Vary Based On Many Factors

Buying a center diamond stone will almost always be less than purchasing an entire ring. However, diamond prices will depend on the type of diamond and where you purchase it.

Different diamond shapes have different prices You may pay more for round diamonds than emerald cut diamonds.

Buying loose diamonds allows you to design your own engagement ring. Or, designer engagement rings may inspire you to want something unique.

When you build your own engagement ring, loose diamonds are a very important part to making it complete.

Buying Loose Diamonds Online

There are many benefits to shopping for loose diamonds online. If you understand diamond grading, it can be easy to shop for the perfect loose diamond in the comfort of your own home.

Buying a diamond online can be a great way to build the engagement ring of your dreams. The perfect diamond can make any ring shine.

Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab grown diamond rings.
Lab Grown Diamond Rings

All loose diamonds have the same sparkle when cut correctly. Even a specialist cannot tell a lab diamond from a natural one with the naked eye.

In addition to having the same optical properties, lab grown diamonds also have the exact chemical properties as traditionally-mined diamonds.

They are made from the same materials, and advanced technology is used to create the same high-pressure, high-temperature conditions that occur naturally in the earth.

You get an identical diamond with the same optical characteristics for less when compared to natural diamonds.

Lab Created Diamonds are Better for the Earth

Lab Grown Diamonds Are an Earth-Friendly Alternative
Lab Grown Diamonds Are an Earth-Friendly Alternative

The process to extract natural diamonds from the earth is not environmentally friendly and disrupts local ecosystems.

Lab created diamonds are a stunning alternative to natural diamonds that allow you to celebrate your diamond with peace of mind.

You may also consider settings made from recycled precious metal in addition to choosing an ethical lab diamond for your center stone. In addition to growing diamonds being better for the planet, using recycled materials whenever possible is important to Clean Origin.

Conflict Free Diamonds

You can rest easy knowing that lab created diamonds don’t have the same ethical considerations as mined diamonds. Though the Kimberley process has brought natural diamonds a long way, there is still much labor exploitation that you simply don’t have to worry about when you buy lab diamonds.

Save Money With Lab Grown When You Buy Loose Diamonds Online

When you go with lab created diamonds, you get quality diamonds at a fraction of the cost. That way, you can ensure you will get the best value on engagement rings and diamond jewelry.

Know How to Find a Quality Loose Diamond

Even within man-made companies, there is plenty of price fluctuation for loose diamonds. You will want to shop around to make sure you get the best price for carat weight when shopping for engagement rings and diamond jewelry.

Before You Buy: Compare Prices to Get the Best Price on Quality Loose Diamonds

At Clean Origin, we pride ourselves on offering the absolute best pricing. In fact, our prices are so good all year round that we never offer discounts. We don’t have to because our diamonds are competitively-priced. 

Our customer service team includes people who have been in the industry for years. Because of this, we’re able to help you navigate the 4 C’s and find a lab diamond that is both in your budget and something you or your loved one with absolutely adore.

We know that searching for loose diamonds can be overwhelming, but with help, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you are shopping for an engagement ring or are just looking for the perfect lab created diamond for a family heirloom, we have you covered.

How to Know What Lab Grown Loose Diamonds to Buy

Shop Our Extensive Collection of Lab Grown Diamonds
Shop Our Extensive Collection of Lab Grown Diamonds

If you’re looking to purchase a loose lab grown diamond, take some time to browse our vast selection. You may also want to consider our colored diamonds, wedding rings, or diamond jewelry. 

Whether you are looking to design custom engagement rings or search our extensive diamond inventory, you know you will get the biggest carat diamond you can for the best price. 

Need Help Shopping For High Quality, Lab Grown Loose Diamonds? 

Set up a virtual appointment with one of our diamond experts. Once you do, you can discuss exactly how the lab diamond will be used. They will answer any questions about engagement rings or lab grown diamond jewelry. This could be an important piece of information for your purchasing decision, and our team will know how to help!