The Future of Love: Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings
In a world where sustainability and ethics are becoming increasingly important, the concept of lab grown diamond engagement rings is taking the jewelry industry by storm. These beautiful gems are not only visually stunning, but they also come with a much smaller environmental footprint and price tag compared to traditional mined diamonds which is why many couples are opting for lab grown diamonds. The quality of these diamonds is on par with natural ones, offering a beautiful and meaningful option for engagements.
What are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds, also known as man-made diamonds, are created in a controlled laboratory environment using advanced technology that replicates the natural diamond-growing process. These diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds, making them indistinguishable to the naked eye. Want to learn more about lab grown diamonds? Click here.
The Rising Popularity of Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings
The popularity of lab grown diamond engagement rings has been steadily increasing in recent years. Many couples are opting for these environmentally-friendly and ethically-sourced diamonds because they are chemically identical to natural diamonds, but they are made in a controlled laboratory setting instead of being mined from the earth. This alternative offers a more affordable option without compromising on quality or beauty.
Moreover, lab grown diamonds are free from the ethical concerns associated with traditional diamond mining practices, such as environmental damage and potential labor exploitation. With the advancements in technology, these lab grown diamonds are virtually indistinguishable from natural diamonds, making them a desirable choice for engagement rings. Couples are embracing the idea of sustainable and conscious choices when it comes to their symbolic and meaningful purchase.
WHY CHOOSE A LAB GROWN DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING?
At Devon's Diamonds & Decor, we believe that both natural and lab grown diamonds are excellent options. Still, there are a few unique benefits you should know that come along with embracing a lab grown diamond — and how important these perks are to you depends on your one-of-a-kind situation.
TOP 5 BENEFITS OF LAB GROWN DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Today, lab grown diamonds are increasingly being used to make remarkable engagement rings. There are several reasons why these man-made diamonds are growing more popular by the day. Here are just a few of the benefits that lab grown diamonds have over their natural counterparts.
1. Environmental Sustainability
Diamond mining can damage the earth substantially. The damage to ecosystems and watersheds extends well beyond the hole where the diamond mine is located. Between damage to natural habitats and the use of fossil fuels for running equipment, diamond mines are not environmentally friendly. Lab grown diamonds, however, can be grown using renewable resources to power the facilities. This is promising for future sustainability. In fact, with the demand for lab grown diamonds continuing to rise and the supply of mined diamonds being predicted to dwindle, it is a far more sustainable choice to switch to growing diamonds instead of mining them. Lab grown diamonds are the answer to the growing gap between the demand and supply of this brilliant stone.
As a bonus, lab grown diamonds are fully vegan, unlike naturally mined diamonds. Lab grown diamonds cause little to no environmental damage, and they’re more affordable as well, meaning that lab grown diamonds offer a great option for everyone involved, including the buyer, the manufacturer, the supplier, and the earth at large.
2. Cost-Effectiveness
Whether you are purchasing an engagement ring or some other piece of diamond jewelry, you likely don't want to break the bank simply to afford a nice piece of jewelry. This is another reason to consider a lab grown diamond. They are often times less than a third of the price of a natural diamond. This means you can get a bigger lab created stone for the same money. Or, you could choose a more elaborate setting or a higher quality diamond than you thought you would be able to initially purchase.
One of the best advantages to buying a lab grown diamond is that to the naked eye, it looks exactly the same as a mined diamond. Diamond detectors and traditional observations cannot identify between the two given they are identical both chemically and optically. The only real difference is that lab grown diamonds have a microscopic inscription on them. However, without highly specialized equipment designed to read this inscription, the two types of diamonds cannot be differentiated from one another.
This means that your friends, family and acquaintances won’t know the difference. You can still get that engagement ring you’ve been dreaming of, with all the sparkle and shine that diamonds are known for, without the guilt of a mined diamond, or breaking the bank.
3. Improved Quality
You've likely heard of the 4 C's of diamond gradings. If not, it's clarity, color, cut, and carat weight. These 4 C's help you, or more specifically, the jeweler, know the quality of the diamonds you are viewing. Higher quality typically means a higher price, but remember, you get what you pay for. You can lean more about the 4C's on our diamond quality guide.
Lab grown diamonds are purer than the stones mined naturally, because unlike mined stones, lab grown diamonds do not have any dirt or impurities ingrained in them. They also have fewer defects, and show fewer signs of strain in their crystal structure, because they are made under carefully controlled conditions. Improved purity means that the diamond is poised to be brighter, better, and whiter. In fact, a large proportion of lab grown diamonds typically receive higher purity ratings than their natural counterparts.
4. Known Origin
People value knowing where their gems originate and would usually prefer to be aware of the journey of their stone. Unfortunately, the origins of most naturally mined diamonds can be vague, as they come from conflicted regions. Often called ‘blood diamonds,’ these stones have a dark background, and may have been sold to fund armed conflicts or civil disturbances. Even diamonds that aren’t sourced from conflicted regions might carry a history of child labor, human rights violation, and poor working conditions. There is a general disregard for safety with blood diamond mining. On the other hand, if you purchase a lab grown diamond, you will have a way to trace where it was grown. The history of a lab grown diamond is known, clean, and a guaranteed, trackable source.
5. Available in Colors
Occasionally, you will find a mined diamond that has color to it and these colored diamonds sell for inflated prices because of their rarity value. Also, the color of a diamond from a mine tends to be dull and imperfect. Thanks to technology, lab grown colored diamonds are available for a fraction of the cost of natural colored diamonds. And what’s even better is that they are brighter and more perfect than natural colored stones: lab grown colored diamonds are pure, steady in color and easy to find.
WHY BUY A CERTIFIED LAB GROWN DIAMOND?
- IGI - International Gemological Institute
- GIA - Gemological Institution of America
- GCAL - Gem Certification & Assurance Lab
Lab grown diamonds are graded in similar fashion just as mined diamonds considering all 4C’s (color, cut, clarity and carat) and hence no differentiation of grading is required for each. The best way to know the authenticity of a diamond is when they are certified by the renowned laboratories mentioned above.
CUSTOM LAB GROWN DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RINGS NEAR ME
If you're thinking about popping the question or want to upgrade your current ring, consider checking out lab grown diamond engagement rings. You'll be investing in a piece of jewelry that not only symbolizes your love but also represents a more sustainable and ethical choice. The future of love is looking bright with lab grown diamonds shining on your finger!
If you’re considering creating a custom lab grown diamond engagement ring, reach out to Devon's Diamonds & Decor. We specialize in designing custom engagement rings and wedding rings in Boca Raton. Our family of fourth generation jewelers loves helping customers bring their dream rings to life!