A guest blog by English Wedding member Infinity Diamond Jewellery

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Gone are the days where people thought lab-grown gems were inferior to mined stones. Increasing numbers of jewellery lovers now seek them out, especially when it comes to important purchases such as bridal jewellery. We share the top 5 reasons we believe lab-grown stones can be even better than traditional mined gems!

Pear cut, lab-grown emerald engagement ring 

 

What exactly is lab-grown?

Yes, the name is quite self-explanatory, but to be super clear, no matter what the stone – be it a moissanite, diamond, emerald or aquamarine – a lab-grown version is not a fake – it’s 100% real. It has the same chemical and physical make-up as a mined version. The only difference is, the gems are grown in a laboratory, where scientists are able to mimic the exact conditions that cause stones to form naturally – just over a much shorter timescale, in a controlled environment.

According to Vogue magazine, it’s a super exciting time for jewellery lovers “…the diamond jewellery industry has vastly changed over the years. Lab-created diamonds are now as coveted as natural diamonds mined from the earth, resulting in choices aplenty.” And that also applies to the full rainbow lab-grown gems!

 

1. Highest quality

Identical to mined stones – aside from their production – you can expect all the same quality and beauty. However, because there’s more control over the process, in general, lab-grown gems tend to have a higher quality, brightness and clarity than naturally formed stones. Specialists are able to control the heat and pressure which ensures the best results, meaning there’s less chance the stones will have inclusions and many are flawless – something rare in naturally formed stones and is highly sought after.

Round cut, lab-grown diamond engagement ring 

 

2. Sustainable sparkles

Man-made gems are a much more eco-friendly choice compared to mined alternatives. Mining is a dirty business and aside from its huge carbon emissions, it also damages ecosystems, wildlife and watercourses, due to acid mine drainage, making it one of the most environmentally damaging industries. It causes huge issues for people living in the vicinity of mines, as well as destruction of natural habitats. It’s having a direct impact on local wildlife populations, including fish in Canada and tigers in India. By purchasing lab-grown, you know you can be sure you aren’t contributing to this.

Oval cut, lab-grown morganite engagement ring

 

3. Tough stuff

For an engagement ring to be tough enough to wear every day, the durability of the stone is super important. Lab-grown and naturally formed diamonds are the hardest mineral, while moissanites come a very close second at 9.25/10 on Mohs Hardness Scale. This means they’re super hard, are unlikely to be chipped or scratched and won’t go cloudy over time. Rubies and sapphires are the next hardest – both mined and lab-created – just behind diamonds at 9 on the scale. So lab-grown are just as resilient as mined stones, making them perfect last a lifetime of wear.

Ruby, lab-grown halo engagement ring 

 

4. Ethical 

While some mines adhere to the strict ethical standards, in those located in areas of conflict, conditions can be unpleasant for the miners with serious human rights issues. In these mines, workers receive low wages and work in dangerous conditions. Depending on the source, there’s also the real risk of purchasing blood diamonds. It’s almost impossible to trace the exact origin of each stone, so the only way to guarantee your stone is 100% conflict free, is to opt for lab-grown.

5. Bigger rock, smaller budget

If we haven’t already offered enough reasons to love lab-grown gems, we have one more important factor, which is good news for everyone. Now more than ever, we need to be budget savvy, but we don’t want to compromise on one of the most important purchases of our lives. But fear not! If you opt for lab-grown, you won’t have to, as they offer unrivalled value. Traditional mining for stones and metals is an expensive business so, opting for lab created eliminates a lot of that cost and these reductions are passed on to the consumer. And for even better value, consider a stunning moissanite, which can be up to 80% cheaper than a traditional diamond. So you can get the perfect rock for a fraction of the price, with all the same quality and even more brilliance!

 

Infinity Diamond Jewellery is one of the most respected names in the lab-grown gems business and produces a fantastic collection of high-quality, lab-created engagement rings and bridal jewellery. Their range includes lab-grown diamonds, moissanites, emeralds, rubies, sapphires and more! They also use recycled metal, so no mining is involved in the production of their jewellery, if you’re looking for a green alternative.