Are you looking for the perfect birthday gift for your wife? Or maybe you're thinking about popping the question to your girlfriend.
In both scenarios, you can't go wrong with a diamond. After all, what they say is true--diamonds really are a girl's best friend.
You may have your doubts about dropping big bucks on such a tiny rock. Among your search for alternatives, you may have come across the term "lab-grown diamonds".
But what are they and how do they differ from traditional diamonds? And most importantly, are lab-grown diamonds the right choice for you and the special woman in your life?
Keep reading to learn the fabulous truth about lab-grown diamonds.
What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Alright, so you're probably wondering exactly what lab-grown diamonds are. Well, simply put, they are diamonds that have been grown in a lab instead of underground.
There are two main methods used to create lab-grown diamonds: HPHT and CVD.
HPHT
HPHT, or High-Pressure High-Temperature, strives to mimic the environment needed to create a diamond in nature. They create this environment using constant pressure and high temperatures in a special chamber. Then, they place a small diamond seed in the chamber with a carbon source which will then form a diamond.
CVD
CVD, or Chemical Vapor Deposition, uses a special hydrocarbon gas mixture to grow diamonds. A small diamond seed is placed in a high-temperature chamber and this special gas mixture is then added to produce a diamond.
Benefits of Lab-Grown Diamonds
Now that you have a better idea of what a lab-grown diamond is, you may be wondering why you should choose it over a mined diamond. The truth is, there are many benefits to lab-grown diamonds. Let's check out some of the best below.
They Are Real Diamonds
If you're not sure you can swing the cost of a mined diamond, you've probably looked into many alternatives. Cubic Zirconia is probably the first to come to mind, but these are nowhere near as sturdy or nice as a real diamond. While they're fine for cheap jewelry your wife or girlfriend may buy herself, they don't make the best gift (or engagement ring).
Moissanite is a clear gemstone that looks similar to a diamond. It's very sturdy (although not as hard as a diamond) and sometimes even sparkles more than diamonds! This makes moissanite engagement rings and jewelry good alternatives if you don't want to use diamonds.
But what can you do if you're set on giving the special woman in your life a real diamond but can't afford it? This is where lab-grown diamonds come into play.
Although some may refer to them as "synthetic" or "man-made", don't let these terms fool you. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They have the same chemical and physical characteristics as mined diamonds, and they have that signature sparkle that makes people fall in love with diamonds.
They're Guilt-Free
Diamond mining is a huge industry, and it doesn't come without its downfalls.
For one, the heavy machinery needed to mine can cause air pollution. Some companies may tear down trees or reroute streams to gain access to the perfect location to mine.
And it's not just the environment that hurts from it. People living near diamond mines in third world countries are sometimes subject to abuse and forced labor.
Lab-grown diamonds, however, are guilt-free. You can rest easy knowing you aren't contributing to the environmental and humanitarian issues surrounding mined diamonds.
They Have Better Clarity
If you've ever researched diamonds, you know to pay attention to the 4Cs: color, clarity, cut, and carat.
The second C in the list, clarity, refers to the number of blemishes, defects, and inclusions in a particular diamond. Since mined diamonds are created in the earth's crust, these imperfects often happen.
However, lab diamonds are grown in a controlled environment. While blemishes and inclusions do still occur, they don't happen as often, and the average lab diamond has a better clarity rating than mined diamonds.
There Are Plenty of Options
Right now you may be thinking, "lab-grown diamonds sound great! But are the common enough to find in the style I'm looking for?"
While lab-grown diamonds aren't as common as mined diamonds, there are several companies that are including lab-grown diamond jewelry in their inventory. You can find lab-grown diamonds in all different styles and types of jewelry.
Color Can Be Added
Many women love diamonds for their pure and clear appearance. However, some prefer colored diamonds to bring a unique twist to a classic piece of jewelry.
If this sounds familiar, you're in luck. You can find stunning colored diamonds that have been grown in a lab.
They're Cheaper
With all these benefits, you may be worried just how much a lab-grown diamond will cost you.
Well, the overall cost of your lab-grown diamond jewelry will vary based on several factors, such as how the diamond rates in the 4Cs, the metal type, and just how many diamonds and gemstones are in the piece of jewelry. However, lab-grown diamonds cost much less than mined diamonds.
While there are cheaper alternatives available, lab-grown diamonds are a great way for you to save money while still giving the love of your life a diamond.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Right for You?
If you're in the market for diamond jewelry, you may be experiencing some sticker shock. The good news is that you can get a real diamond with some added benefits by opting for lab-grown diamonds. Not only are they more affordable, but they are guilt-free and have better clarity--it doesn't get much better than that!
Are you shopping for a ring that will remain stylish for years to come? Then check out these timeless engagement ring trends today.