You’re engaged! Now it’s time to pick out a ring. But what kind of diamond should you go for? There are many different types of diamonds on the market today, and each has its own set of pros and cons. One type you may be considering is a lab grown diamond. Lab grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment, which means they can have fewer impurities than natural diamonds. They also tend to be less expensive than natural diamonds. However, they may not have the same resale value as natural diamonds. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of lab grown diamond rings, so you can make the best decision for you and your fiancé.
What are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are created in a lab, using either High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) methods. Both HPHT and CVD recreate the conditions under which diamonds naturally form deep within the Earth.
The resulting stones have the same chemical and physical properties as mined diamonds, but they come at a fraction of the cost. In fact, lab-grown diamonds can be up to 40% cheaper than mined diamonds of comparable size and quality.
One key difference between mined and lab-grown diamonds is that lab-grown diamonds can be grown with specific colorations not found in nature. This means that you can find a lab-grown diamond in any color of the rainbow!
So, if you’re looking for a truly unique diamond engagement ring, a lab-grown diamond could be the way to go. Just keep in mind that lab-grown diamonds are still very new to the market, so you may have difficulty finding one at your local jeweler.
How to Shop for a Lab Grown Diamond Ring
When shopping for lab grown diamond rings, it is important to keep in mind the Four Cs of diamonds: carat weight, color, clarity, and cut. Carat weight is how a diamond is measured and is the size of the diamond. The color of a diamond is judged on a scale from D (no hue) to Z (a yellow hued diamond). Clarity is how many blemishes or inclusions and is judged on a scale from IF (internally flawless) to I3 (included). Cut is how well the facets of the diamond interact with light and is judged on a scale from Excellent to Poor.
In addition to the Four Cs, it is also important to consider the type of setting you want for your ring. The most popular settings are solitaire, three-stone, halo, and side-stone. A solitaire setting has one central stone surrounded by metal. A three-stone setting has three stones set across the band with metal accents between each stone. A halo setting has one central stone surrounded by smaller stones. A side-stone setting has stones set into the band with metal accents between each stone.
Once you have considered the Four Cs and the type of setting you want, it is time to start shopping! There are many online retailers that sell lab grown diamonds, so take some time to browse around and compare prices. When you find a retailer you trust, be sure to read their return
How are lab grown diamonds made?
Lab grown diamonds are created using a process called chemical vapor deposition (CVD). A small seed diamond is placed in a chamber with a carbon-rich gas. The gas is then heated to a very high temperature, causing the carbon atoms to break apart and attach to the seed diamond. This process repeats until the diamond reaches the desired size.
The main difference between lab grown diamonds and mined diamonds is the way in which they are created. Lab grown diamonds are created through a man-made process, while mined diamonds are found in nature. Both types of diamonds have the same physical and chemical properties.
Lab grown diamonds have many benefits over mined diamonds. They are eco-friendly, conflict-free, and often 20-30% cheaper than mined diamonds. However, some people prefer the uniqueness of a mined diamond that has been created by nature.
Pros of lab grown diamond rings
Lab grown diamond rings have a number of advantages over natural diamonds. They are more affordable, they are ethically sourced, and they have fewer inclusions.
Lab grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment, which means that they are less expensive than natural diamonds. Because they are not mined, they do not require the same level of investment in terms of labor and equipment.
Lab grown diamonds are also ethically sourced. They do not contribute to conflict or environmental damage, and they do not exploit workers.
Finally, lab grown diamonds tend to have fewer inclusions than natural diamonds. Inclusions are imperfections that occur during the diamond-forming process. They can affect a diamond’s clarity and make it less sparkly. Lab grown diamonds typically have fewer inclusions because they are created in a controlled environment.
Cons of lab grown diamond rings
There are a few potential cons to keep in mind when considering a lab grown diamond ring. Firstly, because they are created in a lab and not mined from the earth, they may not have the same “aura” as a natural diamond. Secondly, lab grown diamonds are still relatively new to the market and thus may be more expensive than natural diamonds. Finally, some people simply prefer the look of natural diamonds over lab grown ones.
How to care for a lab grown diamond ring
If you’re considering a lab grown diamond ring, it’s important to know how to care for it properly. Here are some tips:
- Store your ring in a soft, dry cloth when you’re not wearing it.
- Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals, heat, and sunlight.
- Clean your ring with a mild soap and water solution.
- Have your ring checked by a professional jeweler every 6 months to ensure that it’s in good condition.
Cost of lab grown diamond rings
The cost of lab grown diamond rings can vary depending on the quality of the diamond and the size of the ring. However, they are typically less expensive than natural diamonds. The average cost of a one-carat lab grown diamond is around $2,000, while the average cost of a one-carat natural diamond is around $8,000. So, if you’re looking for a more affordable option for your engagement ring, a lab grown diamond could be a good choice.
Where to buy lab grown diamond rings
There are a few different places that you can purchase lab grown diamond rings. One option is to go through a jewelry store that specializes in these types of rings. Another option is to purchase the ring from an online retailer.
One of the benefits of purchasing a lab grown diamond ring from a jewelry store is that you will be able to see the ring in person before you make a purchase. This way, you can get a better idea of what the ring will look like on your finger. You will also be able to ask the salesperson any questions that you have about the ring.
If you decide to purchase a lab grown diamond ring from an online retailer, you will likely get a better price than you would at a jewelry store. However, it is important to note that you will not be able to see the ring in person before you make your purchase. Therefore, it is important to do your research and make sure that you are buying the right ring for you.
Conclusion
Whether you’re considering a lab grown diamond ring or a natural diamond ring, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making your decision. Lab grown diamonds have the benefit of being more environmentally friendly and often costing less than natural diamonds. However, they may not have the same resale value as natural diamonds. Natural diamonds are unique and created by nature, but they can come with a higher price tag. Ultimately, the decision of which type of diamond ring to purchase is a personal one.
