Two diamonds can have the same carat weight and similar grading information but look substantially different once set in a ring due to the quality of the cut, proportions, colour and clarity and the interaction between the stone and light. What a stone is grown in doesn’t have to dictate what it looks like, which is an important detail for potential buyers of CVD diamantes in Spain to consider.
CVD indicates the process used to lab diamonds in specialist laboratory conditions and is useful information for a buyer to review but should only be the beginning of a customer’s evaluation.
Understanding CVD Diamond Grading Information
Chemical Vapor Deposition involves growing diamond material using gases containing the relevant elements in appropriate equipment conditions, using a small seed crystal as the starting point on which to build additional diamond. The resulting stone is lab-grown but not a simulant such as cubic zirconia – it has the same physical characteristics as natural diamonds.
The CVD label describes the method used to grow a stone but does not inherently indicate that a particular specimen will have an excellent cut, appealing colour or high level of clarity.
That is an essential consideration since two CVD diamantes can have very different visual appearances and grading information, despite their origin.
Review the Cut and Proportions Closely
The growth method is not a critical consideration for jewellery. Cut and proportions determine how a round brilliant will interact with light in terms of fire and scintillation; a higher carat weight cannot make up for a poor-quality cut.
Fancy shapes require a slightly different approach, because certain designs such as oval or pear cuts cannot be assessed purely on carat weight. The overall impression of these shapes is determined more by outline, length and its relationship to width than by the visible size. An oval cut that is too slim might give an elongated appearance that the buyer isn’t keen on but an overly wide oval might look more like what they want. Emerald cuts have large open facets that make inclusions easier to see, meaning that clarity becomes slightly more important for this style.
Consider the Colour and Clarity Against the Setting
Diamond colour and clarity grades should be considered in conjunction with the setting as opposed to on their own.
Diamond colour grade can be very similar when viewed next to each other. The effect of metal appearance on the way a diamond looks should also be borne in mind. Yellow or rose gold doesn’t have the same visual relationship with a diamond as platinum or white gold does.
The same is true of clarity – very high grades only have limited visual benefit if a slightly lower grade is naturally eye-clean when viewed at room temperature and at normal distances.
For a comparison between lab-grown diamonds, reviewing the overall grade and its implications for the appearance of the stone in conjunction with the overall shape, intended setting and general design gives a more balanced perspective than looking at an individual aspect alone.
Grading Documentation Contains Key Details
Where possible, obtain independent documentation concerning the specific diamond grading information. This might include details about the carat weight, dimensions, colour and clarity grade; it can also identify aspects concerning cut quality, the finish of the surface and symmetry, plus any fluorescence, depending on the laboratory and the stone itself.
Ensure that the report number matches the lab diamonds that is for sale; bear in mind that different laboratories issue different kinds of certification. The laboratory issuing the report is equally informative.
The report details are a useful reference but they cannot reflect all aspects of a stone’s presentation. Fancy shapes make it easy for two diamonds with largely identical grading reports and sizes to appear significantly different, so buyers should consider obtaining additional images or video to help with their assessment in conjunction with the report.
Examine Carat Weight in Conjunction With the Diamond Size
One common pitfall is to assume that a heavier diamond will necessarily look larger. Carat weight is a measure of the weight of the stone, not of its surface dimensions. Two one-carat diamonds might appear to have substantially different levels of surface coverage if the proportions of one cause it to extend outwards further than the other.
A diamond with substantially more weight below the girdle than another one of the same carat weight might look smaller from above than a differently proportioned one would. This should be factored in with actual millimetre measurements when reviewing the appearance of any stone.
Diamonds of fancy shapes introduce additional considerations. A well-proportioned oval or pear shape can have a higher overall impression length without requiring the buyer to select a substantially higher carat weight than they would do for a round brilliant.
The Jewellery Setting Determines What Characteristics Are Most Significant
A solitaire highlights the centre stone and puts its overall appearance and any facets in evidence. A halo setting incorporates supplementary stones to give the whole ring more presence, while pavé has additional sparkle built into the design. Bezel settings surround more of the perimeter of a round brilliant and can offer protection for the edges of such a stone.
The configuration of prongs is also an important consideration; these support the stone and can make a noticeable difference to the appearance. Four prongs can leave the edges of a stone exposed while six-prong settings give additional contact points and support for a round centre stone. The right choice depends on shape, design and practicality.
People should consider how they spend their time to decide whether they want to choose a lower-profile setting that catches less on objects and clothing or whether they prefer this choice to allow the prominent centre stone to stand out.
Reconsider Each Element of the Ring’s Appearance
Rather than considering an array of different diamond specifications individually, buyers should take these seven aspects jointly:
| Detail | What to Examine |
|---|---|
| Carat | Weight and face-up measurements |
| Cut | Proportions and visual light performance |
| Colour | Appearance with the selected metal |
| Clarity | Visibility and position of inclusions |
| Shape | Outline and length-to-width proportions |
| Setting | Height, protection and stone security |
| Grading | Issuing laboratory and report details |
| Band | Width, profile and wedding-band compatibility |
In addition, the approach can prevent the possibility of paying dearly for a specific characteristic without tangible visual benefit while failing to obtain sufficient consideration for a detail that will have a significant bearing on what a piece of jewellery looks like as a whole.
Review the Compatibility With the Wedding Band
Some engagement-ring buyers select the centre diamond and the setting and then put off purchasing the wedding band for months afterwards. This can lead to problems if the centre stone is sufficiently low-set or the basket setting extends sufficiently that a conventional wedding band cannot fit flush against it. Some people prefer this gap while others prefer to avoid it; if a flush fit is essential, request the side profile and measurements of the engagement ring’s setting before ordering. A contoured band is an alternative if the engagement ring setting cannot accommodate a straight wedding band.
Consider Metal Appearance and Long-Term Wear
Metal appearance affects the appearance of most types of engagement ring. The characteristics of platinum and gold alloys are very different and settings or prong configuration might require periodic inspection to ensure that they are secure in place and not worn.
Assess CVD Jewellery as a Complete Piece
The best way to assess CVD jewellery is therefore not from origin to appearance but instead by first reviewing the grading documentation for a selected diamond, going on to examine the millimetre size, then the stone’s overall proportions before ensuring that the setting offers sufficient protection for the type of gemstone and finally comparing the ring’s appearance in context with the proposed wedding band. These characteristics directly influence how a piece of jewellery looks and feels away from the display case in everyday use.