Certified Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab-Grown Diamonds: A Modern Choice for
the Savvy Jewelry Buyer
As a custom jeweler with over 46 years of experience in selling natural diamonds, I’ve witnessed the evolving trends in the industry. Today, there’s an exciting new option gaining popularity among young buyers: lab-grown diamonds. For those in their 20s and 30s, lab-grown diamonds offer several advantages that make them a good choice for an engagement ring, especially when looking to maximize the size and brilliance of a center stone without compromising quality or breaking the bank.
We’ve even been revisited by some of our older clients who are bringing in their engagement rings to have them redesigned to accommodate a larger lab stone, while retaining the sentiment of the original stone in a pendant.
What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds, as the name suggests, are diamonds that are created in a laboratory environment rather than mined from the earth. These diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds because they are composed of the same material. They are an actual piece of a natural diamond—pure carbon crystallized in a cubic structure. The only difference lies in their origin. (For instance, the origin of ice from a glacier vs ice from your freezer, undetectable difference by sight, however a high-level laboratory may detect extra minerals in a million year old glacier VS some freon in your freezer ice.)
The process of creating lab-grown diamonds is highly sophisticated. Here are the two primary methods used:
1. High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT): This method replicates the extreme conditions under which natural diamonds form. Carbon is placed under intense pressure and high temperature until it crystallizes into a diamond.
2. Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): In this method, a carbon-rich gas, such as methane, is used to deposit layers of carbon atoms onto a small diamond "seed." Over time, these carbon atoms build up to form a diamond crystal.
Both methods produce diamonds that are identical to those mined from the earth in terms of their hardness, brilliance, and overall durability. Lab-grown diamonds are even graded by the same independent gemological labs (such as GIA or IGI) for their cut, clarity, color, and carat weight.
Dispelling the Myths
A common misconception is that lab-grown diamonds are not "real" diamonds. This is simply not true. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds in every sense. They are not imitation stones, like cubic zirconia or moissanite, but genuine diamonds. The only distinction is that one is grown in a lab and the other is extracted from the earth.
Another myth is that lab-grown diamonds are somehow inferior in quality. Again, this is false. Lab-grown diamonds can be found in all the same high-quality grades as natural diamonds, and they often offer better value for your money.
Dispelling The Financial Advantage:
Bigger and Brighter for Less
One of the most compelling reasons to consider a lab-grown diamond is the significant cost savings. On average, lab-grown diamonds cost 30-40% less than their natural counterparts. This means you can invest in a larger, higher-quality diamond for the same budget, allowing you to create a truly stunning piece without stretching your finances.
For younger couples in their 20s and 30s, who may be focused on budgeting for a wedding, a first home, or other life expenses, this cost advantage is a game-changer. Lab-grown diamonds provide an opportunity to get the ring you’ve always dreamed of—perhaps with a bigger center stone, more intricate settings, or additional customizations—without the premium price tag that comes with natural diamonds.
Ethical and Environmental Benefits
Another factor driving the popularity of lab-grown diamonds among younger buyers is the emphasis on sustainability and ethical sourcing. Lab-grown diamonds have a significantly lower environmental impact than mined diamonds. There’s no need for large-scale mining operations, which can be harmful to the environment and often raise ethical concerns about labor practices in some regions.
For socially conscious individuals, choosing a lab-grown diamond can provide peace of mind, knowing that the stone is conflict-free and produced in a more environmentally sustainable way.
The Perfect Balance of Tradition and Innovation
While lab-grown diamonds are modern in their creation, they offer all the timeless qualities of natural diamonds: brilliance, durability, and symbolic significance. Whether you’re looking for an engagement ring, a custom necklace, or any other piece of fine jewelry, lab-grown diamonds provide an innovative way to balance the beauty and tradition of diamonds with the practical benefits of cost savings and sustainability.
A Smart Purchase for Your Future
While the real investment is in your relationship, not the diamond-whether lab or natural, buying a diamond is often one of the most significant purchases you’ll make. For younger couples starting their lives together, lab-grown diamonds present a practical option that doesn’t require sacrificing quality or beauty. You’ll be able to get more diamond for your dollar, allowing you to create a truly personalized, standout piece that reflects your unique style and love story.
In addition to getting a bigger and more impressive stone, the savings from choosing a lab-grown diamond can be used in other meaningful ways—whether it’s upgrading other aspects of your jewelry design, planning an unforgettable honeymoon, or contributing to your future goals.
Why Choose Us for Your Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry?
At David Liska Custom Jeweler, we pride ourselves on delivering the highest-quality diamonds, whether lab-grown or natural. My background as a trade shop means I have a higher technical and design expertise to guide you! With over four decades of experience, we understand the nuances of diamond selection and jewelry design, ensuring that each piece is crafted to perfection. Our commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and personalized service extends to our lab-grown diamond collection, offering you the best of both worlds: affordability and elegance.
We invite you to explore our collection of lab-grown diamonds and see how they can help you achieve the ring or custom jewelry piece of your dreams—at a fraction of the cost of a natural diamond. Whether you’re designing an engagement ring, a custom necklace, or any other fine jewelry, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
In summary, lab-grown diamonds provide an unbeatable combination of cost savings, environmental benefits, and premium quality, making them an ideal choice for today’s modern buyers. Let us help you create the perfect piece with the added value and beauty that a lab-grown diamond brings.