Lab grown diamond engagement rings are one of the biggest trends today. You’ve probably seen them on social media and wondered if they are a good investment and if it’s worth buying one. As a premium, established jewelry brand in the French Riviera, we’re here to offer our expert insights and help guide your decision.
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Are Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings Ugly?
The simple answer is no, lab-grown diamond engagement rings are not ugly. In fact, they are virtually indistinguishable from their natural counterparts. Without a highly trained eye, you won’t be able to tell the difference.
While a natural diamond might show subtle differences in certain lighting conditions compared to a lab-grown diamond, most people won’t notice them. Take a look at the image below, which illustrates how the two compare under specialist lighting conditions:
Lab-grown diamonds vs. natural diamonds vs moissanite vs cubic zirconia under specialized lighting.
Are Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings Cheap?
It’s a bit of a yes and no situation. A lab-grown diamond is typically less expensive than a natural diamond. For instance, while the average price for a 1-carat lab-grown diamond might be around $3,000, the same carat weight in a natural diamond could cost between $5,000 and $7,000, depending on the cut and quality.
That said, “cheap” doesn’t mean low quality. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds—chemically and structurally identical to mined diamonds. They come with the same brilliance and sparkle, but without the premium price tag. And because they are grown in controlled environments, you can rest assured that the diamond’s quality is up to standard without worrying about hidden flaws.
Lab Grown Diamonds Are Environmentally Friendly and Ethical
One of the biggest advantages of lab-grown diamonds is their environmental and ethical impact. Unlike mined diamonds, which often come with a heavy price in terms of environmental degradation and unethical labor practices, lab-grown diamonds are created in a sustainable, controlled environment.
Here are some environmental benefits of lab-grown diamonds:
- Lower Carbon Footprint: Lab-grown diamonds typically require less energy to produce than mined diamonds.
- Safer Work Environments: Since they are created in laboratories, workers are not exposed to dangerous conditions, unlike those working in diamond mines.
- No Impact on Ecosystems: Mining diamonds can result in significant deforestation, ecosystem destruction, and water contamination. Lab-grown diamonds avoid these environmental impacts.
What Is a Moissanite Diamond?
Moissanite is another popular alternative to traditional diamonds. While its structure is similar to a diamond, it has a different chemical makeup. Moissanite is known for its incredible brilliance—sometimes even outshining a diamond due to its higher refractive index.
However, unlike diamonds, moissanite isn’t quite as hard (it ranks 9.25 on the Mohs scale, while diamonds are a perfect 10), meaning it can be more prone to scratching under certain conditions. Still, moissanite has become increasingly popular because it offers a beautiful, ethical, and affordable alternative to both natural and lab grown diamond.
How to Distinguish Between Cubic Zirconia, Moissanite, and Real Diamonds
It’s important to understand the differences between these three types of stones. Here’s a quick guide to help:
- Cubic Zirconia (CZ): CZ is a man-made gemstone often confused with diamonds due to its similar appearance, but it lacks the hardness and brilliance of both diamonds and moissanite. While affordable, it’s not as durable as diamonds or moissanite.
- Moissanite: While moissanite has a similar look to diamonds, it is more brilliant and can show a “rainbow” effect under certain lights. Moissanite is more affordable than both natural and lab-grown diamonds but has a distinct sparkle.
- Real Diamonds: The hardest known natural substance, real diamonds have an unparalleled brilliance and sparkle, but they come with environmental and ethical concerns that lab-grown diamonds and moissanite do not.
How Much Do They Pollute by Production and/or Exploitation?
Natural diamonds, although beautiful, have a dark side. The mining of diamonds is a highly exploitative industry, where the environmental damage and human cost can be staggering. In many cases, diamond mining is associated with forced labor, poor working conditions, and even violence. Additionally, the environmental damage caused by mining—deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution—can be significant.
On the other hand, lab-grown diamonds offer a much safer and cleaner alternative. They are created in highly controlled environments, reducing the environmental impact and eliminating the human exploitation associated with mining.
Where Can I Buy Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings?
At CALESSIA Jewelry, our philosophy is centered around beauty and affordability. We believe that everyone deserves to wear beautiful, high-quality jewelry, and our collection features a variety of options, including stunning lab-grown diamonds and moissanite pieces.
Our jewelry is crafted with love on the French Riviera, where each piece is designed to highlight the natural beauty of the stones, whether they are moissanite, lab-grown diamonds, or other fine gemstones. We choose moissanite as our primary stone for engagement rings because of its subtle charm, affordability, and ethical sourcing.
Visit our collection here to explore more about our exquisite range of engagement rings and fine jewelry.
Conclusion
Choosing between lab-grown diamonds, moissanite, and real diamonds comes down to your values, your budget, and your personal taste. Lab-grown diamonds and moissanite provide a brilliant, ethical alternative to mined diamonds, without sacrificing beauty or quality. Whether you’re looking for an eco-friendly choice or simply want a stunning, budget-conscious engagement ring, there’s a perfect option for everyone.
For more details on our engagement ring collections or any other queries, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at CALESSIA Jewelry.
