If you’re in the market for a lab grown diamond bracelet, it’s important to know what to look for to ensure you get one that meets your style and quality expectations. Our guide walks you through everything you need to consider, making your shopping experience fun and easy!
Understand the 4Cs: Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat
Like mined diamonds, lab grown diamonds are evaluated based on the 4Cs: cut, clarity, color and carat weight. Here’s what you need to know:
Criteria | Description |
Cut | This refers to how well the diamond has been faceted and shaped. A well-cut diamond will sparkle brilliantly, making your lab grown diamond bracelet eye-catching. Look for terms like “Very Good” and “Excellent” cut grades. |
Clarity | Clarity measures the presence of internal or external flaws, such as inclusions and blemishes. For a clean appearance, aim for a lab grown diamond bracelet with a clarity grade of VS1 or higher. |
Color | Diamonds are graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). For bracelets, diamonds in the G-H range are an excellent choice, offering a balance of quality and value. |
Carat | Carat weight measures the size of the diamond. While larger diamonds are more noticeable, smaller, well-cut diamonds can create an equally dazzling effect when set in a bracelet. |
Certification Matters
When buying a lab grown diamond tennis bracelet, chain, cuff or bangle, always check for certification from a reputable grading authority like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI). Certification ensures that the diamonds have been independently assessed and verified for quality, giving you peace of mind about your purchase.
Ethical Choices
One advantage of lab grown diamonds is their ethical production. Traditional diamond mining operations are often associated with unfair labor practices, human rights abuses and funding conflicts. Ensure that the brand you purchase adheres to responsible sourcing and manufacturing principles.
Look for companies that are transparent about their diamond-growing processes and committed to ethical responsibility. Knowing that your stunning lab grown diamond bracelet has no ethical impact adds extra value to your purchase.
Diamond Shapes
The shape and setting of the diamonds in your bracelet can affect its overall look and feel. Here are some popular diamond shapes to consider:
Shape | Description |
Round | Classic and timeless, round diamonds offer maximum brilliance and are perfect for any style of bracelet. |
Princess | Princess cut diamonds are square-shaped with sharp corners, which provide a modern and sophisticated look. |
Emerald | Rectangular with step cuts, emerald-cut diamonds exude elegance and are great for vintage-inspired designs. |
Oval | With their elongated shape, oval diamonds create an illusion of greater size and add a unique twist to traditional designs. |
Marquise | Pointed at both ends, marquise-cut diamonds have a distinctive shape that can make the wrist appear slender. |
Cushion | With rounded corners and larger facets, cushion cut diamonds have a soft, romantic look and offer a vintage charm. |
Pear | Combining the round and marquise shapes, pear cut diamonds have a teardrop shape that creates a delicate and elongated appearance. |
Heart | Symbolizing love and romance, heart-shaped diamonds are unique and ideal for special, meaningful designs. |
Radiant | Radiant cut diamonds, which are rectangular or square with trimmed corners, combine the elegance of the emerald cut with the brilliance of the round cut. |
Asscher | Featuring a square shape with deeply cut corners, Asscher cut diamonds are known for their art-deco style and mesmerizing step cuts. |
Baguette | Long and rectangular with step cuts, baguette-cut diamonds are often used as accents and provide a sleek, modern look. |
Trillion | Triangular with pointed edges, trillion-cut diamonds are bold and modern, often used as side stones to enhance the center diamond. |
Multi-Shape | Combining various diamond shapes in one design, multi-shape settings offer a unique and eclectic style. |
Diamond Settings
Diamonds are secured in bracelets in various ways, which can impact the overall design. When it comes to settings, consider these popular styles:
Setting | Description |
Prong | This classic setting, available in 2-, 3-, 4- and 6-prong variations, securely holds each diamond while allowing maximum light to enter, enhancing sparkle. |
Bezel | A bezel setting encircles each diamond with a thin metal rim, offering a streamlined, modern and secure option. |
“S” setting | Each gem is secured with a 2-prong setting, encircled by an S-shaped piece of metal. |
Pavé | Small diamonds are set closely together with minimal metal visible, giving a glittering effect. |
Bracelet Styles
Whether you want a delicate chain or a bold statement piece, there are numerous popular lab grown diamond bracelet options available, including:
Style | Description |
Tennis bracelet | This timeless style features a continuous line of diamonds, perfect for casual and formal wear. |
Bangle | A solid, circular bracelet that can be adorned with diamonds all around or in specific sections, offering a more rigid and structured look. |
Cuff | A cuff bracelet typically has an open design and can be adjusted to fit the wrist. Adding diamonds to a cuff creates a bold, contemporary statement piece. |
Chain | These pieces are created with a series of interconnected links attached to one or more gemstones at various intervals around the bracelet. |
Cuban link | A Cuban link bracelet features chunky, tightly interlocked, flattened links that are encrusted with diamonds. |
Precious Metal Choices
The metal you choose not only affects how the bracelet looks and the way the diamonds glitter, but it also influences the durability and wearability of the piece. Some precious metal options to choose from include:
Metal Type | Description |
White gold | White gold is an alloy of 24K gold and white metals like nickel or platinum. It offers a sleek, modern look that complements the sparkle of diamonds. |
Yellow gold | Yellow gold bracelets, typically made using a 14K alloy, provide a warm, traditional appearance. |
Rose gold | The pinkish hue is achieved by blending yellow gold with copper. It gives the bracelet a romantic, vintage touch. |
Platinum | It’s highly durable, corrosion-resistant and hypoallergenic, making it ideal for everyday wear. |
Matching Your Style
Your lab grown diamond bracelet should reflect your personal style. Think about whether you prefer something classic and understated or bold and glamorous. Consider how the bracelet will fit into your existing jewelry collection. Examine your lab grown diamond rings, earrings and necklaces and look for similar design elements.
Also, consider the occasion you want to wear the piece, whether you want a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down or a glittering bracelet for a formal event. Remember, a lab grown diamond bracelet is an investment in your style and personality.
Comfort and Wearability
Since you’ll likely want to wear your lab grown diamond bracelet often, comfort is critical. Ensure the bracelet fits well and isn’t too tight or too loose. The clasp should be secure yet easy to open and close.
Look for lobster claw or box clasps. Lobster claw clasps are spring-loaded closures that open using a small lever. A box clasp is one of the most secure closure designs featuring a tongue section that locks into the 4-sided box section and can be activated using a trigger.
Additionally, consider the weight of the bracelet; it should feel substantial but not overly heavy on your wrist.
Budget Wisely
Whether you are buying a lab grown diamond ring, earrings or a bracelet, cultivated diamonds offer great value, often costing up to 76% less than their mined counterparts.
Set a budget before you start shopping and stick to it. With so many beautiful options available, you can find stunning lab grown diamond jewelry that fits within your budget without compromising on quality.
Shop from Reputable Jewelers
Finally, purchase your lab grown diamond engagement ring or bracelet from a reputable jeweler. Read reviews, ask for recommendations and ensure the store has a return policy and offers after-sale services like resizing and repairs. A trustworthy jeweler will provide all the information you need and make your shopping experience enjoyable.
Find Your Perfect Sparkle
Buying a lab grown diamond bracelet can be exciting and rewarding when you know what to look for. By shopping wisely and selecting a reputable jeweler, you’ll find a stunning lab grown diamond bracelet you’ll cherish for years.