Where to buy lab grown diamonds in Bangkok? Is it the most competitive location? Also, how to check if you getting the correct price without being duped by the infamous Bangkok Jewelry scams or by online dealers around the globe?
These are questions I will be trying to answer in today’s post.
In the last couple of years with the prices dropping, lab grown diamonds have definitely grown more popular with my clients.
In general, diamonds have always been the top choice for an engagement and wedding ring. Natural diamonds are more expensive as they are finite in nature and have various ethical mining costs and issues.
As global aware citizens, many people are now moving towards either ethically sourced diamonds or a cheaper alternative, the “Lab Grown Diamond”.
Lab Grown Diamonds are diamonds that are produced mimicking the earth’s process of producing diamonds but in special labs.
These diamonds have the same characteristics as Natural Diamonds but are cheaper and infinite in numbers and unlike diamonds will decrease in value over time.
You can read more about Lab Grown Diamonds in my blog post
Now the question is, should you be buying lab grown diamonds in Bangkok, Thailand?
First, let us get the facts straight.
Are lab grown diamonds cheaper in Bangkok / Thailand compared to the rest of the world?
THE SIMPLE ANSWER IS NO! Thailand DOES NOT have labs that produce lab grown diamonds. IT IS NOT a major cutting center for lab grown diamonds and IS NOT a major trading hub for selling lab grown diamonds, period.
Buying Lab Grown Diamond: The “Cost” Factor
Bangkok is considered the shopping capital of the world. Where people shop till they drop. So it is usually assumed that we can get everything cheaper here.
But, the fact is lab grown diamonds will cost you the same anywhere. If you have the correct contact or an insider who has direct contact with lab grown diamonds manufacturer.
Of course, there are companies that continue making huge margins on Lab Grown Diamonds. In fact, just last week I was surprised to find that reputable US websites like JamesAllen and BrilliantEarth were selling lab grown diamonds at ‘double’ the price I was getting at for my client.
I quoted our client a Lab-grown 2.50 carat, D-color, VVS1-clarity, and Triple Excellent Diamond for US$6,500.
Both the above mentioned websites were selling it for over US$17K and US$13K respectively.
Please note a natural diamond with the above specification will cost over US$88K, so lab grown diamonds on these US websites will ‘seem’ substantially cheaper.
Issue 1: Buying Lab Grown Diamond in Thailand is Subject to 7% VAT
Lab grown diamonds & natural diamonds in Thailand are subject to 7% VAT (Value Added Tax) which the government takes when you purchase the diamond locally. For lab grown diamonds this is actually not a big issue as the ‘value’ of these diamonds, in general, is not very expensive compared to natural diamonds.
For example, an average lab grown diamond (1 carat range) can cost around US$1,000 to US$2,000 – so VAT tax will be around US$70 to US$140.
Average natural diamonds (1 carat range) will be around US$6,500 to US$8,000 – so VAT tax will be around US$455 to US$560.
So in the end, what you need to keep in mind is that like natural diamonds, a Lab Grown Diamonds price is based on the 4C’s – Carat weight, Color, Clarity and Cut.
Issue 2: Buying Lab Grown Diamond “Price Transparency” Factor
Another issue in buying lab grown diamonds in Bangkok or worldwide is the lack of ‘price’ transparency.
For natural diamonds, there are various websites which you can check and compare prices as the natural diamond industry has been established for many years.
In fact, the sites which I stated above in this post like JamesAllen, Brilliant Earth or BlueNile, are quite competitive to what we as dealers will get for natural diamonds.
In comparison, the Lab Grown Diamonds, due to being new and/or the dealers’ lack of interest in selling them. There aren’t any reliable online sources you can check for pricing currently.
So, my recommendation is if you are in the market looking for lab grown diamonds you can contact us. Through our website, Facebook, Instagram or email at sales@thainativegems.com and I can forward you some wholesale ‘dealer’ pricing.
Buying Lab Grown Diamonds in Bangkok – The “Answer”
So, why am I telling you all this when the title of my article is Where and how to buy lab grown diamonds in Bangkok, Thailand?
It is important to understand the facts and not assume that any dealer in Bangkok or Thailand will provide you with the best amazing deal out there.
Also, if you are seriously in the market for a lab grown diamond, remember to please do YOUR RESEARCH and understand what diamond quality you are buying.
Once you have an idea of what you looking for, you should go to your ‘reliable’ jeweler or dealer and ask them pointed questions. Also, you should verify the lab grown diamond you are getting is exactly what they have stated.
Do They Have Reliable Dealers Who Sell Lab Grown Diamonds in Bangkok and where are they located?
Yes, of course there are reliable dealers, and we are one of them.
There are many other dealers here who are located at the end of Silom road or Suriwong side, MBK, and China Town.
For more information on how to find dealers and where they are located, you can read my other article: How to buy gemstones in Bangkok, Thailand?
It provides you with a simple guide on how to buy gemstones and you can follow the same steps by searching for diamond dealers as well.
How Should You Go About Buying Lab Grown Diamonds in General?
My recommendations on how you should go about buying a lab grown diamond will be the same as buying natural diamonds which are shown below.
LEARN ABOUT THE 4CS
Do your research about the 4cs (Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight) and go to your local jeweler or diamond dealer to see some diamonds.
| COLOR | Ranges from D to Z color for white color diamonds. Diamonds from “D to I” color range are considered white enough for most people. |
| CLARITY | Ranges from IF to I3. Diamonds above SI1 are usually clean enough. |
| CUT | Popular cut shapes include – Round Brilliant, Pear, Marquise, Asscher, Cushion, Princess, Oval, Radiant Cut is graded from Excellent to Fair range. For most people ‘Very Good’ grade or above is good enough. |
| CARAT | Weight of the diamond. 1 carat is considered a good size for most people. |
Let them show you different options of different carat sizes, color shades (white or less white), clarity grades, and different cut shapes (Round Brilliant, Cushion, Princess, etc.).
The best way to take a look at any diamond is to place the stone on the ringside of your hand between the fingers. This will give you an idea of how big it is, how white it is, how clean it is or how sparkling it is.
Once you understand the actual factors you are looking for you can then start searching around for the best price which fits your needs.
CUT GRADE & QUALITY
For me, symmetry, polish and cut grade is one thing you SHOULD NOT sacrifice. If you want to have the WOW, sparkle or brilliant factor of a diamond.
This is most important for the in-famous round brilliant cut diamonds. The minimum grade for all three factors should be ‘Very Good’. Ideally, one should always try to find diamonds with an “Excellent” grade though these diamonds are usually sold at a premium price.
The only way to find this information accurately is by looking at a lab-grown diamond certificate. The most common certificate for lab-grown diamonds is IGI, though GIA has started issuing these reports. It will state the diamond’s cut, polish, and symmetry grade.
CHECK ONLINE FOR PRICES
As stated above, currently there aren’t any reliable websites where you can check accurate lab-grown diamonds online. If any of you do find one please comment on this blog post below and I will update this article.
If you are in the market looking for lab-grown diamonds, we can check and forward you some options free of charge. The only thing you have to do is contact us through contact us page, Facebook, Instagram or email – sales@thainativegems.com.
Once you do get some pricing from us then you can compare it with your reliable jeweler or dealer and see where you can get the best price possible.
Other factors that either make the diamond sell at a discount or premium are listed below:
TYPE OF INCLUSIONS
If any of these inclusions is under the table – the middle part of the diamond – will sell at a discount.
a) Black crystals
b) Gray crystals
c) White (non-translucent) crystals
d) Or large white feathers
The larger the inclusion the larger the discount. This means not all diamonds are the same even though they have the same color and clarity grade.
For example, you might find two H-color, SI1-clarity diamonds that have the same specs on the certificate. However, they both have a large price differential. This can be due to the fact that one stone does have inclusions under the table, while the other does not and therefore is more ‘eye-clean’ to naked eye.
FLUORESCENCE
Like natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds with medium to strong fluorescence will sell at a discount.
The reason for a discount is because of the “old wife’s tale” that fluorescence will cause the stones to look more milky or cloudy. In a majority of diamonds I have seen, this is not true.
Also, most reliable diamond manufacturers we deal with will state the fact if the diamond does look milky or not. So, unattractive fluorescence diamonds can be avoided easily from any good diamond dealer.
For more information about fluorescence, you can check the GIA technical report (GIA 1997 Report on Diamond Fluorescence).
AVERAGE CUT GRADE DIAMONDS
Lab Grown Diamonds with Good to Fair cut grades will sell at substantial discounts.
Very Good to Excellent cut stones will always sell 20 to 30% more than equivalent Good to Fair cut diamonds.
TYPE OF THIRD PARTY CERTIFICATE
GIA certified stones always sell at a premium price compared to any other diamond certificates. This is because of their strict grading criteria of color, clarity, and cut grades.
GIA just now started issuing Lab Grown Diamond reports and yes they are more expensive than IGI certified lab grown diamonds.
I hope the above guide is helpful. If you have any more questions please feel free to provide your comments below. Or send me a message at sales@thainativegems.com.
Examples of Lab Grown Diamond Sold Recently
Lab Grown Diamond Ring Option One
The ring set with classical “Lab-Grown” Round Brilliant Center supported halo and pavé side diamonds!
Center diamond is IGI certified, Round Brilliant, 1.18 carat, H-color, VVS2-clarity supported with 0.33 carats lab grown rounds brilliant side diamonds set in 18K Rose Gold!
Total cost for ring was US$2,000
Lab Grown Diamond Ring Option Two
The center “Lab Grown Diamond” is IGI certified, Round Brilliant, 1.15 carat, G-color, VVS2-clarity supported with “natural” rounds brilliant, marquise brilliant side diamonds set in 18K White Gold!
Total cost for ring was US$2,750
Lab Grown Diamond Ring Option Three
We custom made this unique “Lab-Grown” Diamond Engagement Ring and matching Wedding Band!
The center “Lab Grown diamond” is IGI certified, Pear Brilliant, 1.22 carat, E-color, VVS2-clarity supported with rounds brilliant, pear brilliant, marquise brilliant side diamonds set in 18K Rose Gold!
Total cost for both rings was US$2,800
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Thai Native Gems Lab Grown Diamond Search & Custom Engagement Ring service (Best way to buy lab grown diamonds in Bangkok):
If you are in the market looking for the best lab grown diamond and custom handmade engagement ring. Contact Us. Let us know what your budget is and what you are looking for.
From this initial information, we will swiftly find and email you 4 to 5 center diamond options. Unlike other traditional or online dealers, I am not looking to sell you anything. But will provide you honest, frank and objective opinion in what we think is best in the budget you offer.
This service is free, and there absolutely no commitment to buy any of our suggestions. The only thing you have to do is not respond to our email and you won’t hear from us again! So, you truly have nothing to lose!
How do we compile this diamond list? Our search process is provided below:
1) We first will contact our local diamond supply network and check if there are any stones that fit your requirement in Bangkok. We have over 50 contacts in Bangkok and will check ALL to make sure we can provide you the best deal.
2) If not satisfied, we will then check online through our extensive global network sifting through over 900,000+ diamonds. and will find you the best diamond. The only setback when choosing the diamond from this global list is, it can take one to two weeks to arrive to Bangkok.
What type engagement rings can you make and how are they made?
1) We usually set our engagement rings in 18k yellow or white gold or 950 platinum settings. Our rings are all hand-crafted and made by highly skilled Thai craftsmen.
Examples in some of the rings we made you can see on our YouTube channel and shown below:
YouTube Channel PLAY LIST
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Contact us today to get all your wholesale gemstones, diamonds and jewelry needs. We can Source, Search and Supply anything you require.
What will you get if you contact us
- Start a conversation with us at FB.com/ThaiNativeGems/
- Get wholesale and highly competitive prices of gemstones & diamonds from anywhere through our extensive network of contacts around the world
- All stones sold by us is verified in house by our GIA Graduate Gemologist or certified
- We provide personalized service and NOT the same old “One Size Fits All” Approach
You can learn more by clicking here or image below
