A Beginner's Guide to Buying Your First Lab Diamond Bracelet
Lab diamonds look exactly like mined diamonds, so they have identical physical and chemical properties. The difference is that lab diamonds are created in a lab environment, while mined diamonds are dug from deep within the earth. Many modern couples are moving towards lab diamonds as they appreciate the environmental benefits and cost-effectiveness because they're made in a controlled environment.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Setting a Budget
One of the first steps in buying a lab grown diamond bracelet is to set a budget. Consider factors like diamond size, quality, and metal type when setting a budget for a lab diamond bracelet. Start by deciding what's most important to you—whether it's the total carat weight of the lab grown diamonds or the overall quality. Larger diamonds or higher quality stones (in terms of cut, clarity, and color) will typically increase the price, so balance these with your budget. The type of metal also affects cost, with platinum and gold generally being more expensive than silver or other metals. To make the most of your bracelet's budget, think about your personal style and how often you'll wear the bracelet. Investing in a piece that aligns with your taste ensures it's a versatile addition to your collection for years to come. Finally, consider the bracelet's investment value—choosing timeless designs and durable materials can provide lasting value, making it not just a beautiful accessory but also a smart investment.
Choosing the Right Metal
The metal choice impacts the bracelet's overall aesthetic and durability. Platinum is a durable metal but rare, so it'll also increase your budget. Yellow, rose, and white gold are more affordable and durable for a lab diamond bracelet.
In terms of the overall look, some metals can beautifully complement skin tones and enhance the overall look of your bracelet. Yellow gold has warm undertones that pair well with olive, dark, or warm skin tones. White gold and platinum have cool, silvery tones that are flattering on fair or cool skin tones. Rose gold has a pinkish hue that looks stunning on all skin tones, especially those with neutral or warm undertones.
Diamond Quality (4 Cs)
We touched on quality when discussing the budget, but it's essential to understand the 4Cs (cut, carat weight, color, and clarity) before buying your first diamond bracelet. Cut refers to the shape of the diamond as well as how well the facets are cut. Color is the stone's overall hue, and Clarity means the inclusions within the stone. Carat weight refers to the stone's size and weight. You'll have to determine which quality factors are important to you. Cut and color are the most noticeable quality factors for a bracelet, while clarity is less crucial. The carat weight for a bracelet really comes down to personal preferences and budget.
Bracelet Styles and Settings
Another piece you'll need to decide is the bracelet style. You'll soon discover that there are a variety of different bracelet designs, such as tennis, bangle, charm, and cuff. Think about the events you attend, your personal style, and what types of occasions you are looking to attend wearing the bracelet. A tennis bracelet is classic and elegant - it features a continuous row of diamonds so that you can wear it for everyday wear and special occasions. Bangles are sleek and versatile because you can wear them alone or stacked with other bangles or other bracelets. Charm bracelets add a personal, playful touch because they typically feature individual charms that can tell a story or mark special moments.
The type of setting impacts the overall look of your diamond bracelet. Prong settings allow maximum light to hit the diamonds, enhancing sparkle; bezel settings provide a modern, secure fit with a smooth finish; and pavé settings create a glittering surface with closely set stones.
Sizing and Fit
Carefully measuring your wrist size can help you find the perfect fit for a bracelet. One way is to use a flexible measuring tape or a strip of paper and wrap it snugly around your wrist just below the wrist bone where you'd typically wear a bracelet. Note the measurement and add about half an inch to ensure a comfortable-fitting bracelet that isn't too tight.
Comfort is key for your diamond bracelet, especially for everyday wear. A bracelet that's too tight can be uncomfortable, and one that's too loose may slide around or fall off. For those unsure of their exact size or who prefer versatility, adjustable bracelets, like those with a bolo clasp, offer a great solution. These designs allow you to customize the fit, making them ideal for ensuring comfort and security, regardless of wrist size.
Sustainable Considerations
Lab diamonds are considered sustainable because they use fewer natural resources to create stones. Mined diamonds sometimes disrupt the earth and ecosystems, while lab diamonds do not. Consumers appreciate lab diamonds because they align with their personal values, such as finding a more environmentally friendly stone option. If you're interested in a lab diamond bracelet, look for companies like With Clarity that prioritize sustainable diamonds and ethical business practices. You can also find certified lab diamonds that are evaluated by a third party. The stones come with a detailed report confirming the diamond's quality details and providing peace of mind.
Where to Buy
Look for reputable online jewelers by researching reviews, warranties, and the jewelry's craftsmanship. You want your lab diamond bracelet to last for years, so it's important to buy from a reputable jeweler and ensure you're getting a quality piece of jewelry. Look for trustworthy companies that offer certified diamonds and have solid return policies. With Clarity wants your jewelry buying experience to be enjoyable and stress-free, so they allow you to have a wide variety of options online, or you can check out their SOHO showroom shopping. Their expert gemologists will be more than happy to answer any questions you have, and they believe in an honest, transparent buying process guiding you from the start to the final purchase.
The First of Many
Buying your first diamond bracelet is special - whether it's for yourself or someone you love. It's a piece that'll be cherished forever, so you'll want to choose a durable piece that lasts for generations, as diamond bracelets make excellent heirloom pieces. Buying a diamond bracelet is a big step and deserves to be celebrated. Enjoy the process and be proud of the stunning diamond bracelet you find.