If you are considering a diamond purchase, but want to avoid the ethical issues and environmental degradation that come with traditional mining, laboratory grown (or lab created) diamonds may be the right choice for you. These stones laboratory grown diamonds in Calgary are made from carbon seeds that have been ‘grown’ in laboratories using either extreme pressure and heat, or a special deposition process known as Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). As a result, they offer the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, without the associated environmental degradation and social concerns.
It’s important to note that not all lab grown diamonds are equal. Some are true diamonds, while others are actually diamond simulants, or gems that look very similar to the real thing, such as moissanite and cubic zirconia. If you’re purchasing a lab grown diamond, you’ll want to look for the four Cs: color, cut, clarity and carat. You’ll also want to ensure that it is certified by a reputable lab, such as GIA or IGI. Additionally, some lab diamonds can have a blue tint to them due to trace amounts of the element boron. This tint can be spotted by trained gemologists and is listed as ‘blue nuance’ on a lab report.
One of the biggest benefits of lab grown diamonds is that they are much more affordable than their mined counterparts. This makes them a great option for anyone who wants to wear a diamond but doesn’t have the budget for a larger rock. Additionally, lab grown diamonds consume significantly less energy and water than their mined counterparts — 18 gallons vs. 126 gallons — and emit significantly less carbon dioxide.
Because of this, they are an environmentally responsible alternative to traditional mining and a great way for you to show your support for the environment and for sustainable business practices. With that in mind, we tapped into the expertise of three industry experts to learn more about what you should know when shopping for a lab grown diamond.
We consulted with a GIA researcher, a gemologist and diamond setter, and the founder of a lab created diamond jewelry brand to get their professional input. Here are their top tips on what to keep in mind when choosing a lab created diamond:
Shop The Best Lab Grown Diamonds
MiaDonna offers an array of stunning, high-quality lab grown diamonds at competitive prices. Unlike many lab diamond sellers, this company’s rings are all hand-set and finished in the United States. They also offer a variety of customization options, including the ability to select your preferred diamond cut and setting. Moreover, all their lab grown diamonds are sourced from superior Type IIa stones – the kind only owned by royalty and the super-wealthy.
Another big plus to shopping at MiaDonna is their free shipping and return policy. In addition to this, their lab grown diamonds are IGI and GIA certified and come with a lifetime guarantee. While other lab diamonds may be cheaper, they often don’t have the same quality and the resale value is lower.