Post # 1
Member
128 posts
Blushing bee
Hi Bees,
So I have some questions that maybe some of you can answer or give your thoughts on. My boyfriend and I have been shopping for rings – well we went to a couple of jewelry shops and I’ve shown him photos of the styles I like. I ultimately want to be surprised.
The question arose as to whether or not we would be open to a Lab Created Diamond since they are significantly cheaper than a natural diamond. They supposedly have the same chemical make up and look as a real diamond.
Do any of you ladies have a Lab created diamond and would be willing to show it off on this thread? AND also what are your thoughts on it – do you think that it’s any less of an engagement ring since it’s not a “Natural diamond” ?
looking forward to your replies.
Post # 2
Member
745 posts
Busy bee
- Wedding: August 2019 - City, State
krissymichelle070 : I have a lab diamond and I LOVE IT. It is exactly as a real diamond in every way! It tests as a real diamond and many jewlers cannot tell the difference between a alb diamond and a mined one.
One thing I really like about it (besides the price) is that I’m positive it is conflict free. Thats something that was really important to me.
But I’ve never thought my diamond was ‘less than’ in any way. I just love it so much! Included a picture so you could see it 🙂 It really does look just like a mined.
diamond!
Post # 3
Member
3533 posts
Sugar bee
A lab created diamond IS a real diamond. It is the exact same thing as a mined diamond, but without the environmental footprint and human rights violations. The idea that a ring is “less” of an engagement ring because the stone it holds wasn’t dug out of the earth is absurd.
Mine is a lab diamond and it is spectacular! My fiance was able to get a higher quality stone for a lower price, while also having the assurance that the stone was ethically sourced. Knowing all the advantages, I honestly can’t understand why anyone would even consider a mined diamond if a lab diamond is an option for them. There is absolutely NO logical reason to choose a mined diamond over a lab one.
This picture doesn’t really do it justice, TBH. Most of my friends are married or engaged and honestly, my stone is the clearest one I’ve seen.
Post # 4
Member
128 posts
Blushing bee
gunnabamissus : thanks for the reply – yes it’s beautiful. And it’s actually a similar style that I want myself. I love the pear or oval shapes with a halo and thin band.
Post # 5
Member
128 posts
Blushing bee
sboom : this is beautiful – yes I kind of am leaning towards the option of a lab created diamond. I didn’t know too much about it until recently when shopping for the ring with my boyfriend. But of course some people have the notion that a lab created is not the same or “real”. I’m going to have a conversation with my boyfriend and explain that I am ok with a lab created and not to listen to anyone and just go with what he loves and thinks I will love and what he can afford.
thanks bees!
Post # 6
Member
745 posts
Busy bee
- Wedding: August 2019 - City, State
krissymichelle070 : Its a beautiful style! Like I said, I adore my lab diamond. We were able to get a .80 ct (1ct with the halo), VS1 clarity, G color and the price was SO affordable!
Post # 7
Member
459 posts
Helper bee
Lab created diamonds are real diamonds! They even come with a grading report that shows carat size, color, cut, and clarity. I have a lab diamond from Brilliant Earth and I love it. We took it to a jewelery store to have it tested with a diamond/moissanite tester, and it tested as a diamond.
Post # 8
Member
3533 posts
Sugar bee
krissymichelle070 : Both lab diamonds and mined diamonds are real, natural diamonds. The only difference is that a lab diamond is created by replicating and speeding up the natural process that produces diamonds. The end result is an absolutely identical chemical make up and visible product.
The correct terminology to use is “lab diamond” and “mined diamond”. “Natural diamond” is an incorrect way to differentiate them, as they are both “natural”. It’s like saying that a plant grown using a hydroponic or other sophisticated system is somehow different or less natural than one that grew in the wild.
Post # 9
Member
64 posts
Worker bee
- Wedding: June 2019 - Huntsville, AL
Whether something is lab grown, a gemstone, whichever, it doesn’t make it any less of an engagement ring if that is what you use it for. 🙂 A lab diamond is chemically the same as a natural diamond, the only thing you lose is the premium price from mining.
That being said, go for 1) what you love 2) what you can afford
Post # 10
Member
2917 posts
Sugar bee
Post # 11
Member
276 posts
Helper bee
I would much rather have a lab diamond than a mined diamond because of ethical reasons and the price tag. Some how it feels like cheating though and I don’t know why I can’t get passed that mentally. Your rings are all SO gorgeous!! Any advice on how to get over the mental road block of *thinking* its not a “real” diamond??
Post # 12
Member
584 posts
Busy bee
Yes, a lab diamond is a great idea! Just be aware that lab diamonds can’t be upgraded later, as per my jeweler. That I believe is the only downfall.
Post # 13
Member
1475 posts
Bumble bee
- Wedding: March 2021 - Kauai, HI
We looked at lab next to natural and the sales lady even let me take them outside to look in the sunlight. There is zero difference. The lab diamond actually looked sparkliest to my naked eye. I asked my SO for a lab diamond. I love that he’ll save money and I get to have the ring of my dreams for less.
Post # 14
Member
2792 posts
Sugar bee
I wouldn’t want a lab diamond, but I do see all of the benefits of them (same with Moissanites, and other gemstones). It’s really comes down to personal preference.
If you can get your dream ring with the lab diamond, I recommend going that route!
Post # 15
Member
74 posts
Worker bee
I love my very real, lab grown diamond. Conflict free was a big deal for me, not to mention I love science and science made my beautiful ring.
Member