Undertstanding The Sparkle
Our guide to natural and lab grown diamonds
EVERY diamond is different – that’s what makes them so special! But with all these choices out there, it can be confusing to know which is the right one for you.
Here’s our advice:
The first place to start is whether you want a natural diamond or lab grown diamond. Lab grown diamonds (also referred to as manufactured or CVD diamonds) are a recent addition to the jewellery universe, made in a laboratory by mimicking the same natural process that occurred under the Earth's crust billions of years ago.
These manufactured diamonds have the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds and therefore look identical. Experienced jewellers cannot tell them apart and need to use advanced testing machines to separate the two. Just like natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds over 1ct are graded according to the 4Cs and come with a certificate detailing its characteristics. So once you have decided which you want, the process of choosing your diamond and making your engagement ring or other jewellery is the same.
Niya K is a leading jeweller in Hong Kong for bespoke natural and lab grown diamond engagement rings and jewellery. We are one of the few diamond jewellers in Hong Kong that provide both natural and lab grown diamonds in a completely custom jewellery design experience - all at a great price! We can show you both options in our studio for you to understand the differences.
How much do diamonds cost?
With natural diamonds, there can be a huge range depending on the size and quality of the diamond. With so many options available, it’s best to narrow down as many parameters as possible so that you will have a smaller selection to study and then make the final choice. Eventually you need to find the right balance of size, quality and budget that suits you. For example, an 18K gold classic ring with a good quality 1ct natural round diamond would sell for around HK$35,000-45,000 and a 2ct would sell for over HK$120,000! A 3ct would go for over HK$300,000.
With lab grown diamonds the range is much smaller. Lab grown diamonds are a fraction of the price of natural diamonds and therefore it makes sense to go for a very high quality, making the decision ultimately down to the size and shape you want. You should budget for around HK$12,000-25,000 for a lab grown diamond engagement ring between 1 and 3 carats.
How to choose the right diamond for you and why buy from Niya K
At Niya K, we start with what you know and work from there. All our customers are different and we will tailor our process to suit your needs - some prefer size over colour, clarity over cut, square shapes over round.
Once we know what you like, we filter through thousands of diamonds that not only match your requirements, but also pass Niya K’s own standards. For example, we would never propose stones that we feel are on the lower end of the grading range, diamonds that are cloudy and dull or diamonds that are unethically sourced.
Our sourcing skills are second to none in Hong Kong and we endeavour to find the right diamond for you, at the right price.
We will show you the actual diamonds in our studio so you can understand the differences and make your choice. Eventually you will find a diamond that speaks to you!
We try our best to explain as much as we can about the diamond so that you are aware of what you are buying. Feel free to contact us with any questions you have. We are happy to meet with you to discuss your next diamond purchase!
More About Assessing Diamonds
The 4 Cs
CUT
Cut refers to both the shape of the diamond and measuring how well the diamond has been cut so that it can reflect the most light, and thus achieve the most brilliance. Well cut diamonds also look bigger than poorly cut ones, even though they may weigh less!
CARAT WEIGHT
The carat weight is perhaps one of the few characteristics of a diamond that is an exact science! This simply refers to the weight of a diamond, measured in carats (ct). In this regard, bigger is always better, but diamond prices increase exponentially with weight, so it is an important factor to consider.
COLOR
The colour of a diamond is very important as it can affect the sparkle and, more so, the value quite significantly. Colour is measured on a scale starting from D (pure white) to Z but extends further to the fancy colour range. Diamonds at the extreme ends of the scale are the most rare and therefore the most valuable. Generally, diamonds graded I colour or better will look white to the naked eye.
CLARITY
Clarity refers to natural imperfections that are present in all but the rarest diamonds (referred to as flawless). The less inclusions, the better the clarity and professional jewellers can judge and grade the quality of a diamond based on the number, size, position and type of inclusion. Diamonds that are graded SI1 and above will generally have inclusions that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
It is important to note that assessing a diamond is not an objective process, the colour and clarity grades are ranges that professional jewellers have been trained to judge and is a skill that is passed down generations. There are even different preferences for cut parameters and professionals, to date, still debate about what is the “best.”
The individuality of the process is in fact what makes diamonds so unique & exciting!
All you need to know about lab grown diamonds in Hong Kong
How are Lab Grown Diamonds made?
There are two technologies used to manufacture lab grown diamonds: High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT diamonds) and Chemical Vapour Disposition (CVD diamonds). Both techniques use extreme pressure to separate carbon atoms from other minerals/gases and add them to a diamond seed that is grown layer by layer. The final product is a “rough” diamond, similar to those found in diamond mines. From that point on, these lab created diamonds need to be cut, polished and distributed similarly to mined diamonds. Most lab grown diamonds are grown either in India or China.
Is it good to buy lab grown diamonds and do they have any value? How do they differ from natural diamonds?
How do lab grown diamonds differ from the diamond-esque gemstones?
What kind of lab grown diamonds are available in Hong Kong?
How Much Does A Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Ring Cost in Hong Kong?
Lab grown diamonds are a fraction of the price of natural diamonds and the bigger the diamond the bigger the difference in price. The gold (metal), labour and design costs are the same regardless of the diamond origin (lab or mined) therefore the price advantage is only significant when you use larger lab grown diamonds or a lot of smaller ones!
You can see the relationship in the chart below. For example, a 0.50ct lab grown diamond set in a classic 18K gold will be around 65% of the cost of a similar natural diamond whereas a ring with a 3ct diamond will be less than 10%.
If you are looking for a lab grown diamond engagement ring, you should typically budget somewhere between HK$15,000-25,000. It’s useful to note that with lab grown diamonds we recommend going for very high quality, at least F colour and VS2 clarity, as prices are quite similar.
Why choose Niya K for your lab grown diamond jewellery in Hong Kong?
Trust & Reputation
Trusted and well reputed jeweller in Hong Kong - check out our google reviews! We look to build long term relationships with our customers and make the process as simple and transparent as possible.
Personalised Service
Personal service with expert advice on both lab grown and natural diamonds as well as design. We offer a completely customised experience. Be inspired by our creations and share your ideas with us
Extensive Collection
Extensive range of diamonds on offer! We understand your preference first, then filter through thousands of options to present you with a select few, unlike online stores that do not check the diamonds they offer you
Exquisite craftsmanship
We produce high quality jewellery with our manufacturing partner in China that has extensive experience
Fair Pricing
We only propose good value diamond jewellery and charge fair and competitive margins, much lower than other jewellery stores in Hong Kong and even online shops.
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