Diamonds are forever, so why wait?

• Date: 26th August 2020
• Author: Blair & Sheridan
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If you have been looking into engagement rings or bespoke jewellery lately then you have very likely came across ‘Lab Grown’ diamonds.   Far from being the new kid on the block it was in fact in the 1940s that they were first created and for a time used mainly in areas of industry.  Lab Grown – or man-made –  diamond production advanced over the next 40 years creating gem quality stones which were suitable for jewellery making and finally became commercially available mid-1980s.  Not to be confused with ‘synthetic diamonds’ such as moissanite, a lab grown diamond is simply a REAL diamond with identical composition and qualities to its earth-mined, natural counterpart.  Chemically, visually and physically identical to a naturally formed stone, the man made alternative is fast becoming a popular choice for today’s ecological and ethically aware consumer.

How is a Lab Grown diamond made?

A 1.05ct Lab grown round brilliant cut diamond

Following decades of research, experimentation and technological advancement, man has successfully recreated the conditions that occur at the earth’s core.  Subsequently we can now make the highest quality diamonds in a matter of weeks as opposed to the billions of years it takes for natural diamonds to form.  Most commonly using one of two methods; High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) / Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD); and simply put: the process begins with a diamond ‘seed’ which is ‘grown’ into a rough diamond.  The rough diamond is then cut, polished and finished in the same way as any earth-mined rough diamond.  Not only changing the way the jewellery industry works with these precious stones, their links to sustainability is creating a surge in interest with the current wave of socially conscious individuals – not to mention those simply attracted to the bigger carat for lower cost.

Why is lab grown less expensive than traditional diamonds?

A 0.77ct Round Brilliant cut Lab Grown diamond platinum 6 claw twist engagement ring

Diamond mining inevitably involves land excavation and a high volume of man hours, energy and water – the process is long and costly making the end product an expensive luxury.  The process of creating lab grown diamonds has no impact on the land whatsoever, the supply chain is shorter and the manufacturing process is more cost effective – this is what makes lab grown diamonds on average 25-30% cheaper than earth mined stones.

Your lab grown diamond is certified, valued and insured the same way as any other diamond.  It’s source is completely trackable, therefore more ethical and as explained above its production has less impact on the environment than earth-mined diamonds.  Purchasing a lab grown stone is not the seismic shift from purchasing a natural diamond some may believe as they are both identical.  It is simply an alternative worth considering.

Want to know more?

At Blair and Sheridan we explain diamond grading, quality, size and stone selection at a one-to-one design consultation.  Lab Grown diamonds are treated the same as any other diamonds.  Aside from their association with sustainability, an obvious draw is the price.  Comparing to a mined diamond,  like for like carat and quality Lab Grown diamond will cost less.  We are happy to go into further detail with our customers about this revolutionary alternative in the journey of your unique design.  Contact us here to find out more.

Click HERE to read more about Lab grown diamond jewellery and view a gallery of Blair and Sheridan unique designs.