Ever heard of lab-grown diamonds before? Well, if you’re a busy parent, you probably don’t know much about them and why they’ve become so popular in recent years.
While traditional diamonds will also serve as the elite in jewelry, lab-grown diamonds are a more budget-friendly option, sustainable, and are hard to distinguish from mined diamonds.
In this guide, we’ll explain what lab-grown diamonds are, how they’re made, and why they’re worth purchasing.
What are lab-grown diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, not fakes or cubic zirconia. They’re chemically, physically, and optically identical to those of mined diamonds.
These diamonds are grown in a lab and take between two and ten weeks to make, rather than taking billions of years to form on Earth.
It really is hard to distinguish one from the other. They share the same sparkle, the same hardness, and chemical composition. The only way to detect the difference is through a specialized gemological laboratory with advanced equipment.
Why choose lab-grown diamonds?
Choosing lab-grown diamonds certainly has benefits that are worth knowing, especially if you’ve been considering a jewelry purchase for an upcoming celebration or occasion.
More bang for your buck
Lab-grown diamonds are typically 20% to 50% cheaper than mined diamonds. This allows buyers to opt for larger or higher-quality stones for the same budget as traditional, mined diamonds.
Ethical and conflict-free
These types of diamonds are ethical and guarantee a conflict-free, traceable origin. For those who are more socially conscious nowadays, lab-grown diamonds definitely seem like a good alternative.
Eco-friendly
Lab-grown diamonds require a lot less energy and no large-scale mining. With that being said, it can do a great deal in reducing environmental impact.
Durable for daily wear
Due to lab-grown diamonds being just as hard as natural diamonds, they’re the perfect option for everyday jewelry, including engagement rings.
Having more durable jewelry means you get more value for money when it lasts a lot longer in comparison to traditional diamonds and mined stones.
Things to consider when buying a lab-grown diamond
When buying a diamond, there are a number of considerations to make. These include the following:
Resale value
While they’re less expensive to buy, they don’t typically hold their monetary value over time as well as naturally mined diamonds do. That’s because lab-grown diamonds can be produced in unlimited quantities and therefore make them less valuable to buyers.
Environmental impact
While generally, these diamonds are better for the environment, some of the manufacturers are using significant amounts of electricity to help grow these diamonds. Therefore, it’s important to check if the company is making use of renewable energy instead to save the environment.
4 Cs apply
Lab-grown diamonds are still graded by the four Cs, and so you should still look for quality, such as IGI or GIA certification. Whether it’s an Oval half moon lab grown ring or an emerald diamond shape, it’s worth checking through those 4 Cs before making a purchase.
Keep them cleaned and well-maintained
Just like mined diamonds, you also want to keep your lab-grown diamonds clean, too. Use soapy water and a soft toothbrush to clean them, or take them into your local jeweler for a professional clean.
