For years, there was really only one option for the diamonds in an engagement ring — those mined from the earth. But, as with many other commodities in our history, individuals started to see the detrimental impact that mining for diamonds created on the environment. Thankfully, an alternative is now available — lab-grown diamonds.
What Is A Lab-Grown Diamond?
Before you start thinking that this post is about cubic zirconias, we assure you that lab-grown diamonds are not CZ’s. In fact, the only difference between a mined diamond and a lab-created diamond is their origin. The Federal Trade Commission has even changed their definition of ‘diamond’ to now include those grown in a lab. This is because man-made diamonds have the same chemical, physical and optical make-up as mined diamonds.
The simplest way to describe the difference between the two is this: mined diamonds were created in the ground by a combination of high temperatures and high pressure. Scientists have learned how to replicate that growing environment and speed it up to create diamonds that do not have to be dug from the earth.
“It’s time to change history,” says Clean Origin’s CEO, Alexander Weindling. “Technology allows us to stop hurting the earth to get diamonds. Science has evolved and given us a solution to the detrimental impact mining for diamonds has on our earth. Let’s use it.”
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Graded?
Since lab-grown diamonds are the same as mined diamonds…they go through the same grading process!
You’ve likely heard of the 4 c’s of diamonds: cut, color, clarity and carat. These are the four parts of the diamond that are graded. Lab-grown diamonds are sent to the same grading labs that mined diamonds, including the American Gem Society and the International Gemological Institute. They are then reviewed by several gemologists who give individual grades that are combined to determine one final grade. Ultimately, they judge the diamond on how well it has been cut down from its raw form into a jewel, how flawless and clear it is, and its size.
Both mined diamonds and lab-grown diamonds, however, inevitably include different amounts of flaws and inclusions. Since both types of diamonds are at the mercy of science — whether it be billions of years ago or today — there’s no way to guarantee a perfect diamond every time. This is why you have so many options in regards to the 4 c’s. For example, the cut of your diamond could be good, very good, excellent or ideal. It’s important to talk with a diamond expert about all of the different levels of each ‘c’ to figure out the absolute best diamond for you or you significant other!
How You Can Help Our Earth
If you’re in the market for a diamond ring, go with lab-grown. With the exact same outcome as mined diamonds, there’s absolutely no reason to continue funding the destruction of our earth through mining processes. Not only are these mines hurtful to our land, but in recent years large diamond companies have started to suck up the seabed, hurting our oceans. The only way to make sure that your diamond ring did not hurt our environment, or anyone residing on it, is to buy a certified lab-grown diamond.
“We only have one earth. Our mission is to deliver consumers the diamond of their dream without destroying it even further,” says Weindling. “Help us be on the right side of history.”
If you care about our environment and the future of our earth, help stop the destruction of our land and sea by opting for lab-grown diamonds.
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