An engagement ring carries a lot of significance, and for that reason, an increasing number of couples today are selecting lab diamonds for their engagement rings. Lab-created diamonds are equally stunning, durable and brilliant as mined diamonds, but they also are unencumbered by any doubts of transparency and ethics associated with how they were sourced, and they represent a new contemporary value.
As the topic surrounding lab-created and natural diamonds continues to be discussed by many buyers, individuals are now asking: “Are lab-grown diamonds better than mined? In this article, we will provide the details that will help you make an educated and confident choice.
At The Core Of Why Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Rings Are Preferred
When considering all three (3) aspects - chemical structure, physical structure and optical characteristics - lab-created diamonds are the same as mined diamonds. Lab-created diamonds are diamonds that have been created within a controlled environment by leveraging cutting-edge technology.
Couples Prefer Lab Diamond Engagement Rings Because Of The Many Advantages
Affordability, sustainability and completely transparent supply chains have been the major advantages leading to many couples choosing lab-created diamonds. Couples who have a budget for their engagement ring are now able to buy larger or higher quality stones from lab-created sources than they have been purchasing from mined sources and not sacrificing the quality of the diamonds. Many of today’s consumers are making comparisons between natural and lab-created diamonds. Many of today’s consumers are realising that lab-created diamonds provide a much better value and support the growing trend of how consumers are selecting luxury items in conformity with modern notions of ethical and sustainable luxury.
Examples Of The Current Trend: Lab-Created Diamonds
In addition to lab-created diamonds being used in the manufacture of engagement rings, the lab-grown diamond segment is also gaining momentum with other precious products, including lab-created diamond necklaces. Lab-created diamond necklaces are quickly becoming a top choice for consumer purchasing as casual, everyday wear.
What Are The Main Differences Between Lab-Created And Natural Diamonds?
When evaluating between natural vs lab-created diamonds, the main distinction is in their origins rather than their quality. Naturally occurring diamonds are produced under high-pressure temperatures within the Earth's crust over several billion years, while lab-created diamonds are manufactured through a process known as either High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD).
What Remains Constant:
- Hardest Material Known to Man (Mohs Hardness Scale Score of 10)
- Maximum Brilliance & Fire Factor
- Chemical Composition (100% Carbon)
- Independent Certification Through Leading Laboratories (e.g., IGI, GIA)
What Changes:
- The price of the Diamond / Lab Created typically ranges from 40% - 60% less expensive than a Natural Diamond.
- Environmental: "NO Mining" = More Eco-Friendly Product
- Traceability: Complete Supply Chain Transparency.
A lot of consumers searching for "Are Lab Created Diamonds Better" have shifted to Lab Created or Laboratory Created Diamonds, especially when they’re considering a meaningful piece like proposal rings or everyday jewellery (such as pendants).
Reasons For Choosing A Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring:
1. Greater Value for Your Money:
With Lab-Grown Diamonds, a consumer can choose either a Larger Carat Size or Higher Clarity without breaking the bank, making Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Rings a more budget-friendly option for many people.
2. Ethical and Environmental Considerations:
Eliminating the environmental degradation as well as the ethical concerns associated with natural diamond mining creates an option that is perfect for conscious consumers looking to compare lab-grown vs natural diamonds.
3. Increased Transparency
With every lab-created diamond comes verification documents outlining the growth process as well as a rating of the diamond, thus allowing consumers to answer the most common concern: Are Lab-Grown Diamonds More Trustworthy? Yes.
4. Lab-created and Natural Diamonds are Identical in Durability & Appearance
Because lab-created diamonds are created using the same chemical composition as natural diamonds, they have the same amount of sparkle, hardness, and longevity.
Tips For Selecting The Right Lab-Created Engagement Ring
When shopping for a lab-created diamond engagement ring, keep the following in mind:
- Make sure they have been certified by IGI or GIA.
- Cut quality is critical; select a higher quality cut to get the best sparkle.
- Lab-created diamonds allow for more carat sizes to fit into your budget. Do not overlook the ability to choose larger stones because they are lab-created.
- Select a ring style that represents your partner's taste and personality; consider options like a solitaire, halo, vintage, modern, etc.
Find a way to pair the engagement ring with fine jewellery for special gifting occasions like lab-created diamond necklaces or lab-created earrings.
Common Questions About Lab-Created Diamond Engagement Rings
1. Are lab-created diamonds superior to natural diamonds?
In terms of value, price, and sustainability, yes. In terms of quality and appearance, lab-created diamonds and natural diamonds are the same. Many customers choose to purchase lab-created diamonds after comparing the two side-by-side.
2. Do lab-created diamonds have the same life span as natural diamonds?
Yes. The hardness and durability of lab-created diamonds are the same as natural diamonds, so they will last for many years.
3. Can you visually tell the difference between natural and lab-created diamonds?
No. The only way to tell the difference between the two is by using specialised tools. To the naked eye, they both look the same.
4. Are lab-created diamond engagement rings a viable option when proposing?
Definitely. Lab-created diamond engagement rings provide the same brilliance as mined diamonds, yet are generally much more affordable and have more transparency than mined diamonds.
5. Do lab-created diamonds have a significant resale value?
Resale prices for lab-created diamonds, just like natural diamonds, vary and are generally lower than the price paid at retail. Most consumers are far more interested in the upfront savings and the larger size of the diamond they purchased due to its being lab-created.
6. Are lab-created diamonds certified?
Finally, it is worth noting that lab-created diamonds have been assessed by some of the most highly regarded diamond grading laboratories, including IGI and GIA, just as mined diamonds have been graded.
Final Thoughts
While there are many aspects of natural and lab-grown diamonds that consumers must make decisions on, the trend continues to be buying lab-grown diamond jewellery. Lab-grown diamond engagement rings have the elegance, affordability, and ethical considerations all rolled into one beautiful option.
When you start searching for lab-grown engagement rings, view different styles and find ways in which lab-grown diamonds can show appreciation and gratitude for the meaningful moments in your relationship.