There was a time when you were expected to spend three month’s salary on an engagement ring. The size and quality of the ring was then scrutinised by family and friends, and rather than the engagement being about two people who loved each other, some people would be dissecting the ring rather than thinking about the couple.
It’s been a long time coming, however finally it is starting to become socially acceptable to be wise with your purchasing decisions. After all, an engagement should be about love rather than ring size and value.
Lab-grown jewellery is fast becoming a popular option for both those who just want to buy a nice piece to add to their collection, and those looking to propose. Gen Z and younger millennials especially are turning their back on the rule that shouldn’t be imposed on them, and as a result, the category is growing exponentially.
Here are four reasons to consider lab-grown jewellery next time you are looking to make a purchase.
Lab-grown and Mined diamonds are chemically the same
For those of us who love technology and innovation, it may surprise you to know that lab-grown diamonds are created using advanced technologies that produce a diamond that is chemically exactly the same as a mined-diamond. The process utilises chemical vapour deposition (CVD) and a high pressure, high temperature process (HPHT). The only difference between the two is their origin.
Lab-grown diamonds are graded by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) which has certifying lab diamonds since 2007. Here is a closer look at how mined and lab diamonds are the same:● Both are made of pure carbon and are structurally the same (carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure, to be exact)● On the MOHS scale of hardness, they measure at 10 (that’s as hard as it gets)● They undergo the same grading system by the prestigious GIA
○ GIA’s 4 C’s: Colour, Cut, Clarity and Carat● Both have one-of-a-kind inclusions and patterns
A greater value proposition
Lab-grown diamonds are generally 30-50% more affordable than mined diamonds. This is because of lower production costs, and because it is easier to cut a lab grown diamond into a stunning shape as the entire process is controlled.
This means that you can get more bang for your buck, whether you are hoping to get a bigger stone for your budget, or whether you want to get the stone you were after for less. For those who don’t want to compromise on quality, size, shape but are happy to save some money, lab-grown is the way to go.
They are not mined from the earth
Sustainability and environmental consciousness is so important to many of us these days, as it should be. The process of mining a diamond and extracting it from the earth involves large scale excavation, deforestation and the disruption of ecosystems. A lab diamond however can be produced with far less energy and water usage, thus reducing the environmental footprint.
Transparency
Finally, there is more transparency when it comes to the lab-grown market. It is no secret that in the past there have been some major issues with the mined diamond space, from the sustainability concerns, to pirating and more. With a lab-grown operation, the risk of these issues is greatly minimised.
About the Author
Talitha Cummins is one of Australia’s most famous TV journalists, who recently turned away from TV to launch her jewellery brand, The Cut Jewellery.
Talitha graced Australian TV screens for over 20 years and also led conversations around sobriety which saw her featured on The Australian Story, the cover of Stellar and Australian Women’s Weekly.
Talitha recently decided to step away from news reading and go back to where she started, which was in the jewellery business. Her Uncle Craig has been a jeweller for over 50 years. Talitha worked in the space over 20 years ago before she went into reporting.
Talitha, her Uncle Craig and cousin Kara have recently founded The Cut Jewellery, a new Australian jewellery brand that offers a taste of ethical luxury with their bespoke range of lab-grown diamonds. Despite launching only a month ago, their designs have already been worn on red carpets by the likes of Sylvia Jeffries and Edwina Bartholomew.