Lab grown diamonds are diamonds are diamonds that are produced in a laboratory, rather than traditional diamonds found in the earth.
These diamonds have the same structure and properties as natural diamonds, offering a more affordable and ethical alternative.
Are lab diamonds fake?
No, lab grown diamonds have the same chemical and physical structure as traditional diamonds. They are made from tiny shards of mined diamonds which are introduced to carbon atoms, with labs replicating the conditions that occur in nature. The end result is a diamond that is indistinguishable from a traditional diamond.
Lab diamonds have the same score on the Mohs scale (which measures a material’s hardness), and are subject to the same quality checks as natural diamonds. Although you may see lab grown diamonds referred to as being ‘synthetic’, this means that they are man-made, not fake.
Why are people choosing lab grown diamonds?
As with many other products, consumers are increasingly ethically and environmentally minded. Due to their more ethical sourcing, lab-grown diamonds are meeting the needs of these customers who shop for special lab created diamond rings from places such as Best Brilliance.
Customers are seeking more ethical options that offer the same stunning visual qualities as natural diamonds.
Lab-created diamonds offer the same beauty and sparkle as traditional diamonds. Like traditional diamonds, lab diamonds are often set in rings made from gold or platinum, which naturally increases the price of any jewelry. But while they’re not cheap, lab grown diamonds are more affordable.
As an example, an engagement ring featuring natural diamonds may cost £1900, and a comparable ring made from lab grown diamonds may cost £400 less.
Lab-created diamonds are also a more environmentally sustainable choice. Traditional diamonds are mined from the ground, a process which requires extensive resources.
Younger consumers are particularly mindful of environmental issues, and are likelier to favour lab grown diamonds. Perceptions are likely to continue to change as time goes on and more people become familiar with lab-created diamonds.
Research publications feature titles such as “The rise of the ethical consumer” and show that the environmental impact of products matters to customers. Researchers have found that consumers are willing to boycott and in some cases protest against unethical companies.
Away from jewelry, one of the most prevalent changes in popular products in recent years has been companies’ willingness to stop using palm oil, or use more sustainable sources, in foods such as chocolate, nut butters and baked goods.
With mined diamonds and lab diamonds subject to the same quality checks, there is no discernible difference in quality. Jewelry featuring lab grown diamonds will have been checked for the ‘four Cs’: cut, colour, clarity and carat weight.
As technology advances, the scalability for lab diamond jewelry is increasing, and it is likely to continue to grow in the coming years.
An additional benefit of lab grown diamonds are their customization: they can be made in various sizes, shapes and colours, offering an array of choices to customers. Jewelry designers are gaining more experience creating jewelry that feature lab grown diamonds.
Rings featuring lab grown diamonds come in a variety of styles and carats, such as 14k white gold, 18k yellow gold, and the increasingly popular rose gold.
Engagement rings
Lab grown diamonds are becoming a popular choice for engagement rings, as customers seek affordable and ethical options.
With engagement rings traditionally featuring diamonds, rings that feature a lab grown diamond offer an alternative that meets the needs of modern customers.
Thanks to some celebrities endorsing them, lab-created diamond engagement rings have a growing reputation.
Celebrities who choose lab grown diamonds
Actress Emma Watson, noted for her endorsement of sustainable fashion, has been seen wearing a lab grown diamond ring.
Fellow actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Penelope Cruz have also chosen lab grown diamonds, and another actor Joaquin Phoenix chose a lab diamond engagement ring for his fiancé Rooney Mara.
Lab-created diamonds are unique in the same way that traditional diamonds are, and so celebrities can choose a piece of jewelry tailor-made for them.
Which brands specialize in lab-created diamonds?
Established jewellers are beginning to understand the increasing interest in lab grown diamonds.
There are several brands which specialize in lab grown diamonds, including James Allen, Best Brilliance, Lightbox Jewelry, and 12FIFTEEN Diamonds. As well as rings, many of these brands also offer wedding bands, earrings, bracelets and offer kinds of jewelry.
If you’re considering buying a lab grown diamond, look out for certification of the diamond from a laboratory, and check the website’s reputation for trustworthiness and customer service.
With lab grown diamonds rising in popularity due to their environmental advantages and affordability, brands will increasingly look to meet these demands. Customers’ awareness and knowledge of lab grown diamonds will increase, and their popularity is likely to continue to grow.