More and more people are turning to lab-grown diamonds, and it’s easy to see why. They’re beautiful, ethical, and often less expensive than their natural equivalents. Whether you’re about to propose, buying new jewellery like gorgeous lab-made diamond rings or simply love the idea of a shining gem without the astronomical price tag, lab-grown diamonds have much to recommend them.
However, there are a few things you should know before going out to buy. Understanding how they’re made, what makes them different, and how to select the right one will allow you to make an educated and meaningful choice.
Is a Lab Created Diamond a Real Diamond?
Lab-grown diamonds, also known as man-made or synthetic diamonds, are real diamonds created in a lab using advanced technology. They’re not imitations or substitutes like Moissanite or cubic zirconia. Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, and they shine just as much.
There are two main processes used to grow diamonds in a laboratory: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD). Both of them start with a tiny diamond seed and incrementally add the stone layer by layer. The result, after a while, is a gem that’s indistinguishable from one formed beneath the earth over millions of years.
Features
Lab diamonds are the same as any naturally mined diamonds in every aspect, and that makes them just as versatile and attractive as components of fine jewellery. They’re rated on the same four Cs: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. If you desire a flawless round-cut or antique-style cushion cut, lab diamonds offer the same range of styles and quality grades.
The cut of the diamond influences its brilliance. A well-cut lab diamond will reflect light efficiently, creating that beautiful sparkle we love so much. Colour is also critical. Like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds come in a range from colourless right through to slightly coloured. Colourless diamonds tend to be most sought after, but tiny colour differences can also be beautiful and charming.
Lab diamonds can be virtually flawless or slightly less perfect, just like naturals. Carat weight, of course, indicates how big the diamond is. One of the big advantages of lab-created gems is that you can obtain a larger diamond for the same amount of money as a mined one of comparable quality.
Certification is an additional aspect to look for. Genuine lab-grown diamonds are graded and certified by third-party gemmological laboratories such as the GIA or IGI. These certificates validate the stone’s properties, providing confidence when purchasing jewellery like lab-made diamond rings.
Benefits
One of the most amazing advantages of lab-created diamonds is that they cost less. On average, they’re 20 to 40 per cent lower than equally sized and quality mined diamonds. This means that couples who want a larger diamond or more detailed setting but do not want to spend their fortune can go for lab-created diamonds.
Sustainability is another significant draw. Diamond mining is extremely ecologically intensive, with large-scale excavation, habitat disruption and carbon emissions. Synthetic diamonds use much smaller amounts of natural material and generate much less waste. Some facilities even utilise renewable energy sources to power their operations, which further reduces their environmental impact.
It’s also an ethical choice. Because lab diamonds are cultivated within a controlled ecosystem, there’s less chance of funding war zones or questionable labour practices. That alone gives many customers a lot of peace of mind to know that their purchase aligns with their values.
Finally, cultured diamonds offer flexibility and customisation. Since they are more affordable, there is less compromise to go for a higher carat size, an unusual shape or an elaborate setting. If you want a sleek solitaire or a retro-styled halo ring, there’s plenty of room to personalise your piece.
How to Choose?
When buying a lab-grown diamond ring, the initial step is determining what is most important to you. Do you like size, glitter, or a certain cut? Your priorities might make it easier to sift through choices.
You need to take note of the four Cs and balance them in your budget. You might be able to afford more for clarity or a greater carat weight on a lab-grown diamond than on a mined diamond. That extra little bit in your budget can make an enormous difference in the overall look of your ring.
Make sure that the diamond you purchase is certified by a well-regarded gemmological laboratory. This ensures that what you’re paying for is what you’re getting. Most jewellers will provide these certificates, so don’t hesitate to request one.
Think about the setting as well. Some metals, like platinum or white gold, can enhance the sparkle of a lab-grown diamond, while others, like yellow or rose gold, can offer a beautiful contrast. The setting style should also reflect your lifestyle. If you’re someone who works with your hands or leads an active lifestyle, a low-profile or bezel setting might be more practical.
Lab-grown diamonds are transforming what we imagine as fine lab-made rings with diamond. They offer all the brilliance and sophistication of natural diamonds with no similar price tag or environmental impact. To some, they embody the perfect blend of luxury.
