Should You Choose a Lab-Grown Diamond Ring?
Without question, the hottest topic in the world of jewellery today, the proliferation of lab-grown diamonds has caused much debate. While some still have their doubts, there is no doubt that interest in lab-grown diamonds (and lab-grown diamond engagement rings in particular) continues to rise, so here we will attempt to help you make an informed decision as to whether a lab-grown diamond ring might be right for you.
What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Can you tell the difference between a lab-grown diamond and one mined from the earth? Many people confuse lab-grown diamonds with ‘fake’ diamonds like Cubic Zirconia, but actually, synthetic diamonds are typically indistinguishable from those found underground. Even Simon, after more than twenty years in the industry, can’t tell them apart!
So if it’s not a fake diamond, what is a lab-created diamond? In fact, lab-created diamonds are real diamonds, simply created in a laboratory, mimicking the conditions that create diamonds in nature, but without the billions-of-years timeframe.
So, How Are Lab Created Diamonds Formed?
In nature, diamonds begin as carbon atoms. Under extreme pressure and temperature within the earth’s mantle, a diamond gradually begins to form, taking between one and three billion years to look like the diamonds that we see mined from the earth today. That’s between 25-75% of the age of our planet – pretty mind-blowing.
In a laboratory, the synthetic diamond process involves recreating these same conditions to produce a diamond in less than a month. Diamond ‘seeds’ are placed in a huge pressure cooker, which heats them to 1500 degrees Celsius and exerts over 1 million psi of pressure, which is approximately 70,000 times the pressure at sea level! There is also a second technique which uses a vacuum to break atomic bonds into singular components, causing carbon atoms to fall onto a plate, accumulating like snow before they form into diamonds. Kind of beautiful, when you think about it.
One of these is lab grown, the other is natural and out of the ground. Try tell which is which!.
Why Choose a Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring?
Now that you know lab-created diamonds (also known as synthetic diamonds) are no different to real diamonds, you might be interested in learning more about why a lab-grown diamond ring could be the perfect choice for you.
Lab grown diamonds are a sustainable choice
Like any extractive industry, diamond mining can present ethical dilemmas. On the plus side, diamond mining is sometimes considered to be less destructive than other forms of mining, and it’s sometimes easier to rehabilitate former mines and return them to a natural state. Mining operations can also create jobs and contribute to economic development in poorer countries. However, all mining comes with a heavy carbon footprint, and so for those looking to prioritise sustainability in their personal lives, lab-grown diamonds can be a great alternative.
Lab created diamonds are an ethical choice
Some unscrupulous diamond miners have earned a negative reputation for the industry, by supporting local militia groups or with poor labour practices. Although the Kimberley Process has sought to address the problem of conflict diamonds it is, like any international agreement, only a partial solution to complex global challenges.
It is possible to source diamonds from regions that have more transparent supply chains and sound labour regulations (such as Australia or Canada), but for the socially conscious, a lab-created diamond can provide a level of comfort that your beautiful ring has origins as pure and clean as the diamond itself.
Synthetic diamond rings are an affordable choice
Lab-grown diamond rings can be an affordable choice for those looking for an identical quality diamond to one mined from the earth. Let’s be honest, with the cost of living in the UK these days, we’re all looking for ways to make good financial decisions, and with a lab-grown diamond ring coming in at up to 50% cheaper than a mined diamond, this can make a significant difference for couples looking to manage their finances sensibly.
A lab-grown diamond ring can be up to 50% cheaper than a mined diamond. We can even get special shapes cut, like these brilliant cut trapezoid shapes on the shoulders of this ring.
Are Lab Created Diamonds Perfect?
Just like mined diamonds, lab-created diamonds come with natural variations in colour and clarity. All diamonds have a natural tint, which can’t always be seen by the naked eye. ‘Natural’ diamonds tend towards a yellowish hue, and good quality lab-grown diamonds will be the same. As with a mined diamond, those with fewer inclusions (better clarity) tend to be more sought after and therefore more expensive.
Bespoke Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Rings at Simon Wright
At Simon Wright, we are just as picky when we source our lab-grown diamonds as we are when selecting mined diamonds from our suppliers.
We choose stones that are indistinguishable from those that come from the earth, to provide you with a stunning bespoke diamond ring (or earrings, or necklace, or bracelet) that is affordable, ethical, and something you will treasure for a lifetime.
To find out more about designing a lab-grown diamond ring in the UK, get in touch.
Be sure to follow our Instagram page to see some of our latest creations, including vintage reproduction rings, bespoke cufflinks and sapphire engagement rings.
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