Buying a diamond before deciding on the setting gives far greater versatility over the final piece, and allows for more control over the overall aesthetics of the finished item.
Loose lab diamonds can give Singapore buyers this option when designing engagement rings, pendants, earrings or other bespoke jewellery, by avoiding a ready-made choice of ring style or other settings, and taking instead a chosen diamond, and mounting it within the desired accessory.
What is important is that buyers understand what to look for as a reference point, as two diamonds with similar ratings can display surprising differences when viewed side by side.
Why Buy a Diamond before the Setting?
A loose diamond is a cut and polished stone which has not been mounted within a piece of jewellery. This enables buyers to view the product in the first instance, and then choose the setting which complements its appearance.
This can be particularly useful in the case of a particular style of accessory such as a minimalist solitaire ring in which buyers will have to consider the cut of the centrepiece, or where the creation of a pendant requires the choice of a certain shape or size.
Lab diamonds have the same chemical and crystal structure as their mined counterparts, but are created in a different way and environment, usually either Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) or High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT).
In Singapore, specialist retailers such as Novita Diamonds can provide buyers with the opportunity to view lab grown diamonds and bespoke jewellery options at the same time.
Loose Lab Diamonds – What is Better About One Stone over Another?
A diamond’s carat weight is simple to compare between the two, but this is a measure of weight alone and does not take into account the overall appeal of the item when mounted.
There are four characteristics which diamonds are traditionally measured and compared – cut, colour, clarity and carat weight.
Cut Quality Influences Reflective Ability
In terms of cut, this relates to the angles and arrangement of the facets, and not simply the shape of the stone.
A good cut will maximise the amount of light which is reflected back from the diamond, and this has a major impact on the overall flash and sparkle of the stone, with poorly cut diamonds showing areas of dark shadow.
When comparing round brilliant style diamonds, buyers should look first at the cut information, and observe how the item reflects and interacts with the light.
Balance Between Colour and Clarity is Key
Diamonds with colours between D-to-Z grades progress from colourless to one which exhibits yellow or brown hues.
Clarity refers to the internal characteristics of a diamond, and those on its surface, with some only visible under magnification, while others may be seen with the naked eye.
A diamond does not need to have the maximum colour grade and/or clarity in order to make an attractive piece of jewellery.
Carat Weight Differs to Overall Diameter
Carat weight measures the weight of a diamond, rather than its size.
Two diamonds which weigh one carat may have quite different diameters depending on the cut, and comparisons should ideally be made against those in millimetres to see the overall visual size difference.
Find a Suitable Shape for the Chosen Style
The shape of a diamond can impact not only its overall aesthetic, but also what style of setting will bring out its best qualities.
Round brilliant diamonds exhibit a strong sparkle, oval diamonds provide a longer profile, while emerald cuts have larger facets which create a different pattern of reflection.
Pear shaped diamonds have a tear-drop like appearance and can be used effectively within pendants or unique ring styles. Cushion cuts have a softer edge while radiant cuts display a rectangular or square shape with rounded edges and utilise a mix of facets.
Buyers visiting Novita Diamonds can use these characteristics as a guide when comparing loose diamonds for bespoke engagement rings or other accessories.
Examine the Diamond Report before Paying
An independent lab assessment report on a diamond provides information which is unavailable through naked-eye examination, and gives buyers reassurance that the product meets certain standards of quality.
The International Gemological Institute (IGI) continues to evaluate lab grown diamonds using the 4Cs system.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), however, has developed a new assessment system which was launched in October 2025. Their current quality evaluation categorises eligible colourless to near colourless lab diamonds as either Premium or Standard.
This means that reports from different organisations can have completely different data.
Before buying a diamond, buyers should look over the laboratory report details, including the issuing organisation, report number, measurements, identifying characteristics and any treatments which may have been undertaken. In cases where this is possible, verify the report against the issuing laboratory’s online database to ensure accuracy.
Understanding the Full Price in Singapore
The price of a loose diamond is only one element when buying a bespoke piece of jewellery, and the overall quote should always be requested and reviewed. This could include the price of the metal setting, designing and manufacturing costs, resize arrangements, and delivery.
With a 9% Goods and Services Tax (GST) currently in Singapore, buyers should always clarify if quotes are inclusive of this, and it is always advisable to request a full quotation before proceeding. It is also important to consider whether the diamond can be returned should resizing or other work begin on the item.
See beyond the Product Photograph to the Diamond Itself
While photographs online are effective at narrowing down a shortlist of interest, they cannot show the characteristics of a diamond in detail. Buyers should look out for videos, accurate measurements and independent verification when considering any purchase.
For those who prefer a physical inspection, Novita Diamonds is a reputable Singapore based supplier with options for lab diamonds and bespoke ring consultations.
Viewing diamonds in person enables buyers to compare stones not only in terms of the appearance under one type of lighting, but also under a different set of conditions. Unwanted dark areas of the stone or prominent inclusions should be avoided, as should those which do not complement the shape of the accessory being created.
Taking the time to review these factors will enable buyers to make a more informed choice based on what they see, rather than what the specifications state.