Why are Lab Diamonds So Hot Right Now?
The latest trend in the jewelry industry has nothing to do with style and everything to do with stones. More and more people are falling in love with lab-grown diamonds, which are about 30% less expensive than mined diamonds and just as beautiful. Why are these dazzling gemstones so popular right now? Let us count the ways.
1. Shifting Perceptions
Unless you’ve been living in a cave, you are probably aware that misinformation is a huge problem on the internet these days. Unfortunately, this is really nothing new. For years, the jewelry industry has been plagued by myths that leave ordinary shoppers feeling confused.
Just a few years ago, it was common for people to believe that lab-grown diamonds were inferior to traditionally mined diamonds. Sometimes this misinformation stemmed from ignorance. Other times, it was purposefully propagated by people in the industry who didn’t want shoppers to see the benefits of a less expensive diamond.
Fortunately, a growing majority of people have learned that lab-grown diamonds are essentially the same as mined diamonds. While they are man-made in dedicated facilities, these stunning gemstones are physically, chemically and optically identical to diamonds mined from the earth. As the haze of misinformation clears, lab-grown diamonds are becoming trendier among knowledgeable shoppers who appreciate their intriguing price points and scintillating sparkle.
2. They’re Eco-Friendly
Lab-grown diamonds remove any concerns over the environmental impact associated with mining diamonds. This is a big deal to modern consumers who are more likely to have ethical concerns when they visit the local grocer or the local jewelry store.
Grown in a laboratory setting using specialized technology, lab-grown diamonds are essentially identical to mined diamonds. Compared to traditionally sourced diamonds, however, lab-created gems have a much lower impact on Mother Nature. For just a single carat of diamonds mined, almost three tons of waste is generated and nearly 100 square feet of natural land is disturbed. These troubling facts are helping to make lab diamonds a trendier choice among modern consumers.
3. Other Ethical Concerns
From coffee and clothing to electronics and shoes, today’s consumers are becoming more and more concerned with how products are sourced. In addition to negative environmental consequences, large- and small-scale manufacturing can take a human toll. This sad reality extends to the diamond trade.
It’s hard for many people to imagine that a stunning, polished diamond gemstone began as a raw chunk of stone in the soil. In reality, however, diamonds take a long journey from the earth to the jeweler. Sadly, many diamonds are associated with unethical activities, such as war, human trafficking and other destructive activities.
With ethically sourced mined diamonds like the type sold by John Atencio, this isn’t the case. Still, because lab-grown diamonds completely eliminate any concerns over both environmental and ethical repercussions, they have become very popular among socially aware consumers.
4. They’re Indistinguishable from Mined Diamonds
The all-important 'Four Cs' (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight) have dictated diamond value for decades. It doesn’t matter whether the stone is grown in a lab or dug from the earth, its value and quality are determined by these critical factors. Lab-grown diamonds are always held to the same standards as mined diamonds. They must also be carefully cut and polished by experienced master cutters to create beautifully faceted gemstones.
One of the greatest appeals of lab diamonds is that, to the naked eye, they are 100% indistinguishable from an earth-mined diamond. The only perceivable difference is that lab diamonds are stamped with microscopic inscriptions. Without specialized equipment, however, no one can tell if a diamond is mined from the earth or grown in a lab. This appeals to modern consumers who like the idea that their friends, family and co-workers will never know whether their diamonds are lab-grown.
Can Colored Diamonds be Lab-Grown?
One of the biggest benefits of lab-grown diamonds is the vast color selection. Lab-grown fancy diamonds are wonderfully exotic and cost-effective alternatives to earth-mined fancy-color diamonds. The vivid, stunning colors of the lab-grown diamonds are yet another reason these fiery gemstones are trending.
If you're interested in a stunning, eco-friendly alternative to mined diamonds, John Atencio’s lab-grown diamond jewelry is a perfect choice. And when you pair these scintillating stones with one of John’s beautifully crafted diamond tennis bracelets or diamond stud earrings, you get a stunning artistic expression of luxury and beauty that’s beyond comparison.
Do a lab diamond search, or schedule an appointment at one of our nearby stores, where our courteous team can help you choose the perfect jewelry for your one-of-a-kind style.
Listen to our podcast episode on Lab Grown Diamonds.
