You must have heard about lab-grown diamond rings if you have been looking for engagement rings. If you have been wondering whether you should buy them, there are plenty of reasons you should consider these rings. These reasons include:
They are high-quality.
When people think of lab grown diamonds, one of the first things that comes to mind is that the quality will be poor. You should know that this couldn’t be further from the truth.
In 2018, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) updated its Jewelry Guides. Here it updated its meaning of natural. Previously, the handbook defined diamonds as a natural mineral made up of pure carbon crystallized in the isometric system. The word “natural” was dropped in the most recent revision.
The FTC’s jewelry guides are intended to prevent consumer deception. Lab-generated diamonds should not be referred to as real, genuine, natural, or synthetic, as these terms indicate that a lab-grown diamond is not an actual diamond.
This FTC recognition of diamonds from mines and labs allows you to select your diamonds depending on your preferences. They’re both diamonds, but with different beginnings.
When purchasing the diamonds, you should know that, like the naturally occurring diamonds, they are made from pure carbon, making them as good quality as the ones you mine.
In fact, many people, including jewelers, can’t tell the difference between the two.
So, if you are concerned that you might buy lab grown diamond engagement rings that appear cheap and worn out, you are wrong. They look as real and quality as the ones obtained from the ground.
Lab-grown rings are more sustainable.
The environmental impact of diamond mining is a contentious issue; however, it has been suggested that it can have long-term consequences.
According to one report, for every carat of diamond that is mined, nearly 100 sq ft of land is disturbed, and almost 6000 pounds of mineral waste is created.
This is not to mention that the earth’s available diamond is finite while the lab-generated diamond can be produced infinitely.
You get your dream ring at a low price.
Lab-produced diamonds are not only chemically identical to mined diamonds but also appear identical at a fraction of the cost.
In fact, many people have reported to have gone to a jewelry store to buy a diamond ring, but when they find lab-grown diamond engagement rings, they buy two or more carats, which makes them look good without breaking the bank.
These rings are timeless.
While the lure of different gemstones is beautiful, when it comes to engagement rings, timeless is best. You should know diamond will never go out of style.
That being said, you should take your time when making the purchase. As a rule of thumb, ensure that an expert selects your diamond, and it should meet the highest quality standards.
When in the stores, go for the highest-grade diamonds for a given color and clarity. It will even be better if you buy from a store validated by independent third-party diamond grading laboratories, to ensure maximum sparkle, fire, and brilliance.
When choosing a design for your ring, you should avoid going for the trending ones as it’s a matter of time before you have to replace them once the style fades.
Lab-grown diamonds are unique.
Lab-grown diamonds, like mined diamonds, can take on a variety of forms and sizes. Because the processes used to create both are nearly identical, it is safe to assume that any version of a diamond will be available.
The diamonds resulting from the lab process come in a variety of forms, including round brilliants, princess and emerald-cutting, oval, pear, cushion, and radiant cuts.
You can even create a custom ring to ensure your jewelry is as distinctive and remarkable as your love story.
They are made from the same materials as mined diamonds.
Mined diamonds and lab-grown diamonds are manufactured from the same ingredients (pure carbon). This means your lab-created diamond will exhibit the same chemical, physical, and visual qualities as an earth-mined diamond.
As evidence of this, the Federal Trade Commission eliminated the term “natural” from the basic definition of a diamond in 2018. That benchmark decision demonstrates that there are now multiple ways to produce a diamond.
More people are embracing them.
With all of the reasons outlined above, it’s no surprise that lab-grown diamonds are becoming increasingly popular and for a good cause.
You may not only receive your dream ring at your dream price, but you can also be confident in your decision knowing that many people are embracing them.
As mentioned, you can’t tell the difference between a lab-created diamond and one that is mined unless someone tells you. In fact, the diamond ring that you have been admiring might be lab-manufactured.
Buying your lab-grown diamond ring
As a rule of thumb, you should ensure that you buy your ring from a reputable store. You should ensure that any lab-created diamond larger than half a carat is certified by the International Gemological Institution.
Remember that the grading system for earth-mined and lab-grown diamonds is the same, and the only difference listed on the certificate is the origin.
You should never buy an uncertified ring as you don’t know its quality. You also aren’t sure it’s made in the optimal conditions.
As much as both are made from the same materials, you should note that lab-grown diamonds do not retain their value in the same way that mined diamonds do.
Mined diamonds have an edge in valuation because they are created over time and come from the soil.
Mined diamonds have a price history of thousands of years, whereas lab-grown diamonds are new and their prices have come down significantly since they just entered the market, so it can be difficult to say or predict their value over time.
Due to this, you should be specific about your reason for buying them. If you are looking for a large and good-looking diamond ring on a budget, the lab-grown diamond ring is an excellent choice, but if you are looking to retain value, you might need to reconsider your decision.
All in all, lab grown rings are excellent pieces and if you feel they fit your reason for purchase, don’t hesitate in getting them.
Written by: Mae Lewis