Sponsored article by English Wedding member Infinity Diamond Jewellery

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In 2020, the BBC stated, ‘Young people are falling out of love with mined diamonds because of their high environmental and humanitarian costs.’ So what are we buying instead? You’ve probably heard about the growing popularity of lab-grown diamonds, so we’re here to answer the most common questions about them and explain why we think they’re a great option to consider when choosing your engagement and wedding rings.

What is a lab-grown diamond?

Scientists spent many years investigating how diamonds are created and discovered that when carbon deposits – around 100 miles below the surface of the earth – are subject to the perfect combination of high temperatures and intense pressure, it causes carbon atoms to crystallise, forming diamonds.

As the name suggests, a lab-grown diamond is man-made, created using machines, yet has the same chemical make-up as a traditional, mined diamond. Basically, it’s made in the same way, just over a much shorter timescale.

The amount of time it takes to form a diamond can vary but many take millions, or even billions, of years depending on the conditions. Once scientists unravelled and understood the process, they worked to replicate the same conditions to form lab-grown diamonds – so we wouldn’t have to wait so long! Megan Markle recently wore a pair of stunning diamond earrings that reportedly took just 5 days to grow.

Is a lab-grown diamond a real diamond?

In a word, yes! They are classed as 100% ‘real’ diamonds and are indistinguishable from their older counterparts – even for diamond experts. They’re still the strongest mineral, which means they will also last a lifetime. Because lab-grown diamonds share the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds, they’re just as sparkling and eye-catching, the only difference is their origin.

Scientists have now developed two ways to recreate the conditions to grow a diamond, these are High Pressure High Temperature or Chemical Vapor Deposition. Both options produce high quality, beautiful stones.

How much do lab-grown diamonds cost vs traditional diamonds?

When it comes to cost, opting for a man-made diamond can result in huge savings to the customer. In fact, they can be up to 60% cheaper! The size and quality of the stone will determine the price, as with most gems, but it’s important to make sure you buy from a reputable jeweller. For a wide choice and high quality lab-grown stones, visit Infinity Diamond Jewellery.

Lab-grown diamonds can be grown in around 6 to 12 weeks, which means they can be produced in a fraction of the time of a mined diamond – which is reflected in the prices  and passed on to the customer. The rarity of an earth grown diamond and the process to retrieve them from the earth are the reason they’re so expensive. Lab-grown diamonds offer an fabulous alternative option.

Is a lab-grown diamond ok for an engagement ring?

Absolutely! They are just as brilliant as mined diamonds, just with added benefits. Firstly, they have a much smaller carbon footprint than the natural alternatives and they cost less so you can get a bigger rock and stay within your budget.

Man-made diamonds can still be cut into the same stone shapes as traditional diamonds so you’ll still be able to get the ring of your dreams. There’s an amazing selection of lab-grown diamond wedding and engagement rings at Infinity Diamond Jewellery, who offer a bespoke design service if you have something unique in mind. You can work together to make your dream a reality.

Will people know it’s a lab-grown diamond?

Another great benefit is that no one will know it is a lab-grown diamond! [Although I’d be shouting it from the rooftops if I had one!] You can’t tell the difference between them and mined diamonds – they both have the same brilliance and sparkle and are the hardest known mineral, making it the most durable and ideal for a ring you will want to wear every day. And your lab-grown gem will not lose its sparkle or go cloudy over time!

Lab-grown diamonds are still classified using the 4 Cs that determine a stone’s quality, the same as earth-grown diamonds: clarity, cut, carat and colour. Even a jeweller would be hard-pushed to detect the difference between a laboratory-grown diamond and a mined diamond – they are indistinguishable.

Are lab-grown gems eco-friendly?

Choosing a lab-grown diamond over a mined one for your engagement ring is a much better option for the environment. If you’re working to make your wedding as sustainable as possible, but still want to impress with your bling, this is the perfect choice for you!

The mining of diamonds has a huge number of negative impacts on the environment, including the pollution of waterways and the air, dangerous and unpleasant conditions for the workers plus the very real possibility that the money you pay for the gem may go to fund wars or human suffering. It’s impossible to tell if a diamond is a blood or conflict diamond, just by looking at it.

The other major benefit is the cost. Lab-diamonds can be up to 60% cheaper than traditional diamonds. So it allows you to purchase a bigger diamond for less money – what’s not to love!?

Growing in popularity

Increasingly, a 21st century wedding needs 21st century values. There’s no need to stick to all the old wedding traditions if you find them outdated. Remember, it’s your wedding and you can do it your way. If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly option and you want to save money, a lab-grown diamond is a great option in a time when we’re much more informed about the origin of some diamonds.

Visit www.infinitydiamondjewellery.com to see all their lab-grown diamond options. You can select the carat of the diamond, the metal – either platinum, white, yellow or rose gold and there’s a huge range of stone cuts and styles to suit all tastes. You can get a more eco-friendly ring, which is a lower price and still the ring of your dreams – with no compromises!