Have you been thinking about popping that all-important question? Proposing to someone is a huge deal. Even if you’ve discussed it with your partner multiple times over the years, the prospect of actually buying a ring and getting down on one knee may fill you with fright. After all, it’s likely a story you’ll tell repeatedly, so everything needs to be perfect! Whether you plan on proposing on the streets of Paris or at the park where you first met, one thing should be at the forefront of your mind: buying the perfect ring.
The most traditional ring for an engagement is a diamond ring. Diamonds are the earth’s hardest natural substance, reflecting light in a way that sparkles and captures the eye. They are seen as a symbol of beauty and luxury, often the subject of many songs over the years. Marilyn Monroe didn’t sing ‘Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend’ for nothing!
Previously, the only way to get your hands on a diamond was to purchase one mined from the earth. Nowadays, you have another option: lab grown diamonds.
Lab Grown Diamonds vs Earth Mined Diamonds: What’s the Difference?
An earth-mined diamond, also known as a natural diamond, is a diamond mined from the earth. This can only happen when pressure and extremely high temperatures turn carbon into diamonds, which occurs around 100 miles underground! That is the traditional way of acquiring a diamond and has been the method for many years.
Unlike earth-mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds do not form on the earth. Instead, they are grown in a lab where the natural process of diamond formation is mimicked in an artificial setting, either through the high-pressure high temperature (HPHT) method or the chemical vapour deposition (CVD) method.
Many buyers are uncertain about lab-grown diamonds, assuming they differ from natural diamonds. Is that truly the case, though?
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds the Real Thing?
Yes – there is no chemical difference between a lab-grown diamond and an earth-mined diamond. Despite forming in two different types of environments, they have the same properties, and no one could ever tell the difference. They are the same to the core, with both offering the unmatched hardness, shine, value, and durability you would expect from a diamond! The only real difference is where they have been formed.
The Benefits of a Lab Grown Diamond
Should you buy a lab-grown diamond instead of one mined from the earth? There are several benefits to doing so.
- More Control Over Purity
In a natural environment, humans don’t have any control over the purity or colour of the diamond formed. However, a diamond can be formed to absolute perfection in a controlled environment, ensuring a beautiful engagement ring or ring for any occasion.
- Affordability
Lab-grown diamonds are much more affordable for buyers. This is because the process is much simpler; instead of sending miners down into the earth, labs can form diamonds in a controlled, artificial environment. As such, the price is much lower. It means you might be able to afford a rarer stone for your engagement ring!
- Less Environmental Destruction
Diamond mining is terrible for the earth, as it uses fossil fuels, hydrocarbons, and electricity, contributing to climate change. That makes lab-grown diamonds the far more eco-friendlier option.
- Lab-grown Diamonds Are Still as Beautiful
As mentioned, there is no chemical difference between earth-mined and lab-grown diamonds. That means they are still just as sturdy and beautiful. With no difference between the two, it makes sense to go with the more affordable, sustainable option.
Finding Your Perfect Lab-Grown Diamond
The chances are you’ll have many more options on the type of diamond you can buy when you choose the lab-grown route. With this in mind, here are some things to consider when shopping for the perfect lab-grown diamond for your engagement.
- The Band
It’s not all about the diamond (just mostly!). You’ll need to think about the band, too – what size will you need? What about the colour? Popular metals for an engagement ring band include platinum, silver, and white.
- Shape
There are many diamond shapes, including heart, oval, radiant, princess, and cushion. Each is beautiful in its own right – it’s a matter of personal taste!
- Colour
White is the shade of a traditional diamond, but there are slight variations. You might be surprised to learn that diamonds come in a rainbow of colours! A natural colour only occurs in 1 in every 10,000 mined diamonds, making them very expensive. However, a lab-grown diamond makes it much easier to get the particular colour you want, whether that’s green, pink, or blue.
- Carat
Carat refers to the weight of the diamond, with the higher the carat meaning the heavier the stone. Keep in mind that a heavier diamond will cost more.
- Cut
A high-quality diamond cut means that it will catch the light and sparkle more, so consider this when shopping! Most diamonds get a cut grade, so look at that.
- Certification
It’s important to be assured that the diamond you purchase is just as it’s advertised, so always look for certification. With certification, you can be sure the diamond is perfect for your engagement. Try to choose a reputable, trusted seller offering lab-grown diamonds with official lab gradings. By doing so, you can rest easy knowing your beautiful ring will be guaranteed to last.
- Budget
Finally, set a budget. This part is crucial, as it’ll help you hone your search and avoid overspending. Remember: with a lab-grown diamond, you’ll have far more flexibility with whatever budget you have!
Consider a Lab Grown Diamond for Your Engagement
Lab-grown diamonds are naturally becoming more and more popular for engagement rings, and it’s not hard to see why. They are the more affordable, eco-friendlier option for purchasing a diamond ring! So, if you are ready to propose to the love of your life, consider a lab-grown diamond ring to pop the question with. Your other half will undoubtedly be swept off their feet as soon as they see the sparkle.
