Picking a diamond is a big decision. Whether you’re buying a pair of earrings or an engagement ring, you’ll always want to get it right. But what if you can’t afford diamond jewelry or you’d simply like one that carries more meaning than a traditional diamond? Then a diamond alternative might be just what you’re looking for! There are many alternatives to a natural diamond that offer excellent value at a much more reasonable price point, like lab-grown & simulated diamonds. So, we’ve laid out the 8 Best Places to Buy Lab-Grown & Simulated Diamonds in Singapore to give some tips on where and how to get your next jewelry!
This article was last updated on 11 May 2021.
Lab-Grown Diamonds vs Simulated Diamonds
What is a lab-grown diamond?
Lab-grown diamonds, also known as synthetic or cultured diamonds, are gaining popularity in recent days since they have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds. They are made in a lab in contrast to being formed under the ground. In fact, industry experts can hardly tell the difference without special equipment that scans for patterns and impurities.
Now, how would you know if a lab-grown diamond is the one for you? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons.
Pros:
- The price is one big benefit of lab-grown diamonds. They are much cheaper than their earth counterparts, about 10 to 30 percent less than a natural diamond of similar size, color, and clarity.
- While it hasn’t been fully studied yet, lab-grown diamonds are most often cited as environmentally sustainable, since it takes less energy to grow a diamond in the lab. Plus, they don’t require mining, which degrades the environment and often puts workers in dangerous or unsanitary conditions.
- Lab-grown diamonds are ethically sourced. The issue with “blood diamonds” and “uncut gems” is extremely etched in many consumer’s minds. From child labor practices to human rights violations, diamond mining delivers both controversy and conflict. So it is reassuring to know that with lab-grown diamonds, you can be confident that your gem did not support wars or exploitation in any way.
Cons:
- Lab-made diamonds are not as bizarre as natural diamonds are. Each traditionally mined diamond is a unique work of nature’s art, while lab-grown diamonds are mass-produced in factories. A diamond’s mystery and charm may be affected because of this.
- Just as lab-grown diamonds support ethical sourcing, they also take jobs away from workforces and laborers. A diamond mine is a huge profit to the economy of the host country when run responsibly, so the jobs and income that the mine brings can help many people from poverty.
- Many people still don’t fully understand what a lab-grown diamond is. Due to common misinformation about them, people might think you’ll be getting a fake diamond instead of the real thing.
What is a simulated diamond?
If you’re considering a diamond simulant, read our short guide of the most popular diamond simulants:
Cubic Zirconia (CZ)
Cubic zirconia is one of the most popular diamond simulants and is often regarded as an inexpensive diamond alternative. However, it is less durable and can discolor over time, unlike real diamonds.
Synthetic Moissanite
Moissanite offers refractive qualities better than the majority of diamonds, but it’s extremely rare. Because of this, scientists and experts found a way to grow Moissanite in a lab using tiny silicon carbide crystals under pressurized heat to create a synthetic one. As a result, synthetic Moissanite is almost as durable as a real diamond. It’s also a plus that this gemstone looks almost identical to an actual diamond!
White Sapphire
Although blue is the most sought sapphire stone, it also comes in many colors. White or colorless sapphire is often used as a diamond alternative. It looks very close to a diamond, although it differs in terms of hardness, durability, and refraction. Moreover, white sapphire is prone to scratches since it is four times less hard than an actual diamond. Despite its difference from a real diamond, natural colorless sapphire is a relatively affordable gem if you’re looking for a natural stone!
Now that you’ve been briefed about these diamond alternatives, the best option relies on your decision alone. Whether you’re searching for a lab-grown or a simulated diamond, you can use our shopping recommendations below to make sure you’ll be getting high-quality gems.
8 Best Places to Buy Lab-Grown & Simulated Diamonds in Singapore
Lab-Grown Diamond Stores
1. James Allen
James Allen is known for their vast collection of traditional GIA, IGI, and AGS-graded diamonds. They seek to educate buyers on diamond buying and provide customizable engagement rings aside from pre-made options. Although prices may seem affordable and fit everyone’s budget, rest assured the diamonds on James Allen are real.
If you’re looking to save some cash, James Allen is the right place. They have over 17,000 lab-created diamonds which cost about 30 percent less than earth-created ones. All of their lab-created diamonds are “as-grown”, which means they have no post-growth treatment and color enhancement procedures. Structurally and visually, these lab-grown diamonds are almost the same as their traditional diamonds, so choosing the next diamond will be up to you and your budget.
Prices and rates:
- Loose lab-created diamonds – from $280
- For custom lab-created diamond rings, check rates here
2. Michael Trio
Michael Trio specializes in engagement rings and wedding bands with exquisite gemstones and diamonds, all made with care by skilled craftspeople. They make these jewelry pieces from scratch without third-party companies, so if you’re looking for cheaper options, their gems are usually cheaper than others!
Aside from a wide selection of natural diamonds and gemstones, Michael Trio also ponders on their lab-grown diamonds with impeccable brilliance at a modest, consecutive price. In addition, these lab-grown diamonds offered at Michael Trio are certified by IGI so you can be assured you’ll only be getting the best quality. So if you want a lab-grown diamond ring, go to Michael Trio!
Prices and rates:
- Loose lab-grown diamonds – from $242
- For customized lab-grown diamond rings, check rates here
3. The Better Diamond
Despite being a small team, The Better Diamond prides itself on creating diamonds without contributing to pollution and exploiting underaged miners. They make diamonds with a personal touch for your love and your values. By choosing The Better Diamond, you’ll only get ethical and sustainable diamonds with an intimate touch.
On top of that, their lab-grown diamonds are certified with GIA and IGI. You can also make special requests in case you wish to have these diamonds certified by other governing bodies!
Prices and rates:
- For customization rates, you can request a quote here.
4. Star Carat Shop
For over 30 years, Star Carat Shop has always believed that everybody deserves a little sparkle in their life through beautiful diamonds and jewelry of unrivaled quality. With this in mind, they have established strong partnerships with several technologically advanced diamond growers and created exceptional one-carat lab-grown diamonds that are reasonably priced! At Star Carat Shop, you can now get a lab-grown diamond of high value and quality that’s worthy of enduring and inspiring love.
What’s more, they offer bespoke services so you can make an exceptional jewelry piece. They have a team of dedicated professionals who strive to make your experience remarkable under their care. With such a good reputation, we believe that Star Carat Shop is the solution to your diamond ring difficulties!
Prices and rates:
- Rings – from $1,699
- Pendants – from $1,099
- Earrings – from $3,099
- Book an appointment to get their bespoke services’ rates
Simulated Diamond Stores
1. ORRO
As mentioned above, diamond simulants and lab-grown diamonds aren’t the same. But what if we combine these two? Yup, you read that right! ORRO Private Collection is a company that specializes in lab-created stimulants. They use their signature premium master cut simulants that flawlessly replicate the brilliance of a genuine diamond (lab-grown or natural). These gems are done in the same manner each facet of a naturally mined diamond is cut and polished to maximize brilliance. What’s more, ORRO certified diamond simulants are known as the ‘World’s Best Diamond Simulants’ since they look similar to a real diamond and even share some of their characteristics!
If you’re looking for a simulated diamond ring that won’t cost you the world, then ORRO will be your best friend. Click here to view their jewelry collection.
Prices and rates:
- Rings – from $159
- Necklaces – from $120
- Earrings – from $135
- Click here to check the rates of their bespoke services
2. Éclat by Oui
Inspired by the strong and ageless spirit of modern femininity, Éclat by Oui is dedicated to the strong, modern, and beautiful. They offer meticulously handcrafted diamond simulants which are optically similar to naturally mined diamonds. These high-grade simulated diamonds are polished to resemble the brilliance and fire of a natural, fine diamond. In fact, many jewelers have difficulty telling these stones apart from mined diamonds due to their impressive optical characteristics!
The simulants have a hardness of 8.5 on the Moh’s scale, so if you want a stone with a hardness of a natural ruby or sapphire on top of a diamond’s shine, then Éclat by Oui is the best choice.
Prices and rates:
- Rings – from $300
- Bangles – from $700
- Bracelets – from $600
- Necklaces – from $300
3. 18 KARAATS
Whether you’re trying to add some glitz to your wardrobe or picking an engagement ring to pledge your love, 18 KARAATS will surely bring you on a journey of light and sparkle! Since 2007, this Singaporean brand has been customizing alluring engagement rings, wedding bands, and jewelry using diamond simulants. All their stones are 100% handmade with luxurious 18k solid gold.
Although 18 KARAATS are better known for their handcrafted simulated diamonds, they also sell Moissanite rings which is another perfect diamond simulant. As mentioned above, Moissanites are truly a versatile and valuable gemstone that is suitable for a wide range of styles. Available at 18 KARAATS, their moissanites are rated colorless and fully certified by a local gemologist. You can check their website to know more about their famous Moissanite ring!
Prices and rates:
- Moissanite rings – from $1,288
- Simulant rings – from $1,408
4. Gem by Gems
For 12 years, Gem by Gems has been in the business of customizing high-quality bespoke jewelry. Although their focus is on natural diamonds, they have an affiliate with Strass Diamonds, which produces the world’s finest diamond simulant jewelry set in 18k Gold. All Strass Diamond simulants are machine cut and hand polished to the highest standards, giving the formation of pure brilliance diamond. Now, you can own your very own diamond at a fraction of the price!
Prices and rates:
- Rings – from $829
- Pendants – from $596
We hope that our guide on the 8 Best Places to Buy Lab-Grown & Simulated Diamonds will help you to find the best diamond alternative to your jewelry collection. Do also read our other gems and accessories guide! Please do share this along with your friends if you have found this useful. Do look forward to more diamond and jewelry guides that we will be releasing soon!
This post was brought to you by The Wedding Vow.
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