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Purchasing an engagement ring for your big day is a special moment. For that dazzling focal point in your ring, not any old precious stones will do. Diamonds, after all, are a girl’s best friend.
But, diamonds can be notoriously expensive.
Or, at least they used to be. In the last five years, lab-grown diamonds have increased in popularity, despite having been around since the 1950s. Indistinguishable from mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds can be a better alternative for your engagement ring, earrings or pendant.
You might know lab-grown diamonds by a different name. Also known as man-made, engineered or synthetic diamonds, these gems are manufactured in a lab. The crystal formation in a natural diamond can be emulated by isolating carbon atoms and building up layers onto itself.
This means that lab-grown diamonds have identical physical properties to mined diamonds and require special equipment to distinguish the two.
Can you see any difference between the appearance of these two diamonds?
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Natural Diamond
We’ve simplified the debate for you, although we can’t tell you if your beloved might prefer a halo or solitaire style ring. Here, we’ve put together the three main reasons why choosing a lab-grown diamond engagement ring is your best option.
Lab-grown diamonds are known to have fewer defects than mined diamonds. Strains in the crystal structure occur commonly in natural diamonds, causing imperfections in quality and purity. As synthetic diamonds are engineered in a lab, these flaws can be avoided, creating brighter and whiter diamonds.
Man-made diamonds are also 40-50% less expensive than mined diamonds of equivalent quality. Natural diamonds are more expensive due to the De Beers monopoly over the global diamond market and constant high demand.
Also, naturally coloured diamonds are exceptionally rare, rendering them often exorbitant in price. As lab-grown diamonds are manufactured in a controlled environment, you can pick your favourite colour at a lower cost.
This makes lab-grown diamonds the best option for your engagement ring on a budget without compromising on quality.
One hundred and eleven million carats of diamonds are estimated to have been mined worldwide in 2020. This makes it impossible to determine the precise origin of the majority of these diamonds. In war-ravaged countries, ‘blood diamonds’ are gems sold to finance military efforts and are ethically problematic. Diamond smuggling and known instances of massacres at diamond mines have been reported by the Kimberley Process, established in 2003 to remove blood diamonds from the global supply chain.
The advantage of lab-grown diamonds is that we know exactly where they came from, as we made them. This means you won’t have to worry about the source of these diamonds and can enjoy their beauty guilt-free.
The negative impact on surrounding ecosystems, such as deforestation and soil erosion, is significant. In contrast, lab-grown diamonds are a more sustainable choice and contribute to protecting our planet. Since lab-grown diamonds don't involve mining, they avoid many of the environmental harms associated with traditional diamond extraction. Additionally, many diamond growers are now using renewable energy in the production process, making lab-grown diamonds a more eco-friendly and ethical option for engagement rings.
You’ve decided on a lab-grown diamond engagement ring, but you're still feeling a little uncertain—it almost seems too good to be true.
So, is there a catch?
It depends on your perspective. Lab-grown diamonds aren’t limited like natural diamonds, meaning their long-term value may fluctuate. However, when choosing a stunning engagement or eternity ring, ask yourself: are you likely to want to sell it? These pieces of jewelry symbolize a cherished moment in your life, meant to last forever.
Do It for Love
Selecting an engagement ring is a significant decision, and at Rêve Diamonds, we understand that more than anyone. We believe you'll feel reassured knowing your diamond engagement ring or wedding band is the best choice for both your budget and your values. We offer a wide range of exquisite diamond rings, from contemporary to traditional styles, ensuring you’ll find the perfect one to match your taste. Feel confident in choosing a flawless diamond for your unforgettable proposal or wedding.