They are real diamonds—identical in appearance and composition to natural diamonds—but they offer something natural diamonds cannot: significantly more size and quality for the price.
At Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, you will shop from a large selection of loose lab-grown diamonds, along with access to virtually any diamond you’re looking for through our extended network. These diamonds are not pre-set in rings during the selection process. Instead, you are viewing and comparing the diamonds in their loose form, which is the most accurate way to evaluate beauty, brilliance, and overall quality.
Shopping for loose lab-grown diamonds allows you to see each stone clearly from every angle, without the distraction of prongs, side stones, or mounting styles. This gives you a true, unobstructed view of the diamond’s sparkle, proportions, and light performance—making it easier to compare options side by side and choose the one that stands out the most to you.
Buy a Lab-Grown Diamond With Confidence
Lab-grown diamonds are graded using the same 4Cs: carat, color, clarity, and cut. The difference is how much you pay for each level of quality.
Carat (Size)
With lab-grown diamonds, you can often choose a significantly larger stone for the same budget. What might be out of reach in a natural diamond becomes easily attainable.
Color
Higher color grades are far more accessible. Many customers choose near-colorless or colorless diamonds because the price difference is much smaller than with natural diamonds.
Clarity
Cleaner diamonds are easier to afford. Instead of settling for “eye-clean,” you can often step into higher clarity grades without a major price increase.
Cut
Cut still matters the most. A well-cut lab-grown diamond delivers the same brilliance and sparkle as a well-cut natural diamond—and this is where you’ll see the biggest visual impact.
Choosing the Right Size (Carat Weight)
This is where lab-grown diamonds truly stand apart.
You’re no longer forced to choose between size and budget. Many customers find they can move up in carat weight—sometimes dramatically—while staying within the same price range they originally had in mind.
The result is a diamond that looks more impressive on the hand without stretching your budget.
Choosing the Right Size (Carat Weight)
All the classic and modern shapes are available:
Round Brilliant – Maximum sparkle and timeless appeal
Princess Cut – Clean, modern lines
Emerald Cut – Elegant and understated
Oval, Cushion, Pear – Distinctive shapes that stand out and often appear larger
With lab-grown diamonds, you have more freedom to choose the shape you love without worrying as much about price differences between shapes.
Color & Clarity: Upgrade Without Overpaying
In natural diamonds, small differences in grading can mean large jumps in price. With lab-grown diamonds, those upgrades are far more attainable.
That means you can choose a brighter, cleaner diamond—or simply enjoy knowing you’re getting a higher-quality stone for the same investment. And just like natural diamonds, many slight inclusions or hints of color are not visible to the naked eye, giving you flexibility to prioritize what matters most.
Diamond Color
Diamond color refers to the absence of color in a white diamond. The industry uses a grading scale developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) that ranges from D to Z.
D, E, and F diamonds are considered colorless.
G, H, I, and J diamonds are considered near-colorless.
Diamonds graded K and below begin to show more noticeable warmth or yellow tint.
The differences between adjacent color grades are often extremely subtle. In many cases, a G-color diamond can appear nearly identical to a D-color diamond when viewed without specialized lighting or side-by-side comparison. Once a diamond is mounted in a ring, those differences can become even more difficult to detect.
Color can affect a diamond's appearance, particularly in larger stones, but it is important to remember that higher color grades come with significantly higher prices. Many buyers find that choosing a near-colorless diamond provides an excellent balance of beauty and value. Our team can help you compare loose diamonds side by side so you can decide whether the price difference between grades is truly worth it for your preferences.
Diamond Clarity
Diamond clarity measures the presence of natural internal characteristics, called inclusions, and external characteristics, called blemishes. Because diamonds form deep within the earth under intense heat and pressure, most contain some naturally occurring features.
The GIA clarity scale includes:
FL (Flawless): No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification.
IF (Internally Flawless): No inclusions visible under 10x magnification.
VVS1-VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included): Minute inclusions that are extremely difficult to see under magnification.
VS1-VS2 (Very Slightly Included): Minor inclusions that are difficult to see under magnification.
SI1-SI2 (Slightly Included): Inclusions are visible under magnification and may sometimes be visible to the naked eye.
I1-I3 (Included): Inclusions are generally visible and may affect appearance or durability.
One of the biggest misconceptions in diamond buying is that higher clarity always means a more beautiful diamond. In reality, many VS and SI diamonds appear completely clean to the naked eye. These are often referred to as "eye-clean" diamonds because any inclusions can only be seen under magnification.
For many buyers, eye-clean diamonds offer outstanding value. Rather than paying a premium for microscopic characteristics that are impossible to see during everyday wear, you may be able to choose a larger diamond or a better cut while staying within the same budget. By viewing loose diamonds before they are mounted, you can evaluate clarity for yourself and select a stone that looks beautiful without paying for unnecessary perfection.
Smart Diamond Buying
Understanding color and clarity can help you make a more informed purchase. While the highest grades are often the rarest, they are not always the best value. Many diamonds with slightly lower color and clarity grades appear identical to the naked eye but cost significantly less.
By focusing on what you can actually see—and not just what appears on a grading report—you may be able to choose a larger diamond, a superior cut, or simply spend less while still getting a beautiful result. Our specialists can help you compare loose diamonds side by side and identify exceptional values that maximize both beauty and budget.
Why Cut Still Matters Most
Even with the advantages of lab-grown diamonds, cut remains the most important factor.
A diamond with an excellent cut will reflect light beautifully and deliver the brilliance people notice immediately. A poorly cut diamond—no matter how large or high-grade—will not have the same life.
If your goal is a diamond that catches attention across the room, cut is where you focus.
More Freedom in the Ring—and Beyond
Because lab-grown diamonds cost less, you have options.
You can choose a larger diamond, upgrade the setting to something more elaborate, or design a custom ring that would otherwise be out of reach. Many customers also find that choosing a lab-grown diamond allows them to allocate more of their budget toward their wedding, honeymoon, or other priorities.
It’s about getting exactly what you want—without trade-offs.
Setting Your Diamond
Once you’ve selected your diamond, the next step is creating the perfect ring.
You can choose from our extensive collection of settings, or have a ring custom made to reflect your personal style. Whether you want something classic or completely one-of-a-kind, the flexibility of a lab-grown diamond opens the door to more possibilities.
A Smarter Way to Get More
You don’t have to settle.
Lab-grown diamonds allow you to maximize size, quality, and design—all within a comfortable budget. At Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, you’ll be able to compare your options side by side and choose the diamond that gives you the most impact for your investment.
And if you have something specific in mind, we can find it.
