Historically, diamonds are seen as symbols of love and commitment to a relationship. Spending money on a small billion-year-old carbon crystal may seem illogical, but to a woman, it represents everything she can’t say. For this reason, diamonds are often one of the most treasured gifts a person can receive.
However, many men want to avoid breaking the bank simply for a piece of jewelry, which is where lab grown diamonds come in. They are approximately 40% cheaper than their mined counterparts. Additionally, people also appreciate knowing that their gemstones are ethically sourced.
Diamonds are a significant investment, especially when it comes to engagement rings. So it’s essential to work with a reputable vendor.
They’re Real
It is a well-known fact that diamonds are the hardest substance on Earth. Nevertheless, it is essential to acknowledge that mining them involves highly perilous and arduous techniques. That means natural diamonds are usually pricey. But, thanks to innovative technology, lab diamonds are growing in popularity and providing an affordable alternative for anyone.
Lab diamonds are made of carbon, the same material as natural ones. And, just like a real diamond, they have the same crystal structure and beautiful sparkle. Plus, the naked eye can’t distinguish between a lab-created diamond and a natural one.
Some experts claim you can’t even spot the difference between a lab-created and natural diamond when looking at them under magnification. This makes lab diamonds an excellent option for people who want to give a loved one a gift that’s just as precious but much more affordable.
The only downside to lab grown diamonds is that they have a different resale value than traditional gems. Since they’re mass-produced, the value of a lab-made diamond can plummet quickly. But that’s a small deal for many people who want a piece of jewelry that’s affordable.
They’re Affordable
While lab diamonds might have a slightly higher price point than natural diamonds, they can still be surprisingly affordable. This is especially true for lab grown diamonds in the two-to-two-and-a-half carat range, the most popular choice for engagement rings. Because of the efficiency with which they’re created, they tend to be more budget-friendly than their mined counterparts.
With the help of high-profile endorsements, interest in lab grown diamonds continues to grow. As a result, many jewelers are rethinking their approach to the industry and offering more options for consumers.
Choosing a reputable jeweler is the first step to finding the perfect lab created diamond for you or your loved one. Look for one with a commitment to value and detailed diamond imagery. This can include 360-degree images of the diamond under 10x-40x magnification. In addition, choose a retailer with physical showrooms that offers a risk-free return policy, upgrade program, and warranty on all its products.
With these benefits in mind, you can be confident that your investment in a lab created diamond will last and hold its value for the long term. It also helps to shop with a retailer that offers competitive pricing on lab created diamonds.
They’re Eco-Friendly
Lab diamonds are not harmed when created in a safe lab environment. They are not to be confused with cubic zirconia or moissanite, merely diamond simulants that look like real ones but don’t sparkle. Unlike their earth-mined counterparts, lab grown diamonds are 100% pure crystallized carbon.
The lab diamond manufacturing process is also eco-friendly, using renewable energy and never sacrificing natural resources. In a controlled setting, the same heat and pressure nature takes millions of years to create can be replicated in just a few weeks.
In contrast, when a diamond is mined, it takes much longer to reach the surface and requires harsh chemicals. Plus, the mining industry can harm local communities and fragile ecosystems.
Many companies claim to be eco-friendly, but you should always research and work with a jeweler invested in its products’ sustainability.
They’re Exquisite
While diamonds are typically found in nature, lab-created stones have also become famous thanks to technological advances. These stones are formed in a controlled environment to replicate the exact conditions naturally occurring on the Earth, making them chemically, physically, and optically identical to their mined counterparts. They can also be produced in more quantity than natural gems, creating a more cost-efficient alternative for consumers.
While the lab-made option is less coveted by traditional jewelry retailers than its natural-diamond counterparts, many independent boutiques are beginning to stock them.
While the resale value of diamonds isn’t as strong as other precious gemstones (for example, sapphires and rubies), most jewelers will still pay pennies on the dollar for lab grown diamonds.
Another significant benefit of lab grown diamonds is their purity. They are far more pure than ‘dirt diamonds’ that are blasted from the Earth with dynamite and diesel, which makes them more brilliant and whiter.
Finally, diamonds produced in the lab don’t displace hundreds of tons of soil to produce, and they require much less energy to make than their mined counterparts. The technology behind these lab diamonds continues to improve, and as competition increases, the cost of lab diamonds will continue to fall. That means more consumers will be able to afford the beauty of these modern gems.
