Are Fancy-Colored Lab-Grown Diamonds the Future of Luxury?

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December 11

Fancy-colored lab-grown diamonds are revolutionizing the luxury market. Even industry giants like LVMH, the parent company of Tiffany & Co., are promoting lab-created diamond jewelry.

The FRED Audacious Blue pictured here, a lab-grown marvel from their latest collection, highlights this trend. Described by LVMH as a fancy-vivid Riviera-blue synthetic diamond that embodies the mesmerizing hues of the sea, mirroring the sun's sparkling reflections and the rhythmic dance of the waves.

This breathtaking blue lab-created diamond ring underscores the allure and artistry of traditional jewelry design while seamlessly integrating the modern innovation of fancy-colored lab-grown diamonds.

The FRED Audacious Blue fancy-colored lab-grown diamonds ring from LVMH incorporates natural white diamonds for contrast.

FRED Fancy-Colored Lab-Grown Diamond Ring.

Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of these vibrant manufactured gems that blend modern innovation with timeless elegance. Explore the artistry, science, and emerging trends behind these magnificent lab-grown gems.

Discover why lab-created fancy-colored diamonds are becoming a coveted choice for those seeking luxury and sustainability at affordable prices.

How Fancy Colored Lab-grown Diamonds Are Made

Manufacturers create lab-grown fancy-colored diamonds using state-of-the-art processes that replicate natural growing conditions. The two primary diamond-growing methods are:

Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): This process involves placing a tiny diamond seed in a chamber filled with carbon-rich gases. The chamber is heated to high temperatures, causing the gases to break down and carbon atoms to deposit on the seed, gradually forming a diamond.

High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT): A diamond seed is placed in a press with a carbon source like graphite. The environment is subjected to high pressure and temperature, causing the carbon to crystallize around the seed, forming a diamond.

Both techniques have advantages from a production standpoint but are virtually identical from a consumer perspective. Manufacturers can achieve stunning colors by manipulating conditions like temperature, pressure, and certain gases or elements.

Exploring the Dynamics of Crystal Growth

It's a little-known fact that the extent of the growth cycle plays a pivotal role in determining the quality, characteristics, and price of lab-grown diamonds.

Manufacturers produce lab-grown diamonds using different growth methods depending on project specifications and the intended market. Both fast and slow crystal growth methods have unique advantages:

Benefits of Slow Crystal Growth

Higher Quality: Slow growth promotes fewer imperfections and inclusions, making diamonds more transparent and structurally sound. This meticulous process allows atoms to be arranged more orderly, enhancing the overall integrity of the diamond.

Enhanced Color Precision: Slow crystal growth provides greater control over the diamond's color. This is essential in growing high-quality, fancy-colored diamonds, as it enables the fine-tuning of hues to achieve specific, vibrant, fancy colors.

Advantages of Fast Crystal Growth

Increased Production Efficiency: Faster growth rates mean more diamonds can be produced in a shorter time frame. This efficiency is crucial for meeting market demands, especially for standard colorless or near-colorless diamonds.

Cost-Effectiveness: Fast growth methods consume less energy and resources over time, translating into lower production costs. These cost-savings make lab-grown diamonds more accessible to a broader range of consumers.

Versatility in Production: Fast growth techniques are adaptable for producing various diamond types and qualities. They can be optimized for different purposes, from industrial-grade diamonds to those suitable for fine jewelry.

The Pinnacle of Slow-Growth Lab Diamonds

An exemplary instance of the advantages of the slow growth method is evident in the Brian Gavin Premium lab-grown diamonds. These diamonds are polished from slow-growth crystals, emphasizing the commitment to superior quality and craftsmanship.

The slow growth process ensures each Brian Gavin Premium lab-grown diamond achieves unparalleled clarity and color precision, making them a prime choice for consumers seeking luxury and perfection in their lab-created diamonds.

The application of fast and slow growth processes is essential to the lab-grown diamond industry, which caters to diverse needs from affordable jewelry to computing and medical technology. Understanding the crystal growth differences is vital when comparing the prices and quality of fancy-colored lab-grown diamonds.

Brian Gavin Fifth-generation Diamond Cutter.

Brian Gavin, Fifth-generation diamond cutter.

The Allure of Fancy Color Diamonds in Jewelry Design

Fancy-colored lab-grown diamonds, renowned for their remarkable allure and affordability, bring a spectrum of vibrant rainbow colors into modern jewelry design.

Lab-grown fancy-colored diamonds make once exclusive and elusive shades like deep, enigmatic blues, radiant pinks, and vivid yellows accessible to the general public.

Many feel that lab-created fancy-colored diamonds epitomize quality, value, and modern elegance. They are increasingly favored for adding vibrant luxury to jewelry collections, merging traditional sophistication with contemporary flair.

White, Blue, and Pink fancy-colored lab-grown diamonds set in Brilliant Earth engagement rings.

Pick Your Favorite Color at Brilliant Earth.

Whether adding a personal touch of color to an engagement ring or introducing a unique character to statement pieces, these diamonds seamlessly integrate into various designs.

Setting fancy color diamonds alongside halos of pristine white diamonds creates a striking contrast that highlights their innate beauty and sophistication.

This interplay of color and design in fancy-colored lab-grown diamonds reflects the evolving tastes of jewelry enthusiasts seeking affordable and unique elegance.

Describing the Splendor of Spectral Bliss

In the world of fancy-colored diamonds, the intensity of the hue plays a pivotal role in valuation. It enables us to describe the intensity beyond the basic shades of color, such as blue, pink, yellow, or any other color in the spectrum.

Terms like 'Fancy Light,' 'Fancy Vivid,' or 'Fancy Deep' are not just descriptive labels but are crucial indicators of the diamond's value and rarity. For instance, a 'Fancy Vivid' diamond displays a more intense and saturated color, making it more sought-after and valuable than its 'Fancy Light' counterparts.

The grading of these diamonds hinges significantly on this aspect, and it serves as the cornerstone in determining their appeal and market value. As such, the hue and saturation levels not only dictate the visual splendor of these gems but also directly influence their prestige and desirability among connoisseurs and collectors.

Splendid-looking fancy vivid yellow lab-grown radiant-cut diamond from James Allen.

James Allen Fancy Vivid Yellow Lab-Grown.

The Role of Saturation in Fancy Colored Diamonds

In the context of fancies, saturation refers to the strength or purity of color and the consistency of disbursement throughout the body. It also considers the degree of brownish or grayish undertones when present.

Fancy-colored diamonds with more substantial saturation exhibit more pure, intense coloration, paramount to the diamond's appeal and value. A diamond with high saturation will have a rich, full color devoid of dullness or murkiness.

The color becomes more muted as saturation decreases, and the diamond may appear less vivid and intense. This is why a diamond with high saturation, especially in rarer colors like blue or pink, is a treasure in the world of gemstones. Such diamonds capture the essence of their color in its most magnificent form, making them true masterpieces of nature.

Spectacular fancy pink lab-grown emerald cut diamond from James Allen.

James Allen Fancy Pink Lab-grown Emerald Cut.

Understanding Fancy Colored Diamond Grading Terms

When navigating the world of fancy colored diamonds, familiarizing oneself with grading terms is essential. These terms describe the diamond's appearance and give insight into its quality and rarity. Key grading terms include:

Fancy: This grade suggests a lighter tone and saturation. While still colorful, these diamonds are subtler in their hue.

Fancy Intense: Diamonds with this grade exhibit a more pronounced color saturation, offering a more vivid appearance.

Fancy Vivid: These diamonds represent the pinnacle of color intensity and are the most vibrant and saturated, often commanding the highest prices.

In conclusion, the intensity of hue and saturation are not just features of a fancy colored diamond; they are the narrators of its story, telling us about its journey, rarity, and the very essence of its beauty. As the grading terms suggest, each diamond is a unique testament to the wonders of nature or human craftsmanship when it comes to fancy-colored lab-grown diamonds.

Pricing: Lab-Grown vs. Natural Fancy Colored Diamonds

The price difference between lab-grown and natural fancy-colored diamonds is essential for understanding their growing popularity. Lab-grown diamonds offer:

Comparable Quality: Lab-grown diamonds exhibit the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds.

Affordability and Value: Lab-grown white diamonds are typically priced 40-50% less than their natural counterparts. However, the price difference in fancy-colored diamonds is even more striking.

For instance, the natural fancy blue color, VS1 clarity, and pear-shaped diamond from Leibish on the left cost a staggering $540K. In contrast, the pear-shaped, 1.50-carat, lab-grown fancy blue color diamond on the right is only $1,820 at James Allen.*

Natural fancies are historically coveted due to their rarity, and prices can be astronomical depending on hue and saturation. Lab-grown fancy-colored diamonds are significantly more affordable, making them an enticing and practical choice.

Comparison of natural and fancy-colored lab-grown diamonds prices and characteristics.

Natural vs Lab-Grown Fancy Color Prices

Where to Buy Fancy-Colored Lab-Grown Diamonds

When it comes to finding the best fancy-colored lab-grown diamonds, a few online retailers stand out for their exceptional selection and quality:

Brilliant Earth is renowned for its commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability, offering a stunning array of fancy-colored, lab-grown, eco-friendly, and beautiful diamonds.

Blue Nile is an established leader in online diamond retail, providing a vast selection of high-quality lab-grown diamonds in various hues, cuts, and sizes, all with the convenience of online shopping.

James Allen stands out for its user-friendly website and high-definition 360° imaging technology, allowing customers to examine and confidently choose their ideal fancy-colored lab-grown diamond.

Each offers diverse options, ensuring you can find the perfect lab-grown diamond to suit your taste and budget. They also provide a seamless online experience and guarantee the quality and authenticity of their diamonds, making them trusted choices for discerning buyers worldwide.

The Rising Popularity of Fancy-Colored Lab-Grown Diamonds

Fancy-colored lab-grown diamonds are revolutionizing the world of luxury jewelry. They're not just about affordability; they represent a harmonious fusion of exquisite beauty, cutting-edge innovation, and a commitment to sustainability and traceability.

These radiant, lab-created treasures redefine elegance, appealing to those who cherish both time-honored traditions and the forefront of technological advancement.

The journey towards embracing lab-grown diamonds is transformative and ongoing. Recent advances in cutting and crafting techniques have elevated their allure, making them a coveted choice for discerning jewelry enthusiasts.

However, it's crucial to navigate this new terrain with expertise. Not all lab-grown diamonds are created equal, and their quality can vary significantly.

This is where our complimentary diamond concierge service steps in – to guide you in finding the most exceptional lab-grown diamonds that meet and exceed your expectations. Let us help you discover the perfect gem embodying luxury and value.

Vivid Green fancy-colored lab-grown diamond from James Allen.

Fancy Vivid Green Lab-grown • James Allen.

Disclaimer: Price Comparison

*Natural and Fancy-Colored Lab-Grown diamonds price comparison based on Leibish SKU #530842 and James Allen SKU #18745696 on the date of publication, December 11, 2023. Screenshots on file are available by request. Note that diamond prices are subject to change without notice due to global conditions.

About the Author

Dive deep into the glittering world of diamonds with Todd Gray, the CEO of Gray Matter Development, LLC. Todd has 35+ years of experience as a diamond buyer and trade consultant. He ghostwrites content for several online vendors and is an avid Freediver, currently exploring the Cenotes of Yucatan, Mexico. Dive into brilliance with Todd Gray!