Do you love the idea of a diamond engagement ring but cringe at how most diamonds are mined? We’ve partnered with Clean Origin to introduce you to “lab-grown diamonds,” diamonds that are just as beautiful as mined diamonds but much better for people and the planet. Read on to learn more about these beautiful gemstones and why they’re such a good match for your values as well as your special day.
What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are identical to mined diamonds both visually and chemically. In fact, the only way to differentiate between lab-grown and mined diamonds is through the microscopic laser inscription on the bottom of the stone (mined diamonds have these, as well). Jewelry experts can’t tell them apart without it, and neither can consumers!
The labs where the diamonds are made use advanced technology to mimic the natural processes that cause diamonds to form from carbon underground. So, they are not cubic zirconias or other “fake” diamonds.The main difference between lab-grown and mined diamonds is the time they took to form and where they come from.
Why Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Better Than Mined Diamonds?
Diamonds are notorious for being mined by underpaid, overworked men, women and children who are subject to dangerous working conditions. Mined diamonds result in one injury for every 1,000 workers annually, reports Clean Origin. “Blood” or “conflict” diamonds may also be used to fuel civil wars and purchase weapons.
Diamond mines take a terrible environmental toll, as well.
Says Clean Origin, “for every carat of diamond that is mined, nearly 100 sq ft of land is disturbed, while almost 6000 pounds of mineral waste are created.”
How Do You Choose a Lab-Grown Diamond?
You choose a lab-grown diamond the same way you’d buy any diamond: according to budget, design and aesthetics, and ring size.
As far as budget is concerned, Clean Origin recommends you get a good idea of what your budget is, or could be if you wanted to save for your purchase. Keep in mind that, due to the shorter supply chain and lack of mining, lab-grown diamonds can be “anywhere from 20-30% less expensive than mined diamonds,” the company says.
“Don’t make the mistake of going over the budget,” the company recommends. “It’s easy to convince yourself to spring for the giant sparkler” but instead, aim to get a great deal on a gorgeous ring.”
Of course, purchase a beautiful ring you’ll love wearing. Lab-grown diamonds come in the sizes and shapes you’d expect to find in settings featuring mined diamonds, including round, cushion, heart, oval, emerald, pear, princess, radiant, and marquise,
Last but not least, make sure it fits! If it’s a surprise, to determine your partner’s ring size you might have to do a little sleuthing and be a little sneaky. One of the most common ways to learn your partner’s ring size is to discretely measure their ring finger with a piece of string. However, if you aren’t able to do that, simply check out your partner’s current ring collection.
If your partner wears rings, pick out a ring that they have comfortably worn on their ring finger and take it into a jeweler to have it measured. If you’re unable to get it out of the house without suspicion, mark where it falls on one of your fingers and show that to the experts.
One Other Benefit With Clean Origin: Recycled Precious Metals
In addition to producing ethical, eco lab-grown diamonds, Clean Origin sets them in gold and platinum that have been recycled. Why?
“Similar to diamond mines, gold mines have their own dark secrets, environmental impact, and unethical practices,” declares the company. “At Clean Origin, we are doing everything we can to stay away from supporting these types of activities.”
“All of our precious metal is certified by the Responsible Jewelry Council to be recycled. This ensures that the quality behind our metal is just as high as what would be originally sourced from the earth — just without the negative impact.”
With lab-grown diamonds, you can celebrate your engagement (or any special event) with the beautiful ring you want that’s also produced in the way that stays true to your values.Take a look at Clean Origin’s virtual showroom today.
FAQ’s (answers provided by Clean Origin)
Are there any stores where people can go to try on Clean Origin diamonds, or does it all have to happen online?
All shopping takes place online, which has been especially helpful for couples during COVID!
What if someone orders a diamond ring from you, it arrives, and they don’t like it?
We have an extremely generous 100-day return policy.
How long does it take from ordering to receiving the order?
All of our rings are made to order, so from placing your order to receiving it at your front door, it usually averages about 10 days. However, with COVID, we are adding some cushion to that promise and looking at closer to a month.
How long will a Clean Origin diamond last?
Lab-grown diamonds are exactly the same as mined diamonds. “Our Diamonds Are Forever”.
Can people buy Clean Origin diamonds separate from a setting if they want to come up with their own design?
Yes! Any diamond can be purchased on its own.
2 thoughts on “Lab-Grown Diamonds Help You Buy An Engagement Ring That Matches Your Values”
Hey Diane, your post is very helpful for me. Most of people calling natural diamonds as real diamonds & synthetic diamonds as fake diamonds. But synthetic diamonds are also real diamonds, just they are man made diamonds. Am I right??
I guess it’s a question of what you consider “real”!
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