A diamond is fascinating, mysterious, dazzling and eternal – the utmost precious stone of all. Recently, a new diamond made its appearance: Enter the lab-grown diamond. Since its creation, the lab-grown diamond has disrupted the world of jewellery. Several key opinion leaders and personalities took a stand and associated themselves with this revolution.
The popularity of lab-grown diamonds is growing because of the eco-conscious mindset of millennial and Gen-Z consumers. A US-based study (MVI Marketing) confirmed that 70% of millennials would consider buying a lab-grown diamond rather than a traditional one for their engagement ring’s centre stone.
Lab-grown diamonds raise many questions: Is a lab-grown diamond a real diamond? Do lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds have the same value? What is the difference between a lab-grown diamond and a mined diamond?
Let’s uncover all the secrets this precious stone holds.
First things first, what is a lab-grown diamond?
A diamond is a precious stone, the only gem made of a single element: carbon. A lab-grown diamond is simply a diamond. It has the same composition and structure, chemical, physical, and optical properties as a mined diamond. Diamond laboratories use cutting-edge technology to reproduce the same temperature and pressure conditions found deep underground, 200km under the surface of the earth, where diamonds naturally form.
So are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
The answer is yes! Whether it comes from a mine or a laboratory, a diamond is a diamond. According to Stephen Morisseau, spokesman for the GIA, “From our perspective, lab-grown diamonds are diamonds. They’re not fakes. They’re not cubic zirconias. They have all the same physical and chemical properties of a mined diamond.” Diamonds, lab-grown and mined, are both officially certified by the globally recognized certification bodies such as IGI (International Gemological Institute) or GIA (Gemological Institute of America).
If a lab-grown diamond holds the same properties as a mined diamond, then what is the difference between a lab-grown and a mined diamond?
Human and environmental impact
The mined diamond industry came under scrutiny recently, unveiling several unethical practices, beyond what we call blood or conflict diamonds. Besides, mining involves a highly polluting extraction process and is one of the major causes of deforestation. At Loyal.e, all our diamonds are directly sourced and certified climate neutral.
Traceability and price
A mined diamond goes through 10 to 15 middlemen from its extraction to your hands, inflating its price and making complete traceability very difficult. By cutting all the middlemen in the supply chain, the final price of a lab-grown diamond is 20-30% less expensive than a mined diamond of the same quality. At Loyal.e, we directly source our stones from diamond laboratories certified climate-neutral and employ the most advanced technology and responsible manufacturing practices, securing the finest quality of diamonds at the best price.
So why would you choose a lab-grown diamond?
When choosing a Loyal.e lab-grown diamond, you are assured to get the finest quality of diamonds, grown ethically and sustainably, with full traceability. Your diamond shines without any compromise. Each diamond is unique and rare, inspiring and fascinating to those who look upon it.
Our designs enhance the splendour and fire of our diamonds so that each stone is unforgettably yours. Whether you have a minimalist, classic or avant-garde style; whether you wear your jewellery as a centrepiece or a subtle wink, our fine jewellery reveals your inner elegance.
At Loyal.e, we are committed to a new luxury – authentic, responsible, and liberated from conventions. We promise to make you shine, unconditionally.
Maïssa Zard is the Founder of Loyal.e Paris, a new fine jewellery brand based in Paris and available on Farfetch.
