While education relating to laboratory (or "lab") grown diamonds seems to be improving, the perception amongst the consumer is still mixed and often polarised. Perhaps the most common misconception is that these are false or fake diamonds. They are not.  When we talk about fake diamonds they are usually glass or of a similar consistency which look at first (and distant!) glance like a genuine diamond. However, synthetics such as cubic zirconias are lacking in any hint or hue of colour or fluorescence, do not sparkle to anywhere the near same degree as a well cut diamond, lack the same overall brilliance and of course will chip and crack when worn regularly. SHOP LOOSE LAB DIAMONDS IN STOCK  h Furthermore, they do not display the same internal structural nor chemical characteristics of a diamond and are instantly detectable as fake by your local jeweller. Ironically, their lack of even the tiniest blemish or inclusion is yet another giveaway. A lab grown diamond on the other hand is, well, a diamond. The difference is that it has been evolved and grown under laboratory conditions. It must therefore be referred to and certified as being lab grown. SPOT THE DIFFERENCE? Even to gemologists both types of diamond look identical, assuming they are of similar grade. A useful analogy is the cultured pearl which is grown in freshwater under controlled conditions, compared to a pearl discovered and extracted from it's natural  habitat. The process of growing the diamond essentially replicates and hugely accelerates the formation process of a natural mined diamond. (The natural diamond is formed under the earth's surface over thousands of years). And like the formation of a natural "earth" diamond, the lab grown version is subject to the forces of nature with regards to how clear and white it is once formed. While the sophisticated equipment and substantial human skillsets necessary in the laboratory growing process continue to evolve, it is not possible to grow a diamond to a predetermined carat weight, colour and clarity.  As with a naturally formed diamond therefore, each "rough" laboratory grown version (which uses a natural diamond "seed" as it's starting point) has it's very own entirely unique profile. The rough lab diamond also has to then be "planned" using laser technology to determine which shapes and sizes of stones it should be "chopped" in to in the first instance. Then each individual stone has to be polished and intricately cut to produce the finished article, ready to set within the appropriate item of fine jewellery. In terms of defining the precise quality and grade, each Pobjoy lab grown diamond is evaluated by one of the leading independent gemological institutes; the IGI or the GIA. As with naturally formed diamonds, lab grown diamonds are forensically examined and measured to establish their carat weight, colour, clarity, cut, polish and symmetry. Each institute then produces a numbered certificate for the stone it has graded, detailing all these specific variables. This unique number is also nano-inscribed by laser along the girdle (the outer narrow rim) of the diamond and the details retained for verification in the future. WATCH VIDEO OF LAB DIAMOND FORMATION   Conclusions When buying a lab grown diamond it is essential for it to be supplied to you with this certificate. The certificate enables you to check the validity of the diamond and it's grading against the independent institute's own online records. It also provides you with independent confirmation as to what it is you are buying. Of course when it comes to price, this is where there is a marked difference between the naturally formed and lab grown diamond, with the latter typically costing between 60% and 70% less. If you would like to compare a naturally formed and laboratory grown diamond please contact us to arrange an appointment.     Fancy coloured lab diamonds Search lab diamonds  See more about lab diamonds Shop lab diamond rings & jewellery

When it comes to looking for just the right diamond, it seems that the more you learn the more you feel you might still need to know! On the one hand are the gemologists who have built up considerable knowledge of all things pertaining to precious gemstones. On the other is the customer who, quite understandibly, has limited experience and understanding of what they should be looking for. This presents a challenge for reputable jewellers: provide customers with as much information as possible to help them  make an informed decision- but avoid making the process confusing and laborious. To draw a parallel with buying a new car, few of us are experts and it is not something we do on a regular basis. Nevertheless, it represents a substantial  financial commitment and we need to live with our decision for some time to come. Most importantly too, we tend to buy something that appeals to us. Something that talks to our hearts, not just our heads. By taking a top down approach, this whole process becomes less daunting. Sure, it does require a little focus and attention but it is well worth it. When you appreciate that an almost flawless one carat diamond can be worth three times or more than a much lower grade stone of similar weight, some rudamentary knowledge can really help you in making the right call. And help you avoid paying too much for something you don't really want. Most of us will have heard of the "4 C's". You can see more about the "4 C's" here, but let's highlight a few key points in summary: Cut  This is not to be confused with the shape. The cut refers to the myriad of intricate angles and shapes cut in to the diamond. This directly informs the general level of sparkle and liveliness of the stone, whatever the colour and clarity. We advise opting for Excellent or Very Good. Colour  More important than clarity, colour is graded in order of merit from D (the "whitest") through to Z (the most "yellow"). D,E and F are considered the top colour group. G and H are near colourless. Colour F is extremely difficult to distinguish from D or E and typically priced a tad lower. As a rule of thumb we suggest going for a colour grade of H or higher  On the subject of colour it is also important to consider fluorescence, milkiness and shading. These factors will also have an impact on how clean and white the diamond looks. Clarity The clearer the diamond the better. Flawless diamonds ("FL") are rare and therefore more valuable. In the case of larger carat weight stones, clarity has a significant influence on price. But tiny inclusions and fissures can be extremely difficult to see with the naked eye. In fact, a  diamond which is considered "eyeclean" (meaning that any such marks cannot be seen without magnification) is going to represent much better value for money. It is possible to find a seemingly clear diamond with a grade of "Si1" (Slightly Included). Just reach out to us if you would like further guidance.   Carat Weight  Essentially, the correct term for the size of any given                diamond. This is the easiest of the 4 C's to establish and unsurprisingly has a direct influence on value, albeit in the context of the other "C's" considered above. It is worth noting that the surface (or "face up") area does not increase by anywhere near the same proportion as a corresponding increase in it's weight. See recent blog    LAUNCH DIAMOND SEARCH    Select Natural Diamonds (default) or  Lab Grown Diamonds by selecting tab in header. For coloured diamonds such as pinks and blues, select the tab marked fancy, which you will find to the centre right of the screen. Select desired diamond shape from the icons Use the slider or - if easier - key in the minimum and maximum carat weight  Select the colour range, with D being the whitest Select cut - we recommend Very Good or Excellent Stipulate a price range or leave blank (default) More Filters. We suggest selecting Good polish or above For Table please refer to our guide on diamond anatomy Fluorescence - we suggest opting for None to Medium For most diamond shapes Good symmetry and above is advisable. In the case of oval, pear and marquise cut the symmetry is more crucial and should ideally be Very Good or Excellent For Depth please refer to diamond anatomy Lab refers to the gemological institute which has graded and certified the specific diamond See certification   Once you click on a specific diamond a more detaild product page will open. You are then able to add to cart and proceed to checkout or continue shopping. If there is more information you require about any individual diamond please reach out to us. If the specific diamond you select does not include a video or image we can usually send these to you. +44 (0) 20 3998 3075 More Ways To Contact Us

Online searches for one carat diamond rings are the highest of all the phrase terms we see when reviewing our website traffic. This may come as no surprise. After all, a two carat diamond of even a medium colour and clarity grade is beyond most people's budget, while  "0.90 carat diamond ring" is not an instinctive search phrase. Unquestionably, a one carat stone represents both a substantial and well proportioned size for any style of diamond ring. But there are a couple of things worth considering in reaching your buying decision when it comes to diamond carat weight. Appearance The surface diameter - or "face-up size" - of a round or princess (square) cut diamond does not increase in a linear fashion in accordance with carat weight. For example, a one carat round brilliant cut diamond will have a diameter of between 6.2 and 6.7 mm. The diameter is determined by table and depth ratios which differ for each diamond. In comparison, the diameter of a 0.90 carat (or "90 point") stone will usually be between 6.0 and 6.3 mm. So, if it's diameter you are after, a well proportioned one carat diamond will only be around 5% greater on average than the smaller solitaire cited in this example. Price No matter what your budget, both price and maximising value are bound to play key roles in your decision making process. There are various ways to help maximise your budget and get the ideal ring without compromise. With this in mind we have compiled a quick guide which you may find useful.  See Guide In the context of the size of a solitaire diamond more specifically, the typical variation in price in relation to carat weight is also non linear. This tends to be particularly true in the case of a natural earth diamond which is exactly one carat weight and one which is very slightly less. On the assumption that both diamonds are of commensurate grading (for example colour F, clarity VS2 with excellent cut and similar advanced characteristics), the price difference may surprise you. Rather than the one carat stone commanding a price of around 10% more than the 90 pointer as one might logically expect, it will typically be more like 30% to 40% dearer. The reason for this disparity in price is simply down to the usual forces of supply and demand. Conclusion There are numerous other aspects to consider in choosing your perfect diamond ring. However, when it comes to diamond size at least, a little less weight can cost you a lot less money.   The journey of your Pobjoy diamond ring h