Appearance
Lab grown diamonds are the equivalent of their mined counterparts, minus the mining! With the same physical, chemical, optical characteristics as mined diamonds, it is impossible to tell the difference between the two with the naked eye, and requires specialised equipment to differentiate them. For those who want to be able to tell the difference between mined and lab grown? Be prepared to spend upwards of $8,250 for an advanced spectroscopic device from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to be able to distinguish the trace elements that differentiate the two.
Durability
Made of compressed pure carbon, lab grown diamonds are grown from the exact same material as mined diamonds. Using innovative cutting-edge technology, laboratories are able to replicate the conditions found in the earth’s mantle where mined diamonds are formed. Placed under extreme pressure and heat, skilled technicians are able to grow additional layers upon a diamond seed - resulting in a beautiful, sparkling diamond! Lab grown diamonds and mined diamonds are both rated a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them the hardest material found on earth. With such durability, a lab grown diamond can easily endure the everyday wear of an engagement ring and is guaranteed to maintain its sparkle for a lifetime.
Conflict-free
Since lab grown diamonds are grown in controlled laboratories, they do not require mining. This means lab grown diamonds do not have the same environmental and social impact as their mined counterparts. Without the need for mining, the potential for deforestation, child labour, unsafe working practices and the displacement of local communities is avoided. With lab grown diamonds, you are making a responsible choice and while diamonds last forever, their carbon footprint shouldn’t.
Price
Compared to a mined diamond of the same size and quality, a lab grown diamond is far more affordable. Lab grown diamonds do not come with the huge markup that is applied to mined diamonds, offering you tremendous value for your money. The diamond industry historically has been known to take advantage of consumers, and deceptive ads have been used to convince people that the bigger the diamond, the greater the love. While the diamond industry has made steps to address some of the fundamental issues of mining through regulation such as the Kimberly Process, the carefully constructed sentiment of exclusivity still lingers in today’s society and mined diamonds continue to be marked up at least 100% or more. When you purchase a lab grown diamond, you pay for the lab creation process and that’s all.
Lab grown diamonds offer couples a beautiful and responsible alternative to mined diamonds. They provide the same sparkle, durability, and brilliance, with the added benefits of transparency, traceability, and value. Choosing a lab grown diamond means celebrating love with a gemstone that reflects both your values and your vision for the future. At Cullen Jewellery, our goal has always been to help you find the perfect diamond that symbolises your commitment while supporting a more conscious approach to fine jewellery. If you have further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us here.
