Lab-Grown vs Natural Diamonds For Engagement Rings
Why We Choose A Diamond For An Engagement Ring
Diamonds are forever! They are a force of nature, forged deep within the earth. They are beautiful; filled with mystery, history and romance. Effective marketing has ensured that diamonds will forever be associated with engagement rings. Diamonds happen to be the hardest natural substance and are; therefore, the perfect choice for a jewel that is worn every day and expected to withstand generations of wear… all whilst being admired for its brilliance, its value and its place in our hearts.
We have the tradition of earth-grown (‘natural’) diamonds, which will never diminish; however, we now have choice. Perhaps the next step in the history of our fascination and love for diamonds lies in lab-grown diamonds, a very ‘real’ alternative.
Lab-grown diamonds share the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds. They both hold their sparkle and brilliance forever. Consequently, they will be just as beautiful when passed from this generation to the next. Contrary to popular belief, lab-grown diamonds are diamonds… the heirloom of tomorrow!
Oval and pear-shaped lab-grown diamonds.
It is valid to note that the ‘celebrity’-driven market is real and an influential factor in giving credibility to the lab-grown diamond industry.
“Celebrities who have caught on to lab-grown diamonds include Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Zendaya, Emma Watson, Meghan Markle, Jennifer Hudson, Lana Condor, Regina King, Jennifer Lopez, Kate Mara, Deepika Padukone and more. Billy Porter, of course, wore a dazzling lab-grown diamond necklace […] at the 2020 Oscars.” - Vogue
How Diamonds Are Made
A CVD (left), HPHT (middle) and natural diamond crystal (right). The CVD diamond is edged in carbon from the growth process. Source: GIA.
Natural Diamonds
It all begins with carbon! Natural diamonds are formed in rock, known as kimberlite, deep within the earth 1-3 billion years ago, as a consequence of particular structure of carbon atoms being exposed to extreme heat and pressure over 700,000 pounds per square inch.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Once scientists realized that diamonds are formed by pure carbon, crystallized in 3D, attempts have been made to reproduce them. Research started in the 1940s in the USA, Sweden and Russia.
Technology has advanced to the point where we can simulate nature’s extreme conditions in specialized pressure-chambers in a lab. Since 2018, labs have been producing top-quality diamonds on a massive scale.
Lab-grown diamonds are grown from tiny carbon seeds that develop in chambers over weeks as opposed to millions of years.
There are two processes used:
HPHT – High pressure, high temperature
CVD – Chemical vapour deposition
HPHT
A HPHT diamond begins as a small diamond seed that is placed in carbon. The seed is subjected to extreme temperature and pressure. The carbon melts and the diamond forms around the seed, a pure carbon diamond!
CVD
A CVD diamond begins as a slice of a diamond placed in a sealed chamber, and again subject to extreme heat. The chamber is then filled with carbon gas. The pure carbon adheres to the diamond slice and begins to crystallize. A pure carbon diamond is made!
Both types of diamonds are evaluated using the 4Cs; cut, clarity, colour and carat weight. Simply put, origin is the only difference between the two types of diamonds.
Like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds also develop their own unique characteristics e.g., inclusions and clarity, during the growing process. Consequently, lab-grown diamonds are graded and certified using the same process and criteria as mined. Both diamonds are now certified by the Gemological Institute Of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI), although there are many certification labs.
Diamond 4Cs. Source: GIA
Classic Choice VS Alternative
Both lab-grown and natural diamonds are available in every shape, size and colour. The choice is yours!
Coloured Lab-Grown VS Natural Diamonds
Lab-grown ‘fancy’ diamonds are also available in stunning, vivid colours just like their very rare mined counterparts. While yellow is the prevalent colour presently , blues, pinks and even shades of red and now available. Blues and pinks, just as natural are still quite rare and, therefore, relatively expensive.
It’s important to note, natural white diamonds are not rare — of course flawless large (high carat weight) with exceptional colour are; however, most sizes and grades are available. That is not true of natural coloured diamonds. They are rare and, therefore, collectable. Valued for their beauty and rarity, natural coloured diamonds, as natural sapphires are, in my opinion, investment gems. This does not diminish lab-grown coloured diamond — they are diamonds and open the ‘box’ to a wider client base, as a consequence of price. Once again, the choice is yours!
Diamond Value And Sustainability
A huge advantage to buying lab-grown diamonds is cost. Relatively, they are far more affordable; often 50-70% less than natural (at the time of writing). It simply costs less to produce a diamond in a lab than it does to mine and form in the earth. Both supply and demand are high; thus, ensuring competitive pricing. Lab-grown diamonds are obviously a more sustainable choice, as their environmental impact is relatively minimal. Lab-grown diamonds are definitely a part of almost every conversation I have with my engagement clients, today. Price and sustainability, from their perspective, are deciding factors when considering lab-grown vs natural diamonds for their engagement ring. The choice is yours to explore!
Summary
Natural diamonds are formed in the earth; lab-grown diamonds are formed in a chamber inside a lab! Contrary to popular belief, lab-grown diamonds are diamonds… a ‘real’ alternative!
Welcome To FRIDA
As a custom jeweller, I offer a completely bespoke approach to your ‘engagement.’
Together, we discuss every aspect of your preference from the centre stone of choice — mined or lab-grown diamond, sapphires and beyond.
To the pros and cons of innumerable setting design options, budget and time-frame, I will source stones for you to see, based upon our discussions and thereby facilitate the purchase of the perfect gem.
My clients all find the personalization of the custom process to be invaluable, especially when considering their engagement. There are so many options online, it can be daunting!
Feel free to ‘engage’ with me via email or video call.
FRIDA Owner & Designer, Carrie Lamb.
When your custom engagement ring is made and designed by me, you are assured exceptional craftsmanship, unique design and meticulous attention to detail. FRIDA rings are built by hand, our diamonds handset; thus, we ensure your vision will be loved and cherished forever.
To learn more about the steps of custom process, we invite to visit our website www.frida.ca/bespoke
Having studied design and marketing in England, with graduate training in the high-end fashion industry with Jaeger in London, Carrie launched her fine jewellery and lifestyle brand, FRIDA, 15 years ago in Nova Scotia. One of Carrie’s greatest pleasures lies in creating stunning jewellery, which speak to the individuality of her clientele.
“One should not be defined by a brand; rather, the brand should capture and speak to one’s individual aesthetic... be your own brand!'“
Luxury Beyond Brand™
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