More shoppers are saying ‘I do’ to lab grown gemstone engagement rings. In fact last year lab diamonds made up 10% of diamond sales. So why should you choose man made diamonds?
Ethical sourcing
Lab-grown gems are not mined, avoiding potential human rights and environmental concerns associated with the mining of natural gems. The process of diamond mining can have significant environmental impacts, such as the destruction of ecosystems, soil erosion, and water pollution. In contrast, lab-grown diamonds are made using a controlled, environmentally friendly process that uses minimal resources and generates minimal waste. The diamond mining industry has been criticised for poor labour practices, including the exploitation of workers, low wages, and unsafe working conditions. In contrast, the lab-grown diamond industry is largely based in developed countries, where labour practices are regulated and workers are protected by law.
Cost
Lab-grown gems are typically less expensive than their natural counterparts of the same quality and size. The cost of lab-grown diamonds can vary depending on several factors, such as the size, quality, and clarity of the diamond, as well as the type of lab-growing process used. In general, lab-grown diamonds tend to be less expensive than mined diamonds of similar quality and size. This is because the lab-growing process allows for the production of diamonds at a faster rate and with greater consistency, which reduces the overall cost of production. However, it’s important to keep in mind that lab-grown diamonds can still be expensive, especially if they are of high quality and large size. The cost of a lab-grown diamond can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the specific factors mentioned above.
Quality
Lab-grown gems can be produced with high precision and consistency, ensuring that the gemstone will have fewer inclusions and imperfections. The quality of lab-grown diamonds is similar to that of mined diamonds in terms of their physical and optical properties. Lab-grown diamonds are made up of the same chemical element (carbon) as mined diamonds and they have the same crystal structure, which means that they have the same optical and physical characteristics as mined diamonds. In terms of quality, lab-grown diamonds can be just as good as mined diamonds and can even have higher clarity and quality than some mined diamonds. However, the quality of a lab-grown diamond can vary depending on the specific growing process used and the quality control measures in place at the lab. It’s important to note that not all lab-grown diamonds are equal, and some may have visible inclusions or other imperfections that are visible to the naked eye. As with any diamond, it’s important to carefully inspect a lab-grown diamond before making a purchase and to consider factors such as cut, clarity, colour, and carat weight when evaluating its quality.
Availability
Certain natural gems, such as diamonds, can be rare and difficult to find in specific cuts, colours, and sizes. Lab-grown gems offer more flexibility in terms of availability. Lab-grown diamonds are available because they are made using advanced technological processes that mimic the conditions under which diamonds naturally form deep within the Earth. They are made of pure carbon and are chemically and physically identical to mined diamonds. However, since they are grown in a controlled environment, lab-grown diamonds are often more affordable than their mined counterparts, making them accessible to a wider range of consumers. Additionally, because they do not involve the environmental impact of diamond mining or the human rights concerns associated with certain diamond mines, lab-grown diamonds are becoming a more sustainable and ethically responsible alternative to mined diamonds.
Customization
Lab-grown gems can be produced in a wider range of colours and sizes, allowing for more customization options for your engagement ring. Yes, lab-grown diamonds can be customised in a number of ways. Since they are made in a controlled environment, the growth conditions can be manipulated to produce diamonds with specific colour, clarity, and size characteristics. For example, it is possible to grow diamonds in a variety of colours, including yellow, pink, blue, and green, by adding trace elements to the growth process. Additionally, lab-grown diamonds can be cut and polished to specific shapes and sizes to meet the customer’s preferences.
This level of customization and control makes lab-grown diamonds a popular choice for consumers who want a diamond that is tailored to their specific preferences, without breaking the bank. They are also a popular choice for people who are looking for a more ethical and sustainable alternative to mined diamonds.
Environmentally friendly
The production of lab-grown gems has a much lower carbon footprint compared to the mining of natural gems, making it a more environmentally friendly option. Yes, lab-grown diamonds can be considered more environmentally friendly than mined diamonds. The diamond mining process often involves large-scale excavation of the earth’s surface, which can have negative impacts on the environment, such as soil erosion, deforestation, and the release of greenhouse gases. Additionally, the processing of mined diamonds can use large amounts of energy and result in the release of pollutants into the air and water.
On the other hand, the process of growing diamonds in a laboratory uses significantly less energy and resources compared to mining diamonds. Furthermore, because the growth process is conducted in a controlled environment, it results in fewer emissions and waste products compared to traditional diamond mining.
Transparency
Lab-grown gems can be traced back to their origin, providing more transparency and confidence in the purchasing decision. Transparency is a key aspect of the lab-grown diamond industry, and it is one of the factors that sets these diamonds apart from mined diamonds. When you purchase a lab-grown diamond, you have a clear understanding of its origin and the conditions under which it was grown. This is because the entire production process, from seed to finished diamond, takes place in a controlled environment that can be monitored and audited.
Modernity
Lab-grown gems represent a new and innovative approach to gemstones, offering a modern and unique option for an engagement ring. Lab-grown diamonds are seen as a modern and innovative alternative to traditional mined diamonds, and they appeal to consumers who are looking for a cutting-edge and technologically advanced product.
Personal preference
Some people may simply prefer lab-grown gems over natural gems for personal or ideological reasons.
It’s important to note that lab-grown gems have the same chemical and optical properties as natural gems and are virtually indistinguishable from them to the naked eye. So, choosing a lab-grown gemstone for your engagement ring does not compromise on quality or appearance.