If you’ve made it this far, you’ll know that lab grown diamonds are exponentially rising in popularity as sales in the mined diamond industry fall. Comparing the two is about more than just what looks better (because, truthfully, they look exactly the same.) When it comes to choosing an engagement ring, it’s vital to have all the facts before making the final decision. So here is everything you need to know.
What is a lab grown diamond?
Laboratory processes can replicate the required conditions of forming mined diamonds to create a lab grown diamond that is indistinguishable from its mined counterpart. Mined diamonds take millions of years to form deep in the Earth, under a series of specific conditions. With modern technology, scientists have been able to create multiple methods, CVD (chemical vapour deposition) and HPHT (high-pressure high temperature) which can create a diamond chemically identical to mined diamonds – without needing to be mined at all.
Though lab grown diamonds don’t require any mining, precious metals used in engagement rings and fine jewellery do, so be sure to ask your jeweller about how they source the whole product – not only the stone. At Cullen Jewellery we use recycled metals in our entire range, as well as lab grown gemstones from diamonds, to moissanite and sapphires; in an attempt to be as good to the world as we can be.
Can you tell the difference between lab and mined diamonds?
To the naked eye, mined diamonds and lab grown diamonds are the same . Even the most trained eye won’t be able to tell the difference. The only way to distinguish both is with special tools which determine the chemical origin of the stone. While many mined diamond brands and jewellers avoid likening the two stones, the central bodies that issue authenticity certificates on mined diamonds - the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and IGI (International Gemological Institute) - actually do the same for lab grown diamonds.
Are lab diamonds as good as mined diamonds?
The mined diamond industry, while having a long history and heritage, is losing trust with consumers. This is due to the growing awareness of the environmental strain that diamond mining puts on communities located close to the mines, including air and water pollution, which completely depletes their landscape. When coupled with blood diamonds and other ethical problems, buying mined diamonds can be a big responsibility. Lab grown diamonds are the perfect solution – you can have a diamond that looks and is chemically the same as a mined diamond but for a fraction of the price.
If you’ve read about the Mohs scale (which measures gemstone hardness ), you’ll know mined diamonds are the hardest, measuring at a 10. And (you’ve guessed it) lab grown diamonds measure the same. When it comes to quality, lab grown diamonds might generally surpass mined diamonds. Where mined diamonds come in a vast range of qualities, due to the nature of their formation in the earth, lab grown diamonds are made in a controlled environment, so generally have a better colour and quality grade.
We’re not in the business of forcing a message, but it’s clear to see if you’re looking for a mined diamond without the leg work to ensure the quality of the stone and the ethics of its sourcing – a lab grown diamond is a no-brainer.
Our customisation offer at Cullen Jewellery, along with our endless range of lab grown engagement rings and wedding bands means if you have your heart set on a mined diamond ring design, we can recreate it with stones you can feel good about. If you’d like to talk more about lab grown diamonds – get in touch here .
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