Engagement Rings
When shopping for engagement rings for women, diamonds are often the gemstone of choice. Yet, with the evolution of the jewelry market, couples have a question to answer—which stone will it be, a mined diamond or a lab-grown diamond? There is no singularly correct answer, but these two options hold several distinct characteristics that can help you choose one based on your values, budget, and style.
The Origin of Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown (or synthetic diamonds) are created using technological processes in a laboratory setting. By using the same natural conditions that produce diamonds on the Earth (High-Pressure High-Temperature or HPHT, or Chemical Vapor Deposition or CVD), lab-grown diamonds are essentially identical to mined diamonds in their physical, chemical, and optical characteristics.
Understanding Natural Diamonds
Natural diamonds are a product of billions of years patiently waiting for extreme pressure and temperature deep in the Earth’s mantle to sculpt them into their exquisite beauty. The mined jewels are lifted from the confines of our planet’s crust and brought to our fingertips. Each finish is a result of this wondrous geological journey. Natural diamonds have become synonymous with rare, desirable, and timeless beauty.
Cost Considerations
One crucial difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds is the price. Lab grown diamond engagement rings typically cost 20-40 percent less than natural diamonds. This is mainly because the production process is less wasteful and less costly than the mining process. Having a diamond engagement ring without burning a hole in your wallet is a possibility that many couples can benefit from when it comes to lab-grown diamonds.
Environmental Impact
Environmental impact is an essential issue for many green-minded consumers. Natural diamond mining can disrupt land surfaces, contaminate water with carcinogens and other toxic chemicals, and degrade ecosystems. On the other hand, lab-grown diamonds don’t need to be extracted from the Earth, so their environmental impact is much smaller. Lab-grown diamonds tick the box for many environmentally-conscious shoppers.
Visual and Quality Differences
In terms of appearance, the naked eye cannot differentiate a lab-grown diamond from one formed beneath Earth’s crust. Both have the same fire, brilliance and sparkle that gives these diamond engagement rings their luster. Again, the same assessments are used (by both labs and human graders) when assigning cut, color, clarity, and carat weight grades.
Conclusion
Which one to choose? It all depends on your values and priorities. Do you want a budget-friendly, sustainable, ethically sourced diamond engagement ring? Then, the perfect diamond for you could be a lab-grown one. If what you are looking for is a beautiful, unique, natural gemstone, then a natural diamond engagement ring could be a good option.
At the end of the day, both are beautiful and elegant, and they are the perfect way to express your love and commitment.
