Are Laboratory Grown Diamonds Popular ONLY Among The Younger Generations?
For centuries, mined diamonds have held a dominant position in the jewellery industry, symbolising love, commitment, and luxury. However, in recent years, a new contender has emerged, rapidly gaining popularity: laboratory grown diamonds. These man-made marvels are challenging traditional perceptions and reshaping the diamond landscape, particularly among younger, more conscious shoppers.
At Argyle Jewellers, we’ve seen the rising popularity of laboratory made diamonds, and have also discussed the difference between natural and lab-made diamonds in the past. We’ve noticed that lab diamonds haven’t gone away – in fact, they’re more popular than ever, and not just for the younger generations who are looking to be more ethical or smarter with their money. In fact, about ⅔ of people aged 21-40 who are shopping for an engagement ring are now willing to consider lab-grown diamonds. Here’s what we’ve experienced within the industry, and why we love the laboratory grown diamond alternative.
Laboratory Grown Diamonds: The Rise Of A Sustainable Alternative
The surge in popularity of lab-grown diamonds can be attributed to a number of factors, all of which you’ll see circling the discussion of natural vs lab-made diamonds.
Ethical Concerns
Mined diamonds have long been associated with ethical controversies, including potential links to conflict diamonds and the environmental damage caused by mining practices. For those who want as ethical a diamond as possible, lab-grown diamonds offer a conflict-free and sustainable alternative, appealing to consumers of all ages who prioritise ethical sourcing and responsible practices.
Environmental Impact
Mining diamonds leaves a significant environmental footprint, including deforestation, water pollution, and habitat destruction – something that has become increasingly concerning for all diamond fanciers as the impacts of environmental devastation and climate change become clearer. However, lab-grown diamonds have a much smaller environmental impact, as they are created in controlled laboratory settings, minimising their environmental footprint. It should be taken into account that a lot of energy is required to produce a laboratory made diamond, however it is much less than what is required to mine a diamond.
Transparency And Traceability
The origin of mined diamonds can be difficult to trace, leading to concerns about authenticity and ethical sourcing. Lab-grown diamonds offer complete transparency, with their creation process and origin clearly documented, ensuring consumers know exactly what they are purchasing.
Affordability
Lab-grown diamonds are typically more affordable than their mined counterparts, often costing 30-50% less. This makes them a more accessible option for a wider range of consumers, particularly younger generations with budget constraints. You can often get a much larger carat weight for your money as well, making lab-grown diamonds popular among many ages these days.
Chemical Composition And Properties
Despite being created in a lab, lab-grown diamonds are chemically and optically identical to mined diamonds. They possess the same brilliance, fire, and hardness, making them indistinguishable from their mined counterparts.
Beyond The Controversy: Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?
While some argue that lab-grown diamonds are not “real” diamonds, major gemological institutions like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) classify them as real diamonds. They possess the same atomic structure and physical properties as mined diamonds, making the distinction purely based on their origin.
Lab-Grown Diamond Ring By Argyle Jewellers
Beyond this argument, there are a number of benefits of choosing lab-grown diamonds. As they are chemically identical to diamonds formed in the earth, lab diamonds possess the same brilliance, fire, and hardness as mined diamonds. Available in various shapes, sizes, and even colours, and you can usually get a much brighter, larger carat diamond for your budget when compared to a natural diamond.
A New Era
At Argyle Jewellers, we’ve embraced lab-grown diamonds for what they are: an affordable alternative to mined diamonds that are fully certified, offering dazzling quality as well as affordability. Our range of lab-grown diamonds is available in all cuts, colourless colours as well as (rare in nature) coloured diamonds. Browse our beautiful range online, or see them in-person yourself in one of our two Brisbane stores.