How to Customize your Jewelry with Lab-Grown Diamonds

Off-the-shelf lab diamond jewelry comes with so many options, from bold, statement-making pieces to understated ones and everything in between. But let's face it; it can be a bit of a bore, and who on earth wouldn't want something that's one-of-a-kind?
In our books, if you're going to wear lab-grown diamond jewelry every day (or on special occasions), you might as well make it uniquely yours, and in this guide, we're dishing out the best tips to help you do just that.
Table of contents
Why should you Customize Lab Diamond Jewelry?

Let’s start with the obvious; customization is all about making a piece uniquely yours. Sure, off-the-shelf jewelry is pretty, but it’s made to appeal to everyone, and anyone can have it. Customizing your lab-grown diamond jewelry means you get to stand out from everyone else by wearing a piece that not only matches your style but also tells your story.
Design Freedom
Custom lab-grown diamond jewelry gives you the freedom to choose every little detail, from the shape of the diamond to the setting you want, engravings, or even colorful diamond options. The best part? Design possibilities are endless. Getting engaged? Why not get a one-of-a-kind custom lab diamond engagement ring for your one true love?
Ethical And Sustainable
Another great reason to invest in customized lab-grown diamond jewelry is the ethical aspect. Lab-grown diamonds offer the same brilliance and durability as mined diamonds but with a much smaller environmental footprint and none of the ethical baggage.
They Stand Out
Let’s be honest we all want to feel special. With custom lab-grown diamond jewelry, you're guaranteed to stand out. After all, no one else will have a jewelry item that mirrors your taste. It's a subtle yet powerful way to express yourself without saying a word. Plus, custom pieces usually become family heirlooms and can be passed down through generations, allowing you to start a new family tradition.
Your step-by-step Guide to Customizing Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry

We're pretty sure you're now convinced and ready to take the plunge. So, here's a 5-step guide to help you create your custom lab-grown diamond jewelry.
1. Find Some Inspo
Before you jump into design specifics, take a moment to gather inspiration. Create a mood board on Pinterest, in a digital notebook, or even go old school with magazine cutouts. While you're at it, think about the designs you've admired the most and consider what meaning the elements and symbols on the jewelry have in your life.
Lastly, you want to consider your lifestyle. If you are a working professional that goes out a lot, pieces that look good with both day and night outfits are the right choice for you. Do you attend formal events pretty often? Custom lab-grown diamond jewelry that's bolder will do the trick. Understated jewelry on the other hand pairs really well with casual outfits.
2. Sketch Your Vision
Once you have a clear sense of what you like, it’s time to put those ideas on paper. And it doesn’t matter if you're not an artist. Simply sketch rough ideas of what you would want your custom lab diamond jewelry to look like, from the diamond's cut, engravings, and even accent stones. Remember, the initial sketch is just a starting point and it doesn’t have to be perfect. In most cases, your design may change as you work with a professional jeweler.
3. Do Some Digging
The star of your custom lab-grown diamond jewelry piece is, of course, the lab-grown diamond. Therefore, it only makes sense for you to do a little research before settling on the right one. Familiarize yourself with cut, clarity, color, and carat weight as these factors will influence both the aesthetic and durability of your diamond.
Next, ensure that the lab diamonds you choose are IGI or GIA-certified. This ensures that your diamond is made to the highest standards. Lastly, you want to set your budget. Custom lab-grown diamond jewelry pieces can vary widely in price, and having a budget in mind helps narrow down options and ensures you’re making a smart investment.
4. Choose Your Jeweler
Now here comes the fun part; working with a professional. So, start by looking for jewelers who specialize in custom pieces and have experience with lab-grown diamonds and once you settle on one, share your mood board, sketches, and any ideas you’ve gathered. A good custom lab-grown diamond jewelry maker will offer suggestions and help refine your design.
Many jewelers use computer-aided design to create a 3D rendering of your piece. This allows you to visualize your masterpiece and make any changes before your jeweler starts working on it.
5. Approve And Collect
After the design process, it’s time for the final touches. Most custom lab-grown diamond jewelry makers will show you the nearly finished piece before it’s completely finalized, so take your time and review every element. Once you're happy and your masterpiece is completed, it's time to wear it with pride.
Choosing the right jeweler for your custom lab-grown diamond jewelry

Finding the right jeweler goes a long way in ensuring your custom piece turns out exactly how you want it. Here are some tips to help you choose the right jeweler for your custom lab diamond jewelry.
1. Do Your Homework
Read online reviews and ask around for personal recommendations from friends and family. People who have used a custom lab-grown diamond jewelry service tend to be honest about their experience, and you can trust their feedback to ensure you're headed in the right direction. Also make sure you check out their previous custom projects to get an idea of their signature style, craftsmanship, and capabilities.
2. Check Their Credentials
Diamonds are a sizeable investment, and you want to make sure that your jeweler is experienced in handling lab-grown diamonds and understands the gemstone. They should also provide you with detailed information about the certification of the diamonds they use, whether they are GIA or IGI-certified.
3. Gauge Their Communication Skills
Your custom lab-grown diamond jewelry piece is a collaboration, and the process should be enjoyable and stress-free. Therefore, you would want to choose a jeweler who listens to your ideas and communicates clearly. They should also be willing to innovate, and of course, offer their honest recommendations on what elements work or may not work to ensure your custom lab-grown diamond jewelry not only looks good but also lasts.
4. Take A Look At Their Quality Of Service
Custom lab-grown diamond jewelry requires ongoing care, and a jeweler who stands by their work with excellent customer service is invaluable. So, take time to consider the aftercare services they offer.
The best places to find lab-grown diamond jewelry inspiration

Inspiration is everywhere when it comes to designing your custom lab-grown diamond jewelry piece. So, here are some top spots to get those creative juices flowing:
Online Platforms
One of the best places to find inspiration for anything online is Pinterest. Simply search “custom lab-grown diamond jewelry” or something even more specific and you'll be sure to find a variety of styles and trends.
Instagram is also a great place to find inspo and you can search for the type of jewelry you're on the hunt for using hashtags. Last but not least are jewelry-shopping websites and blogs. Going through them can spark new ideas that will help you define your aesthetic.
Magazines And Books
Fashion and lifestyle magazines often feature sections on custom lab-grown diamond jewelry, trending designs, and ethical luxury trends. Exploring them can give you some ideas and context for your own designs. Books on jewelry design or even art and architecture can inspire unique ways to incorporate shapes, lines, and colors into your custom piece.
Antique And Vintage Jewelry Stores
Even if you're designing a brand-new custom lab-grown diamond jewelry piece, taking inspiration from antique and vintage jewelry shops can be incredibly helpful. Browse estate sales, antique jewelry dealers, or even online vintage marketplaces to see what their settings, stone placements, and detailing look like. You may be surprised when you find something that you want to incorporate into your design, even if you have something far from vintage in mind.
To conclude
A little individuality never hurt anyone, especially when it comes to jewelry. So, don't be afraid to create something that's "so you" or custom lab-grown diamond jewelry that reflects the personality of the person you're buying it for. Whether you're designing an engagement ring, a timeless everyday piece, or something bold, blinding, and outspoken, going custom means you get to control every little detail, from diamond shape to setting to engraving.
Ready to customize your lab diamond jewelry? Your journey begins here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes! Lab-grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds and have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds. The only difference is they are created in a controlled environment.
Do lab-grown diamonds have any resale value?
While the resale value is not as high as natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds hold their own when it comes to value.
How much can I customize lab-grown diamond jewelry designs?
You can customize any and all aspects of your lab-grown diamond jewelry as these gemstones offer great flexibility in terms of size, shape, and setting.
Do lab-grown diamonds last?
Absolutely, and you can look forward to having them for a lifetime provided you take care of them properly.
How long does it take to make custom lab-grown diamond jewelry?
That depends on the jeweler's waitlist and the complexity of the design. Intricate designs typically take longer. To find out how long it will take to create your unique masterpiece, simply connect with a jeweler.