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Not all real diamonds are mined. Many people don’t know that real diamonds can also be grown in a lab with less cost and labour and similar appearance, hardness, and durability.
With a lab-grown diamond, you can focus on environmental sustainability, fair wages, human rights and budget without compromising the quality of your engagement ring.
When looking for a lab-grown diamond to create your ethical engagement ring, there are various steps to take and elements you will want to consider. Here’s how to select and create the right ethical engagement ring for your partner.
Work with a Trusted Lab Grown Diamond Jeweller
The reality is that many jewellers use clever marketing strategies that can be misleading. Work with a trusted jeweller who has deep relationships with diamond, gemstone, and gold suppliers to help you make an educated investment in sustainable jewellery.
Be sure to do your research and find a transparent jeweller who has the right experience with lab-grown diamonds and will guide you every step of the way. As one of the first jewellers to offer lab-grown diamond rings in Toronto, Alexis Gallery has long-standing relationships with reputable makers of lab-certified diamonds.
Choose Your Shape & Size
Like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds come in various shapes and sizes. Even small melee diamonds can be lab-grown! Similar to mined diamonds, however, some shapes are more common than others. While oval and round lab-grown diamonds will be more easily accessible, it may be harder to obtain rarer shapes like emerald or marquise cuts for your ethical ring.
Since lab-grown diamonds are also more affordable, they allow you to maximize your budget. According to Brides, lab-grown diamonds can be anywhere between 25 to 40 percent cheaper than natural diamonds. This means you can get a roughly 30 percent larger lab-grown diamond than mined diamond at a similar price point.
Make Sure the Stones Are Certified
Lab-grown diamonds come fully certified by institutions like the International Gemological Institute (IGI). These certifications identify the value of a precious stone by its gemological makeup, natural rarity and finished quality. It’s important to note that gemstones of similar appearance can have different values.
Institutions like IGI screen every gemstone using modern technology to assess its characteristics. Purchasing certified gems will enable you to understand their origin and make an informed decision about your purchase.
Transparency in Production
Since many people prefer mined diamonds, some companies outsource their diamonds overseas to places like Africa, where they form naturally. While efforts are made in many mines to uphold ethical practices, some mines may not follow international guidelines, and due to a lack of employment options, many people, including children, are forced to work in a physically demanding and unsafe environment. Lab-grown diamonds allow you to prioritize transparency in knowing the origin of your stone wasn’t at anyone’s expense.
Some lab-grown diamond certifications from indicate if the country of origin is the USA should local production be a priority.
Creating an ethical engagement ring will require some work. A knowledgeable jeweller specializing in lab-grown diamonds can simplify the process and help you contribute to a sustainable environment.
