Learn Lab created Diamonds
Diamonds are beautiful and strong minerals formed by the wonderful Earth we live on. Most diamonds are over a billion years old and are formed about 100 miles deep in the Earth’s surface. The journey each diamond goes through to reach the Earth’s surface and become accessible to us is unique and outstanding, just like your story. These stories are hidden within each stone, however, the fingerprints left by its journey are etched within, creating a magical historical item that is different from every other.
When choosing an Engagement ring or Diamond for any occasion, we often forget about what we are purchasing, where it came from and its story. We relay this point to many of our clients in-store as Diamonds are our passion. Their beauty, personality and journey are what will be connected to you and your story.
What are Lab-created Diamonds?
An alternative to naturally mined diamonds are lab-created diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same types of cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. Since natural diamonds and high-quality stones are identical in look, it is impossible to distinguish between lab and real diamonds with the naked eye.
Both natural and lab diamonds are created from crystal carbon and therefore both may have inclusions, which we call each diamond’s unique birthmarks. The only chemical difference is that lab diamonds do not contain any nitrogen in their composition which does not affect their lustre or sparkle in any way.
It is important to note that there is a difference between lab-created diamonds and diamond simulants such as cubic zirconia and moissanite which are made from minerals and substances different to the crystal carbon of diamonds. These simulants are incomparable to the radiance of diamonds.
Couples may have different reasons for choosing lab-grown diamonds. Creating lab diamonds is more sustainable than mining. Where natural diamonds require tonnes of Earth to be excavated, displaced and sifted, lab-created diamonds only take a few weeks to months to grow. In addition, lab-grown diamonds cost less than their natural counterparts. Since they are a fairly new creation in the jewellery field, their long-term value is not yet settled, whereas natural diamonds have been highly valued over time.
It’s up to the special couple to decide what diamond is right for them. Whether family tradition or the value of a natural diamond speaks to your heart or the sustainable practices of a lab-created diamond fascinate you, the rare and enchanting beauty of a diamond is in the eye of the beholder.