Purchasing diamond jewellery can be really exciting! However, it is important to invest time researching the options available before you buy your very own piece!
Even Hollywood A-listers and royalty are looking closely at the origin of lab-grown stones, as there is so much to discover and learn.
The diamond industry has long been a major player in the mining sector; however, as people become aware of the environmental impacts caused by mined diamonds, the industry is starting to feel the pressure.
According to a report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), mined diamonds are responsible for some of the worst environmental damage. The report found that diamond mining has led to the displacement of indigenous communities, the destruction of natural habitats, and the pollution of water sources.
In response to these findings, the diamond industry is starting to make changes. Some companies are investing in more sustainable mining practices, and others are working towards increasing transparency around their supply chains. However, there is still a long way to go before the diamond industry can truly be considered ethical.
If you're considering purchasing a diamond, it is important to do your research. Please make sure you are investing in a lab-grown diamond rather than a mined diamond; this way, you can ensure your diamond piece was not a part of unethical practices.
As celebrities increasingly turn to lab-grown diamonds (namely, Penelope Cruz, the Duchess of Sussex, and Leonardo DiCaprio), it's clear that there is no difference in quality between man-made gems and natural diamonds. In fact, Australia’s leading jewellery brand, Moissanite Engagement Rings (Guthrie Jewellery) says that lab-grown diamonds are actually superior in terms of clarity and colour. So if you're looking for a diamond that will sparkle just as bright as the stars, you should definitely consider a lab-grown diamond.
"An advantage of lab-grown diamonds is the controlled conditions in which they are crafted, resulting in diamonds of the finest quality", explains a Moissanite Engagement Rings spokesperson.
"Most customers seek diamonds of the colourless and near colourless ranges due to their white sparkle, which lab-grown diamonds display impeccable clarity. On the contrary, other diamonds that appear slightly yellow in colour are less desirable."
Lab-grown diamonds look and act just the same as mined diamonds. They're virtually identical in every way, down to their chemical composition (atoms made up of carbon), optical properties, or hardness level. They could be easily mistaken for each other when examined under magnification!
"The lab-grown diamond manufacturing process replicates conditions that mimic the natural, long journey of growing a perfect gemstone", explains the Moissanite Engagement Rings spokesperson.
This can take place through two major methods, High Temperature and Pressure (HTP) or Chemical Deposition techniques.
The High Temperature High Pressure Method involves heating the diamond to extreme temperatures of 1400 Degrees Celsius, alongside pressure of more than one million pounds per square inch.
The Chemical Deposition Process involves heating a diamond seed in a pressure chamber to approximately 700 Degrees Celsius, then mixing it with carbon gases such as methane and hydrogen.
The entire process of growing a diamond takes about one to two months before adding the final touches; cutting and polishing the stone for the sparkle.
Making lab-grown diamonds is a more energy efficient process in comparison to natural diamonds. Having eliminated the necessity for intensive mining practices, prices of jewellery featuring lab-grown diamonds are at least 30% less than those with mined diamonds.
The fact that you can reduce your carbon footprint while still having a beautiful stone makes lab grown diamonds an attractive option. Customers and celebrities who wear them say it feels great knowing they're contributing less to environmental damage, and the process uses far fewer resources than traditional ones!
It is estimated that 80 tonnes of earth is moved for each carat of a natural diamond. Statistics show there were approximately 148 million carats mined in 2018 alone, causing a devastating amount of destruction to the environment.
On the other hand, the process of forming lab-grown diamonds requires much less energy than their natural counterparts, making them more sustainable and cost-effective for consumers who want high-quality products without costing them a fortune.
The process of mining for diamonds is dangerous and the wages are low, which sometimes leads to conflicts. It’s also nearly impossible to know exactly where a mined diamond has originated from and whether people have been harmed in the process.
However there's no problem with lab-grown stones since they come from a reliable source such as The Geological Institute Of America (GIA) or International Gemological Institute(IGI).
And that is exactly why lab-grown diamonds are higher quality, more affordable & eco-friendly!