7 Reasons to Buy a Lab Grown Diamond in 2021

The demand for lab-produced diamonds is on the rise. During the COVID-19 pandemic, sales of naturally mined diamonds declined; it’s quite the opposite for artificial diamonds. Despite pandemic lockdowns and financial difficulties, the sale of these lab grown gems saw a steady increase in 2021.

If you intend to buy an engagement ring or diamond jewelry for you or your loved one, don’t turn your back on lab-created diamonds. There’s more to these manufactured carbon-based gemstones than meets the eye. Here are seven reasons to buy lab grown diamonds in 2021:

1. They’re the Real Thing

A lot of individuals have the impression that diamonds created in laboratories are fake or not diamonds. This belief may not be accurate because when you compare the lab-grown and the mined ones, you’ll see that they’re physically, chemically, and visually the same. Intense heat and immense crushing pressure create both the mined and manufactured diamonds.

The only difference is that it took billions of years to create the natural ones found in Earth’s crust, while diamonds from a lab may take less than 30 days to develop. When you’re picking an engagement ring, it doesn’t matter if it’s mined or not. The important thing is you choose the design that best fits the personality of your loved one.

2. They’re More Accessible

Without a doubt, mined diamonds are rare. For decades, mining companies were unable to discover new diamond mining sites. Fortunately, lab grown diamonds aren’t as rare. Although lab-produced diamonds are accessible, it doesn’t mean they’re not in great demand.

Since diamond is the hardest known mineral, many industries use them. Only a small percentage of diamonds in the world end up in the jewelry sector. Now that a growing number of big-time jewelry retailers are using synthetic diamonds instead of the mined ones, even the lab-manufactured ones are a scarce resource. If you buy a one-carat diamond created in a lab, consider it valuable because it’s still highly sought after and not that common.

3. They’re Certified Conflict-Free

Generation Z and millennials are buying lab grown diamonds instead of their naturally mined counterparts because the lab-created stones are conflict-free. Many news reports, movies, and articles have exposed the horrors of African diamond mining and trade, and many ethically conscious individuals shun away from blood diamonds.

While not all mined uncut diamonds come from conflict zones in Africa, there’s no way of knowing if the natural diamond you saw in the jewelry store is child-labor-free. However, with lab-created stones, you’ll know that adults make them in a modern facility.

4. They’re Available in Different Colors and Sizes

Huge and beautifully colored diamonds were once just reserved for royalty and the very rich because they’re extremely rare. These days, more manufacturers are creating big and colorful lab-created diamonds, offering a stunning array of options for those seeking exquisite lab created diamonds. Owning a 15-carat pink diamond is no longer just a dream, but also a possibility for many.

5. They’re One of a Kind

If there’s one thing that discourages people from buying lab-manufactured diamonds, it’s the impression that they come from an assembly line. Although these gems are grown in laboratories, it doesn’t mean they come out the same. There are still factors that make each lab-made stone unique. You can still find some minor inclusions and even fluorescence in some diamonds produced in a laboratory setting.

6. They Can Be Appraised

One of the arguments by lab grown diamond naysayers is that these things aren’t valuable because no grading labs are willing to evaluate them. This argument is no longer valid, as many appraisers and grading companies have seen the value of these gemstones rise even if they’re not extracted from mines.

Many appraisers and grading companies are open to evaluating and assessing the value of these laboratory grown diamonds based on current market prices. These companies will indicate that a stone is laboratory-created in their appraisal, but they’ll grade your gemstone based on the four Cs of diamond: carat, clarity, color, and cut.

7. They’re Affordable

The number one reason why you should consider buying a laboratory-manufactured diamond is the price. Yes, it’s so much more affordable than naturally occurring gemstones. You can even expect to save around 40% on the cost of your engagement ring if you choose manufactured diamonds.

The Bottom Line

Buying a piece of diamond jewelry is often driven by emotion and desire. If you see a diamond brooch, ring, or any jewelry that you want, don’t feel bad if the stones didn’t come from diamond mines. If you open your mind and see the many reasons why you should consider buying lab-grown diamonds in 2021, you’ll just be amazed.

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Choose the right jeweler to design a Custom Diamond Engagement Ring

It is quite natural to feel intimidated while speaking to a highly reputed jewelry designer. However, you already have a vision for your custom diamond engagement ring and you are only going to make such a major investment once in your life. So, why not get it done right?

Your jewelry designer is an expert with years of experience, artistry, and skill. So, he will listen to what you have in mind and add his expertise to go along with your vision and create a truly special wedding ring.

Read the tips mentioned below to ensure that your custom ring reflects exactly what you have in mind.

1. Do not create in a rush

There are plenty of options and varieties when it comes to designing a custom diamond engagement ring. Your designer will advise you to take your time since designing a custom ring takes a couple of months to reach the final result.

Experienced jewelers are accustomed to having their customers set the pace. Some customers spend a year designing their engagement ring while others have their dream ring ready in a couple of weeks. Usually, custom jewelry designers recommend scheduling at least 3 months before the engagement.

2. Budget-friendly rings

The advent of technology has made jewelry designing far more affordable. CAD-CAM, 3D printing, and online designing enable customers to create their unique pieces of jewelry. So, custom diamond engagement rings are not exclusively for the rich and famous any longer.

All you should do is be honest about what you would like to spend. A good jeweler should advise you with the best choices so that you stay within your budget. The jeweler will help you emphasize more on the aspects of the ring that are more important to you.

3. Do not get overcharged

Working with a jeweler from scratch to create a one-of-a-kind custom diamond engagement ring will be more expensive than a readymade ring. However, CADs and sketches are quite affordable. So, your designer should not overcharge you during the initial stage of the design process.

Try to avoid too many design changes and modifications since it will increase the jeweler fees considerably. If you are not familiar with price changes, ask your jeweler to explain these things to you so that there is no misunderstanding in the end.

4. Hire a renowned custom jeweler

You should book an appointment with a few custom jewelers and not go in for the first one in sight. The process for designing a custom engagement ring may take a few months. So, you need to work with a jeweler who is patient, and whose advice and expertise you trust.

The jeweler should be willing to work with you until you are absolutely satisfied with the finished product. You would not want to look for another jeweler after working with a jeweler for a month. So, take the time to do thorough research and work with a jeweler with whom you click.

5. Customer service

A reputed jeweler must give you everything in writing. The jeweler will mention all the details and specifications which include the purity of the metal, delivery date, and the final price of your custom diamond engagement ring.

The jeweler must clearly state the warranty period or aftercare. It is crucial because jewelers have their own set of services that they include under warranty. So, you need to know how easily you could get the engagement ring serviced if anything goes wrong with it.

So, keep these tips in mind and have a pleasant and joyful time while designing your custom engagement ring.

How to Choose a Diamond without Breaking the Bank

A diamond makes a statement and creates a lasting memory. However, finding the perfect diamond can be overwhelming if you don’t know much about this gem. Use this step-by-step guide to find a diamond to cherish for years.

Shape

Before tackling the four Cs of diamonds—carat, cut, color, and clarity—determine what shape the wearer wants. It could be a princess cut ring or a pair of inside out diamond earrings for Christmas. If the recipient doesn‘t prefer a round diamond is a safe choice because it tends to be more brilliant than other shapes.

Carat

Carat (ct.) refers to the stone’s weight or size. After shape, carat is the most critical factor because the diamond’s size will feature most prominently. Try to find out if the receiver has a carat preference.

If you’re on a budget, shop for a diamond that falls under any whole carat weight. A .90 ct. diamond looks like a full carat if it has the same diameter, and it‘ll cost a little less.

Cut

A diamond‘s cut denotes its beauty, as reflected in the stone’s symmetry and proportions. The GIA, a gemstone authority, assigns excellent, very good, or poor grades. However, not all jewelers apply these grade levels consistently. They might use non-GIA grades like “signature“ or “super ideal.“

The higher the grade, the more brilliant and sparkly the stone will look. Round diamonds look better with a Very Good or Excellent grade, but other shapes can be Good and still look dazzling.

Color

The more colorless the diamond is the higher its value. Diamonds in the G-J range are the highest in quality. It‘s easier to detect color in a larger stone; therefore, select a G-H diamond for anything over a carat. Shoot for the I-J range for anything under a carat. If you want a larger stone, choose a diamond in the K-L color range and a yellow gold setting.

Clarity

Clarity is the absence of defects or inclusions. Clarity is not vital for diamonds under one carat. If you‘re a perfectionist, consider a diamond with a grade of VVS2 or higher. Diamonds in the VS1-VS2 range cost less than a flawless diamond, and their defects are practically undetectable.

If you want a diamond over a carat, clarity is more critical because imperfections are more visible. Diamonds between 1.0 and 2.0 ct. look better at a grade of SI1 or better; diamonds more massive than 2.0 ct. should have a VS2 or higher grade.

Choosing a Diamond on a Budget

If you have to be frugal, you can follow some steps to narrow down your choices. If these measures don‘t get you under budget, you might have to reduce your desired carat.

• 1. Reduce clarity first. You can go as low as SI1 for a smaller stone before compromising on any other Cs.

• 2. Go down in color as low as J or K if the diamond is in a yellow gold setting.

• 3. Cut is last. For a round diamond, go for Good, or settle for Fair for more elaborate shapes.

A Guide to Ethical and Conflict-free Jewelry

With Society moving forward into more ethical practices in production and consumerism in food, clothing and travel, other areas such as diamond production, the process of sourcing gems, needs a closer look.

Unethical Practices

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. This popular line sung by Marilyn Monroe in the 1953 film ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’ still rings true today. Diamonds are a common gift for anniversaries and proposals. But where do they come from and how are they sourced? How can you, as a consumer, avoid the unethical ones? And how can you have conflict-free jewelry?

Unethical Diamond Mining

Diamonds are sourced rough in mines around the world, in hazardous conditions. In Africa, child labour in mining is still prevalent. Adults earn less than a dollar a day working in dangerous conditions. Although some companies regulate this practice using machinery instead of laborers, the World Diamond Council (WDC) says 14% of unethical mining or ‘Alluvial Mining’ exists. In poverty-stricken areas, these irresponsible practices have devastating effects on the environment, causing soil erosion and deforestation.

Blood Diamonds

‘Blood Diamonds’. or war diamonds or ‘conflict diamonds’, are rough gems mined in diamond-rich countries at war. These diamonds are used to fund further combat activity and are neither legitimate or regulated. Once these blood diamonds are in the supply chain they are indistinguishable from the rest.

Ethical Diamonds Do Exist

Considering a diamond is given with love, the story behind its origin should not contain human rights abuses, cartel pricing or environmental damage. In order to make sure your diamond is ethical, an international scheme known as The Kimberley Process claims to have stopped 99.8% of global production of conflict diamonds. The KP stamp ensures that the diamond has gone through a strict process of requirements that certify your diamond is ‘conflict-free’. And conflict-free jewelry is the future.

How else can you make sure your diamond is ethically sourced?

While the KP stamp guarantees your diamond is conflict-free, there are other ways that you can make sure your diamond isn’t the product of unethical practices.

Look out for the stamp of Fair trade certified mines. Fair trade certification ensures workers receive 95% of the internationally agreed price of the gold and further money to invest into their communities.
CanadaMark Scheme certified diamonds are completely traceable and wholly transparent. Tracked from mine to market, their origins are ethical and environmentally friendly.
Avoid diamonds mined in places such as Zimbabwe, Liberia and DR Congo where war has always tainted the industry. Purchase from Australia, Canada and Namibia and always ask your jeweler for a full, traceable history of the stone.

Blazing the trail with lab-grown diamonds

Using cutting-edge technology and advanced science, lab-grown diamonds look identical to the real thing. Created with the same chemical DNA as a natural diamond, these synthetic stones have all the same qualities as a real diamond but none of the unethical practices. Only a qualified expert with sophisticated machinery would be able to tell the difference. Man-made conflict-free jewelry have diamonds ethically sourced. And eco-friendly and could pave the way for conflict-free diamonds without conflict.

Images from Unsplash

Women Are Wearing Engagement Rings on Their Pinkies, Here’s Why

As society is evolving, so are men and women all over the world. Old traditions and ways of doing things are progressing alongside the rest of the world, making new societal norms and traditions. When something new comes along and has a pretty unique and deep meaning, it catches on rather quickly with the use of social media and networking.

Lately, women all over the Internet are being seen wearing diamond engagement rings on a different finger other than the traditional ring finger that they usually sport them on. Instead, women are rocking diamonds on their pinkie fingers, which seems a bit unconventional to some.

While some may think it’s weird to wear a diamond ring on your pinkie finger, women who rocks them are showing the world that they care about themselves and their well being. The ring comes from several companies – it doesn’t really matter which – and the message is that above all, these women love themselves before anything.

Often times, society puts immense pressure on women to get engaged at an early age and start a family, neglecting themselves and their dreams or aspirations for their own lives. The meaning behind the rings is that before anything else, you should put yourself first.

As more women begin sharing their rings on line and promoting the message of self-love and self-care, other women are picking up on the hidden message and buying them for themselves. So, the next time you see a woman wearing a diamond engagement ring on their pinkie finger – don’t get confused, that’s one powerful woman right there.

Great Tips on How To Keep Diamonds Looking Their Best

Diamonds are some of the most beautiful and sought-after gemstones. It is easy to understand why when you look at just how beautifully they sparkle in the light. Unfortunately, if they are not properly cared for, their sparkly appearance can become dull and lifeless. To keep this from happening, you should take the time to properly care for your diamond jewelry. After you shop at the best online diamond stores here are some of the steps that you should follow to keep your diamonds looking great for many years to come.

Keep Diamond Jewelry Separated While Wearing It

If you are planning on wearing multiple pieces of diamond jewelry, don’t allow the pieces to come in contact with one another. For instance, avoid wearing two diamond rings on the same finger or on fingers that are adjacent to one another. Otherwise, you risk having the diamonds scratch each other. Separating the diamonds by wearing them on opposite hands or on fingers that don’t come in contact with each other is the best way to protect your jewelry.

Invest In Separate Jewelry Boxes For Your Diamonds

Most people have a single jewelry box where they keep all of their jewelry. Unfortunately, when jewelry is jumbled together in a single box, it can rub up against other pieces. If a piece of diamond jewelry happens to come in contact with another diamond, both diamonds can wind up getting scratched. This can dull their appearance. Instead of storing all of your jewelry in the same jewelry box, consider buying individual storage boxes for each piece of diamond jewelry. Another option is to buy a jewelry box that is separated into compartments. That way, each piece of jewelry can have its own space, minimizing the chances of damage occurring.

Use Caution Around Hard Objects Or Surfaces

Even though diamonds are incredibly strong, they can still be damaged if they come in contact with an extremely hard object or surface. The last thing that you want is to chip or crack your diamond by accident. Anytime you are around hard objects, use caution. Try to avoid allowing your diamond to come in contact with any of these surfaces to prevent any accidental damage.

Try Not To Expose Your Diamonds To Makeup Or Lotions

The beauty products that you use every day contain oil and other ingredients that can wind up sticking to the surface of your diamond jewelry. Over time, this can create a film that leaves them looking dull and lifeless. Although you can restore their sparkle by cleaning them, it is best to avoid this problem altogether. One way to do that is by removing your jewelry before you apply your makeup or any personal care items like lotion.

Remove Your Diamond Jewelry Before Cleaning Or Doing Chores

Many household chores rely on the use of harsh chemicals. Anytime you are going to be using household cleaning products, you should remove your diamond jewelry. These products can leave behind a coating on the surface of your diamond that makes it look less sparkly. Although it is usually possible to clean away this coating, the best option is to avoid it altogether. You can do that by removing your jewelry before you clean your house.

The key to keeping your diamonds looking their best is to care for them properly. As long as you use caution when you wear them, they should continue to stay as beautiful as the day you bought them for a long time to come.

Diamonds shouldnt be taken for granted as they take a lot of effort and work to get as far as you finger as the insight this post from Fircroft may provide you.

How To Speak Engagement Ring

Getting Engaged

Whether you’re looking to get engaged or just curious, because diamonds are amazing (duh), engagement ring shopping can be confusing.

Diamonds

There’s so many options and plenty to consider. Here’s a few tips to help you out along the way, and possibly make things easier on your (or your man):

Understanding The Ring

First, there’s a lot of physical parts to a ring, so knowing the different terms is helpful. Think of a typical ring, or look one up online.

Head Of The Ring

The “head” of the ring is the part where you will find the center stone and prongs holding it in place. By the head, most likely on either side of the center stone, you might find side stones and accent stones. They’re not the main stones, so they’re the side and/or accent stones (side stones tend to be larger than accent stones, but it depends upon the ring).

The Setting

The “setting” is defined as the engagement ring, including the side and accent stones, but usually not referring to the center stone. Think of it as the thing that the center stone is being set into (hence, setting).

The Band

The band, or “shank,” is the round section of the ring that fits around the finger. It’s he physical “ring” part of the ring.

Choosing Your Style

There are so many different styles to choose from, and I encourage you to look up images and guides online or to go into a jeweler together.

The head can be vary based on how the stone is set. Some of the variations include how many prongs, type of prongs, where the prongs are set, etc. This can also cvary based on the shape of your diamond.

The shank has just as many variations as the head, if not more. It can be tapered, different thicknesses in the back (as opposed the front where the head is, even split or crisscrossed for a more intricate look.

The accent stones can vary as well if you want them on your ring, not only in number but also in style and layout. From a simple line to multiple little rows, to how much space is between the stones, these stones can vary and add to the style of your ring.

Embellishments

Embellishments can also be added to your ring, specifically the shank of your ring, if you prefer them. This can range from a simple engraving to more intricate filigree and even a hidden small diamond on each side. Research when designs you like for this.

The Shape Of The Diamond

So, that’s the ring, which is great! But what about the star of the show – the diamond? Well, there’s a lot of terms and options that play into the diamond as well.

To start out simple, there’s the shape. What shape do you want your center stone to be? Do you like round, princess, oval, emerald, or a cute heart? There are many options for shape, and it is definitely worth researching even for just a bit to get a feel for your preferences.

The color is a little bit less straight forward than the shape. Essentially, how clear does it have to be? Does it need to be like ice, or is a little bit of color okay? Do you even prefer to have some color to it?

Clarity refers to the amount of specks in the diamond. Does a few small specks in it bother you, or are you okay with one here or there?

“Inclusions” are the small imperfections inside natural diamonds. There are many types of inclusions, from dark carbons to lighter feathers and bubbles.

Carats

When choosing the carat of your stone, consider how big do you want it to be? Though carat is commonly used to refer to size, as size tends to correspond to weight relatively well, it actually refers just to weight. Two diamonds may weigh the same, and therefore have the same carat value, but may look like they are different sizes because they have been cut differently.

There are a lot of factors that go into choosing an engagement ring, so it can be helpful to find what you like and what fits your personality early on. This way, it’s not a stressful process, and you can happily and easily say “yes” without worrying about whether you’ll actually like the ring.