Eco-consciousness has increasingly become a byword in the jewelry industry. With the consumer trend, especially for the younger market, shifting towards eco-friendly choices, the discussion about options for stones for engagement rings has been becoming a hot topic recently.
Natural diamonds have their inherent merits. Especially among the most discerning buyers, choosing natural diamonds may be reserved for engagement rings that they intend to be heirlooms, even among eco-conscious brides. Is it the right choice? Can lab-grown diamonds replace natural diamonds as the compelling choice for engagement rings? This article discusses the critical points to consider when choosing which type of diamond should grace their engagement rings, whether natural or lab-grown.
Let's Talk About Natural Diamonds
"Diamonds are Forever" is one of the most famous marketing slogans ever. Understandably, this slogan from De Beers, who has dominated diamond supply, also translates to engagement rings being synonymous with the company. Natural diamonds are coveted because of their rarity, with the largest pieces worth millions. With its value gauged by the 4 C's: Carat, Cut, Clarity, and Color, the purest, largest, and exceptionally colored and exquisitely cut natural diamonds hold tremendous value in the market, with the best ones reserved for royalty.
How Natural Diamonds Are Formed
Natural diamonds are formed deep in the earth from pure carbon through tremendous temperature and pressure. The conditions that permit the formation of diamonds are so rare that natural diamonds can only be found in specific places worldwide. The largest natural diamond mines are in South Africa. Still, large-scale diamond mines exist in Russia, Canada, and some parts of Africa.
How Natural Diamonds are Sourced
Large-scale mining for diamonds involves strip mining on an industrial scale. The tremendous input of resources required to extract every carat of natural diamonds also contributes to their high price. Along with the carbon footprint made by diamond mining, the traditional supply chain involving diamonds is long and tedious, requiring each stone to change hands numerous times, from raw diamonds being polished in India and Israel, sold in the diamond markets in Belgium, and cut by master jewelers worldwide, from London to New York. With a substantial portion of all-natural diamonds controlled by De Beers, the supply of natural diamonds has been made even rarer, which affects their prices.
Some abundant sources of diamonds are in conflict-ridden areas in Africa. Armed groups used these diamonds to fund their efforts, thereby tainting the reputation of the diamond industry. The Kimberley Process united administrations, civil societies, and the diamond industry to reduce the flow of these diamonds. However, some "conflict diamonds" remain in the supply chain.
A Case for Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are manufactured in laboratories using specialized equipment replicating the high pressures and temperatures that form natural diamonds. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and HPHT (high-pressure, high-temperature) have been developed to create lab-grown diamonds. Pure carbon with the same crystalline structure makes the resulting diamonds chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds. Given the resources used to produce lab-grown diamonds and its shorter supply chain, lab-grown diamonds produce a lesser carbon footprint per carat than natural diamonds. Because lab-grown diamonds don't originate from conflict areas, these diamonds are also considered as more ethical choices.
The manufacturing process for producing lab-grown diamonds has improved since the 1950s when HPHT was first developed. Today, laboratories can produce diamonds of superior quality, especially for larger sizes, with excellent clarity. Moreover, lab-grown diamonds can be made in various sizes, from melee to stunning 4-carat stones. These diamonds enable jewelers like Rarest Jewelries to create pieces with exceptional diamonds perfect for engagement rings. Because of the relative ease of sourcing, lab-grown diamonds are more affordable per carat, making unique pieces more affordable to more people.
Like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds from reputed jewelers are certified. Lab-grown diamonds are submitted to gemological bodies, such as IGI (International Gemological Institute), for assessments. State-of-the-art technologies grade each stone according to its 4 C's, or the same factors used to judge the quality and value of natural diamonds.
Considering Your Priorities
Budget
Lab-grown diamonds are more affordable than natural diamonds of the same size and quality. Moreover, given the same design, the resulting price of engagement rings is more affordable because the stones take up a substantial proportion of an engagement ring's price.
Personal Preferences
For brides who share the jeweler's values of preferring ethically sourced diamonds, choosing a lab-grown diamond engagement ring is an ethical choice. Moreover, selecting lab-grown diamonds can erase reservations about purchasing an item that took substantial resources.
Style Choices
Lab-grown diamonds enable laboratories to produce stones of various colors and sizes. The availability of these stones allows jewelers to be more versatile and creative with their engagement ring designs. Given the choice between natural and lab-grown diamond rings, lab-grown diamond engagement rings with dazzling designs are within reach for most people.
Rarest Jewelries Engagement Ring Choices
1-carat Lab-Grown Diamond Solitaire Ring
With a timeless design, a stunning IGI-certified 1-carat brilliant round-cut diamond graces this engagement ring. With a G color grade and exceptional VS2 clarity, the nearly colorless lab-grown diamond ensures a mesmerizing sparkle. In a Tiffany 4-prong setting, you have an excellent engagement ring.
2-carat Lab-Grown Diamond Solitaire Ring
A dazzling 2-carat brilliant round-cut diamond graces this exceptional lab-grown diamond engagement ring. Set in 14K gold, this ring exudes timeless elegance and is fit to be an heirloom piece.
3-Carat Lab-Grown Diamond Solitaire Ring
Having a 3-carat diamond engagement ring used to be out of reach. With the availability of lab-grown diamonds, this exceptional piece is within reach. Its staggering size and 4-prong Tiffany setting perfectly showcase the elegant and lustrous stone.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose a natural or lab-grown diamond for your engagement ring, the most crucial factor is that it reflects your love and commitment. However, for the eco-conscious bride, lab-grown diamonds offer a compelling alternative. They are ethically sourced, have a smaller environmental impact, and are often more affordable than natural diamonds of comparable size and quality.
Ready to find your perfect engagement ring? Rarest Jewelries offers a wide selection of stunning lab-grown diamond engagement rings to suit every taste and budget. Contact us today and discover the brilliance of lab-grown diamonds.
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