The world of diamonds is both fascinating and alluring, with natural diamonds being highly prized for their unique qualities and symbolism. However, for those who are looking for an alternative to mined diamonds that is both affordable and ethical, lab grown diamonds are becoming an increasingly popular option.
In recent years, lab grown diamonds have seen a surge in popularity, mainly due to the fact that they can be significantly cheaper than their natural counterparts. While natural diamonds are considered rare and therefore more valuable, lab grown diamonds are made in a laboratory setting, meaning they can be produced more quickly and in larger quantities. This, in turn, makes them less expensive and more accessible for consumers.
But it’s not just about the price – lab grown diamonds offer a lot of benefits beyond their affordability. In fact, they are virtually indistinguishable from natural diamonds in terms of their physical and chemical properties, as they are made using the same materials and processes as mined diamonds. As Meg Strachan, the founder and CEO of emerging lab-grown diamond brand Dorsey, explains: “Lab-grown diamonds are exactly the same on the molecular level as mined diamonds. Diamonds deemed ‘rare’ in mined terms can be created in lab-grown form that are just as beautiful as their counterparts and will cost much less. The ability to create diamonds and gemstones in the laboratory also means any color, cut, and clarity can be achieved.”
Another advantage of lab grown diamonds is their ethical and environmental sustainability. The mining of natural diamonds has been associated with various human rights abuses, such as child labor and exploitation of workers in developing countries. Additionally, mining diamonds can have significant environmental impacts, such as deforestation and pollution of waterways. By choosing lab grown diamonds, consumers can feel good about their purchase knowing that it is not contributing to these issues.
So where can you find lab grown diamonds? There are a number of reputable brands that offer stunning lab grown diamond jewelry, including Brilliant Earth. This jewelry site has been committed to social responsibility since its founding in 2005 and offers conflict-free natural diamonds and lab grown diamonds that are ethically sourced, set with recycled precious metals, and shipped in recycled packaging. Moreover, Brilliant Earth has introduced a collection of Sustainably Rated lab grown diamonds that have been certified to be climate-neutral, traceable by origin, and associated with both sustainable and humane production practices. The brand also aims to certify 50% of its lab diamonds to an environmental product standard by 2025.
In conclusion, lab grown diamonds offer a viable and attractive alternative to natural diamonds, both in terms of their affordability and ethical and environmental sustainability. As the technology behind lab grown diamonds continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how this alternative to mined diamonds will continue to grow and develop.