When most people think of the word synthetic, they think of something that is cheap or a pale imitation of the original. Something that lacks authenticity and integrity. This is not always the case, however, when it comes to diamonds.
Lab grown diamonds have been around since the 1950s, but it wasn’t until the 70s and 80s that the quality became good enough to make them commercially available. Technological advancements in the early 2000s made them even better still, and now they’re as widely produced and purchased as natural, mined diamonds.
From being high–end but economical, to being more ethical and eco–friendly, read on to discover all the reasons why you should be strongly considering lab–created diamonds…
What is Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds (also known as manmade, cultured or engineered diamonds) are created in controlled, laboratory conditions.
The process replicates how they are naturally formed within the Earth’s crust, with raw carbon atoms crystallised into a 3D structure.
Growing diamonds in a laboratory is a much cheaper way of producing diamonds, due to the fact that there’s no need for costly mining procedures. The supply chain is shorter, so they go through less hands and result in a less expensive diamond – meaning customers can expect a more reasonable and competitive point. Generally, lab engineered diamonds cost 50 – 70% less than natural diamonds of the same cut, clarity and size.
Coming from the lab also means there are no issues like suspected activities that contribute to human suffering in the mined diamond trade.
Lab Grown vs. Natural
To the average jewellery wearer on the street, it’s the look of a diamond that is the most important factor.
Both lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds share the exact same physical, chemical and optical properties. Lab grown varieties are so precisely made, that to the naked eye, they are indistinguishable from natural diamonds. Only highly specialised jewellery equipment can differentiate between the two and pick up on different trace elements.
Man made diamonds exhibit the same type of gleam, intensity, exquisite shapes and sparkles that you’d expect to see, but they come with added benefits too. Because they are developed in a lab, they tend to have fewer defects and can even contain faint colours and tints that natural diamonds don’t have.
For these reasons they have become very popular over the years.
Transparency is Key
A lab diamond supplier will only recommend lab grown diamonds, and vice versa.
Our head jeweller Rod Valenz has been in the trade for many years as a natural diamond supplier, but now also supplies lab created, cultured diamonds that are 100% carbon neutral.
The CVD method (chemical vapor deposition) is sustainable and environmentally friendly, as there are no fuels, electricity or harmful carbons released into the air like there are in the mining process.
But we believe in giving our customers an informed choice, so they can select the diamonds that best suit them. Our customer service is exceptional, as we make everything in–house and have jewellers, CAD designers and valuers at your disposal.
Shop our Range
All of our lab generated diamonds come with a certified, laboratory grown diamond report, embracing a brilliant, sustainable, fair and ethical tomorrow.
They are all available for purchase online and at our Melbourne studio located at 46 Church Street, Hawthorn.
Appointments are free, so get in contact today to consult on everything from lab grown and natural diamonds, to engagement rings, wedding bands, repairs, remodelling, resizing and more.
