New York is considered one of the “Big Four” fashion capitals, alongside London, Paris, and Milan. It’s home to New York Fashion Week, held twice yearly to showcase the latest designs from well-known and up-and-coming designers. The City also boasts a “Diamond District” on West 47th Street and is home to upscale diamond jewelers like Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and Harry Winston. So how can you propose marriage as a fashion-forward New Yorker when your budget doesn’t quite accommodate the city’s high-end landscape? One increasingly popular option is to consider lab-grown diamonds.

Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?

First things first: lab-grown diamonds are widely recognized as real diamonds. It is a common misconception that only diamonds formed within the depths of the earth are real. The primary difference between a lab-grown diamond and a mined diamond lies in their origin. One takes thousands of years to form; the other is created within a controlled environment in a much shorter timeframe.

Lab-grown diamonds are nearly identical to earth-mined diamonds in physical and chemical properties, with one key distinction being the price. You can expect to find beautiful engagement rings in various carat weights, shapes, colors, and styles at prices that are often 30 to 50% lower than those of mined diamonds.

It’s worth noting that many couples today are opting for lab-grown diamonds, appreciating their affordability and ethical production process. This trend underscores the growing acceptance and appeal of these alternatives.

Many shoppers hesitate to buy lab-grown diamond engagement rings under the belief that they are fake or synthetic, but this isn’t the case. In fact, lab-grown diamonds are so similar to mined diamonds that even experts often require specialized equipment to tell them apart. They look, weigh, and feel like mined diamonds, making them virtually indistinguishable to the human eye.

Why Are Lab Diamonds Cheaper Than Mined Diamonds?

If lab-grown diamonds are real and share the same properties as mined diamonds, why are they so much more affordable?

Diamonds are naturally encrusted deep within the earth’s layers, requiring extensive mining operations to extract them. This process involves significant time, labor, and resources, contributing to the high price of mined diamonds.

By contrast, lab-created gemstones are produced using advanced technology in controlled environments, which reduces the time and effort required to create them. These efficiencies lead to lower production costs, and the savings are passed on to consumers.

Why not consider saving money on the ring and allocating those funds to other important aspects of your wedding or honeymoon?

How Much Will I Pay For a Lab-Created Diamond Engagement Ring?

The cost of a lab-created engagement ring varies based on factors like carat size, color, clarity, setting, and retailer. Rings start at accessible price points under $1,000 and can extend to well into the thousands of dollars, depending on your preferences and the specifics of the diamond.

Smaller carat sizes, such as 1.0 carats or less, often fall into the under $1,000 price range, while rings with up to 2.0 carats can sell for up to $5,000. It’s important to keep in mind that these prices typically reflect a 30 to 50% reduction compared to mined diamond prices, making lab-grown options an attractive choice for budget-conscious shoppers.

Benefits of Lab-Created Diamond Rings

Buying a lab-created diamond ring can be a thoughtful decision that offers financial savings and other notable benefits, as outlined below.

• Accessible: Retailers like Lab Grown sell lab-created diamonds online, making the jewelry readily available anywhere, including in The Big Apple. Acquiring this type of gemstone is typically more convenient and less challenging than finding natural diamonds at an affordable price.
• Eco-Friendly: As efforts to protect the planet and promote sustainability grow, many people seek ways to reduce their environmental impact. Opting for lab-created diamonds is often considered more environmentally friendly compared to mined diamonds.
• Identical Appearance: Lab-created diamond engagement rings closely resemble mined diamonds. In fact, distinguishing between the two can be incredibly difficult, even for experts. See the beautiful collection of lab-created engagement rings when you click here. Can you tell any difference in the rings? 
• Conflict-Free: The diamond mining industry has historically raised concerns regarding human rights abuses. Choosing lab-grown diamonds helps mitigate these issues since they are produced in controlled environments, far removed from conflict zones.
• Selection: Lab-grown engagement rings come in a wide variety of carat weights, shapes, and styles. With so many options, it is easier to find a ring that suits different budgets and personal preferences.

Consider the appeal of lab-created diamonds and explore engagement rings that provide exceptional value without the higher price tags often associated with earth-mined diamonds.

Lab-Created Diamond Jewelry FAQ

How long will it take to make my engagement ring? Each lab diamond is typically custom-made upon order. While timelines vary between retailers, companies like Lab Grown generally require 9 to 15 days for processing, including creation, inspection, and final adjustments.

What styles are available for lab-grown diamond engagement rings? Lab-grown diamonds are offered in many popular styles and cuts, such as princess, oval, solitaire, three-stone, and halo. This diversity ensures a suitable option for nearly every style preference.

What is the biggest carat size available in lab-created diamonds? Lab-created diamonds are available in sizes of up to four carats or more, depending on the manufacturer’s capabilities.

How do I care for my lab-grown diamond engagement ring? Caring for a lab-grown diamond is similar to caring for a mined diamond. Avoid exposing the ring to harsh conditions or chemicals, and use mild soap and water to clean dirt and debris from the surface.

What is the grading process for lab-created diamonds? Lab-grown diamonds undergo the same grading process as mined diamonds. Their quality is assessed using the 4 C’s of diamond shopping: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.

Can I set a lab diamond in any metal? Lab-grown diamonds can be set in various metals, including yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and platinum.

The Bottom Line

You only get one chance to make a meaningful impression. Choosing a lab-grown engagement ring allows you to express your love and commitment while also prioritizing financial and ethical considerations. It can be a memorable and thoughtful way to begin your journey together.

Published by Tom W.