'Lab grown' diamonds or 'laboratory grown' diamonds are beautiful and affordable alternatives to the traditionally, earth mined stone. In many ways, lab grown diamonds are exactly like their natural counterpart, however, thanks to advancements in science and technology, customers can enjoy all the sparkle and preciousness of a diamond at a financial and environmental price they are willing to pay.
Laboratory grown diamonds can feature in everything from fine bracelets and pendants, to perhaps most popularly, diamond engagement rings.
Laboratory grown diamond engagement rings
Since the mid-1900s, diamonds have reigned in the engagement ring market. So much so that few brides-to-be picture their proposal with something other than a sparkling stone being placed on their finger.
Traditionally, diamond rings have fetched large prices due to the long and complex formation and mining process, and consequently, their stature, rarity and desirability, meaning many miss out on the chance to own their dream ring. However, in more recent times, the century-long process of diamonds being formed deep within the earth’s crust and then mined can be replaced with controlled, lab settings, speeding up the process and cutting out a lot of the ethical issues so often involved in natural diamond mining practices.
Here at Rocks Jewellers, we offer a selection of lab grown diamond engagement rings in just about every cut and style you could imagine. Each of our rings is upheld by the same high quality and grading standards as any earth mined stone, and we can assure that every piece in our engagement ring collection exudes beauty and brilliance in the best possible way.
But before you make your purchase, here is all you need to know about the beautiful earth mined alternatives.
How are Laboratory Grown Diamonds formed?
As their name suggests, laboratory grown diamonds are created in a controlled, laboratory environment. The process involves a diamond seed being placed in a chamber and then enormous pressure, heat and gases are applied. This environment mimics the conditions in nature that result in carbon crystallizing into diamond deep within the earth’s crust.
During crystallization, the lab grown diamonds are allowed time to mature. They are then cut, polished and graded by the same world-renowned labs that certify the earth mined stones.
Differences between earth mined and lab grown diamonds
The most significant difference between lab grown and earth mined diamonds is in the formation process. While earth mined stones are created naturally, taking thousands of years to reach the planet’s surface and then grace the finger of an excited bride-to-be, the lab grown alternative can be formed in a much shorter time frame, making them more accessible and affordable.
However, chemically, optically and physically, lab grown diamonds are identical to earth-mined diamonds, which is due to the similarities of their formation processes. Just like natural diamonds, each lab grown stone is also unique and one of a kind. Again, this is a result of the creation process, which although conducted in laboratory settings, their outcomes cannot be entirely controlled.
The lab process also helps reduce some of the issues regarding ethics which traditional diamond mining practices are often subject to. For example, many condemn the environmental damage caused by mining, as well as the ethics behind disrupting local communities and natural reserves, offering little to no benefit in return for any diamonds that are found there. Therefore, for anyone looking to live a little more socially responsible, lab grown diamonds are a popular choice.
Lab grown diamonds & budget
As the process for creating laboratory grown diamonds is much less complex than the natural occurrence, consequently making them more accessible, you can expect to pay a lower price for a higher quality diamond stone. Just one more selling point for the earth mined alternative.
Much like natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds are graded by the 4Cs - cut, colour, clarity and carat. The cost of a diamond, whether earth mined or lab grown, is dependent on all four factors, rather than just one or two. For example, it’s a common misconception that a larger carat amounts to a higher price, however, if the colour, cut and clarity are not up to par, then neither will its quality, and therefore it’s value.
Nonetheless, lab grown diamonds are available for up to 50% less than earth mined diamonds, making them a budget friendly alternative for cost-conscious couples.
Choosing the right lab grown diamond engagement ring
If you are on the hunt for the perfect engagement ring, there are clearly many benefits for opting for a laboratory grown diamond as the centerpiece of your design. By making this decision, you will be opening up your search to rings that may have otherwise been out of budget, allowing you to find your dream ring at a price you are willing to pay.
Lab grown diamonds are available in every type of cut, which is another decision to be made. For instance, our collection caters to all styles and preferences with diamonds available in cuts including round, oval, cushion, marquise, princess, pear and more. The cut plays the most significant role in a diamond’s brilliance, and lab grown diamonds can possess just as much brilliance and fire as a natural stone if cut in the correct way.
As well as cuts, you can also choose from a range of setting types, including solitaire rings, three stone styles and halo and cluster designs. Lab grown diamonds can be set on all metal types, with our collection offering a beautiful range of options on yellow, rose and white gold rings. In order to choose the right style of ring, be sure to take into consideration yours or your partner’s preferences, as this will ensure the ring fits right into the current collection, and can be worn day in and day out for the rest of your life.
Once you have settled on a cut and style of ring, it is time to delve deeper into the details of the diamond. Lab grown diamonds come in all different types of colours and clarities, just like natural stones do. These can often impact the fire, brilliance and quality of the diamond, no matter its cut, so should be considered with an equal amount of importance.
While carat is important it should by no means be the deciding factor for your engagement ring. In fact, it is possible to choose designs, such as those in halo or cluster styles that help enhance the size and presence of a central diamond stone. However, the beauty of laboratory grown diamonds is that you can find rings with diamonds of desirable carats, cuts, clarities and colours within your budget.
For any more information on how to choose the right ring, or to discuss your requirements with an expert, our Grafton Street and Stillorgan stores have dedicated private and safe consultation areas where you can talk to our in-house team.
Frequently asked questions
What does lab grown diamond mean?
As the name suggests, lab grown diamonds are diamonds that have been created in controlled, laboratory settings, rather than through natural processes that occur deep within the earth’s core.
Do lab grown diamonds last?
In terms of composition and quality, lab grown diamonds are equal to earth mined diamonds. Therefore, lab grown stones last just as long as their natural counterpart, particularly if well maintained and cared for by a professional jeweller.
Are lab grown diamonds real?
Chemically, optically and physically, lab grown diamonds are identical to earth-mined diamonds, meaning they are most definitely real.
How much is a lab grown diamond?
Like earth mined diamonds, lab grown diamonds vary in price depending on their cut, clarity, colour and carat. However, as lab grown diamonds involve a less complex and rare formation process, they are much more accessible, and therefore more affordable than natural diamonds. You can save up to 50% by opting for a lab grown alternative for your engagement ring.
