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Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings
In our Lab Diamond Engagement Ring Collection you'll find a stunning range of engagement rings that are perfect for those who are looking for a more sustainable and ethically sourced option.
Our lab grown diamonds are grown in a controlled laboratory environment employing the chemical vapour deposition method (CVD). This involves exposing a diamond seed and carbon gas to extreme heat to allow layers of carbon to layer themselves over the diamond seed and form a lab grown diamond. After some weeks or months the lab diamond will be ready for cutting and faceting for jewellery use.
Lab grown diamonds are identical to natural diamonds apart from their origin and so are just as durable and dazzling. They have a lower negative environmental and social impacts and are free from the ethical concerns associated with traditional diamond mining as well which makes lab grown diamonds an amazing alternative to mined diamonds. Not only this, but they are a fraction of the cost of natural diamonds so are perfect when you have a budget to stick to for your lab grown diamond engagement ring.
In our collection, you'll find a variety of styles, from classic solitaire rings to more intricate halo or pavé designs. Whether you prefer a sleek and modern look or a timeless vintage inspired piece, we have something to suit every taste and preference.
Each engagement ring in our Lab Diamond Engagement Ring Collection is expertly crafted using the finest materials, including fully recycled, Fairtrade, or otherwise ethically sourced 18k gold and platinum settings. Our skilled artisans pay attention to every detail to ensure that each ring is of the highest quality and designed to be cherished for a lifetime.
We also understand that buying an engagement ring is a significant investment, so we strive to make the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible by supporting you every step along the way of your engagement ring buying process. Our knowledgeable customer service team is always available to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have, from selecting the perfect ring, choosing the right diamond size and cut, or customising a ring of your choice.
When you purchase an engagement ring from Ethica's Lab Diamond Collection, you can feel confident knowing that you're making a responsible and conscious choice. We are sure you'll find something that suitably and wonderfully represents your style and the love between you and your partner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How durable is a lab diamond engagement ring?
All jewellery pieces sold at Ethica Diamonds are guaranteed to be durable and long lasting in their beauty. We use only the very best quality materials that have been ethically sourced and carefully crafted to create jewellery that is suitable for everyday wear and will remain gorgeous as it exists over the decades.
Lab grown diamonds are just as durable as natural diamonds, as they have the same physical and chemical properties. They are made of pure carbon and have a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale, which is the highest rating and indicates excellent durability. Lab grown diamonds are resistant to scratches and are able to withstand the daily wear and tear of everyday life, making them a beautiful and reliable option for a durable and long lasting engagement ring.
With the proper care and maintenance, your lab diamond engagement ring will last through the generations and shine with the same radiance it did when you bought it.
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes! Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. They have an identical chemical composition and crystal structure as natural diamonds. The only difference is that they are created in a laboratory instead of being formed naturally deep within the Earth's crust. Lab diamonds are typically of a better quality than naturally occurring diamonds since the conditions they are grown under are meticulously controlled to reduce the chance of any impurities forming.
One method of creating lab grown diamonds is through a process called Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). In this process, a small seed of diamond is placed in a vacuum chamber. The chamber is then filled with a carbon-rich gas, such as methane. A microwave beam or another energy source breaks down the gas molecules, releasing pure carbon atoms.
These carbon atoms then settle on the diamond seed and gradually form layers of diamond crystals. This process is repeated over several weeks or months, allowing the diamond to grow in size. The result is a high quality diamond that is visually and chemically identical to a natural diamond.
All of the lab diamonds used here at Ethica are grown using the CVD process and hold the highest quality standards as Type IIA, VVS1 clarity, D-F colour gemstones.
CVD grown diamonds are just as real as naturally occuring diamonds but offer a few advantages over them. Firstly, they are vastly more affordable, as the manufacturing process is more controlled and efficient than mining. Secondly, they are more environmentally friendly, as they do not require the destructive mining methods associated with natural diamond extraction. Additionally, CVD diamonds often exhibit higher clarity and colour grades, making them desirable for jewelry and industrial purposes alike.
Overall, the CVD process allows for the production of lab diamonds that are indistinguishable from natural diamonds in terms of their physical and chemical properties.
What cuts are lab grown diamonds available in for an engagement ring?
Lab grown diamonds are at least as, if not more versatile than natural diamonds in what shapes, cuts, and facets they can be made available in.
Here are some examples of a few of the cuts we have available here at Ethica Diamonds in our Lab Diamond Engagement Ring Collection:
Round Brilliant - This cut is the most popular and classic diamond shape, featuring a round outline and brilliant facets that maximise the diamond's sparkle and fire.
Princess - The princess cut is known for its modern and geometric shape, characterised by a square or rectangular outline with brilliant faceting. This cut combines the brilliance of a round diamond with a contemporary shape.
Cushion - The cushion cut has a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, resembling a pillow or cushion. It has larger facets that create a soft and romantic look, emphasising brilliance and clarity.
Asscher - The Asscher cut is a square-shaped diamond with cropped corners and an elegant step-cut faceting style. This cut has a unique Art Deco inspired design, featuring a smaller table and high crown that showcase its exceptional clarity and facets.
Emerald - The emerald cut features a rectangular or square shape with step-cut facets that create a hall-of-mirrors effect. It highlights a diamond's clarity and colour while offering a sophisticated and timeless appearance.
Marquise - The marquise cut is an elongated and pointed shape resembling a boat or eye shape. It is known for its dramatic flair and ability to make the diamond look larger. The marquise cut maximises carat weight and creates a graceful and elongating effect on the finger.
Oval - The oval cut is an elongated and symmetrical shape with similar brilliance to the round brilliant cut. This cut offers a sleek and elegant look, making the diamond appear larger and creating a flattering effect on the finger.
Pear - The pear-shaped cut is a hybrid of the round and marquise cut, featuring a rounded bottom and a tapering point. It is a versatile and unique shape that offers a combination of brilliance and elongation, creating a teardrop-like appearance.
Radiant - The radiant cut is a square or rectangular shape with trimmed corners and brilliant faceting that creates remarkable sparkle. This cut combines the elegance of an emerald cut with the brilliance of a round brilliant cut, resulting in a dazzling diamond with a beautiful play of light.
Heart - The heart cut is a symbol of love and romance, featuring a distinctive heart-shaped outline. It requires skilled diamond cutting to ensure a well-proportioned shape and a symmetrical appearance. The heart-shaped cut is a popular choice for romantic occasions and jewelry.
Baguette - The baguette cut is a step-cut rectangular shape with clean lines and straight facets. This cut is often used as side stones to complement other diamonds or gemstones in jewelry designs. It provides a sleek and sophisticated look, showcasing the clarity and colour of the diamond. The baguette cut offers a unique and minimalist aesthetic.
What's the price difference between lab grown and traditional diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds can be significantly more affordable than traditionally mined diamonds of comparable quality.
Price Difference: Lab Grown Diamonds Offer Brilliant Savings
If you're dreaming of a gorgeous diamond but want to keep things budget-friendly, lab grown diamonds are a fantastic choice. Ethica Diamonds makes it clear that you can often save a substantial amount when you choose lab grown diamonds when you compare them to similar quality mined diamonds. Here's why:
- Lower Production Costs: Creating diamonds in a lab doesn't involve the expensive and time-consuming process of mining. This means big savings in the end.
- Shorter Supply Chain: Ethica Diamonds sells directly to you, the customer. Fewer "stops" along the way mean those savings get passed on to you.
- Growing Popularity: As lab grown diamonds become more popular, the market gets more competitive, which is great news for your wallet!
The Bottom Line
Lab-grown diamonds offer a stunning way to get the diamond of your dreams without overspending. Ethica Diamonds is very open about how their lab-grown stones offer fantastic value.
Do lab-grown diamonds have the same sparkle and brilliance?
Diamonds: Identical Twins with Different Origins
Lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds are like twins – they share the same dazzling fire and sparkle! Here's why:
- Same as Nature, Only Faster: lab grown diamonds are born from the same stuff as mined diamonds – pure carbon. Scientists simply recreate the heat and pressure found deep within the Earth, making a diamond in weeks rather than billions of years.
- That Diamond Glow: Sparkle and brilliance come from how a diamond interacts with light. Since lab grown diamonds have the same crystal structure as natural diamonds, they bend and reflect light in exactly the same way, resulting in that eye-catching twinkle.
- Even the Experts Get Tricked: It takes some serious gemology equipment and know-how to spot a lab grown diamond. They're just that similar to their natural counterparts!
So, if you're after that classic diamond shimmer (and want a choice that's kinder to the planet), lab grown diamonds are a dazzling option!
Will a lab grown diamond hold its value?
While the market for reselling lab grown diamonds is still finding its feet, there's a definite buzz around them. Just like their natural cousins, the value of a lab grown diamond hinges on those classic factors:
- Cut: A masterfully cut diamond is a dazzler! The way it catches the light is all down to the cut.
- Colour: The less colour, the rarer the diamond, and this affects its value. Think icy-white being top of the range.
- Clarity: Internal marks or blemishes? The fewer there are, the more valuable the gem.
- Carat weight: Simply put, bigger diamonds usually carry a bigger price tag.
The Warmth of the Future
Lab grown diamonds offer a beautiful, and often more affordable, alternative to mined diamonds. They're also a more ethically conscious choice. With all this in their favour, it's easy to see why their popularity is soaring. While we can't predict the future, all signs point toward a growing resale market for these glittering gems.
A Final Word
If you're thinking of investing in any sort of diamond, lab grown or naturally formed, it's always wise to do your research. The team at Ethica Diamonds can guide you, making sure you get the best quality and most beautiful diamond for your budget.
Can a lab grown diamond be certified?
Yes, absolutely! Just like their natural cousins, lab grown diamonds can be certified to ensure you're getting exactly the quality you pay for. Reputable labs like the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and the IGI (International Gemological Institute) offer detailed grading reports for lab grown diamonds.
These reports are like a diamond's official CV! They tell you everything you need to know:
- Cut: How well the diamond's been shaped for maximum sparkle.
- Colour: How colourless it is (top grades are icy-white).
- Clarity: Whether there are any tiny imperfections inside.
- Carat weight: Basically, how big your diamond is!
Having a certificate gives you peace of mind, shows you're getting a top-quality stone.
How do I tell if a diamond is lab grown or naturally mined?
Figuring out whether a diamond sparkled into existence deep within the earth or in a high-tech laboratory can be a bit of a puzzle.
Here's the lowdown:
- Ask the experts: The easiest way to know for sure is to have a chat with a member of the Ethica team. As a reputable jeweller will are always upfront about a diamond's origin, whether it's a classic earth-mined beauty or a scientifically crafted gem.
- Detective work (for the keen-eyed): Gemologists (those clever folks who study gemstones) have fancy tools that can spot subtle differences between lab grown and natural diamonds. These aren't things the average shopper has lying about, though.
- Certificate of origin: If you're unsure, ask to see the diamond's certificate. This official document acts like the diamond's birth certificate and will tell you where it came from.
Remember, both lab grown and natural diamonds are stunning in their own right! It's all about finding the perfect one for you.
Can I get a larger or higher quality lab grown diamond for the same budget?
- More Sparkle for Your Pound: lab grown diamonds boast the same chemical makeup as their natural cousins, but they cost significantly less to produce. This means you can stretch your budget further, often getting a larger diamond or one with a higher grade of clarity or colour compared to a mined diamond of the same price.
- Upgrading Your Priorities: So, what matters more to you? If size is king (or queen!), you can easily find a dazzling lab grown diamond with plenty of carat weight. If you dream of a flawless, colourless stone, the savings can let you bump up the quality without breaking the bank. It's all about focusing on what makes your heart sing!
A Little Extra Sparkle
At Ethica, we have special sections dedicated to lab grown diamonds. We hope that this makes it easy to compare prices, sizes, and quality. You can truly get the most magnificent diamond for your budget, with all the ethical and sustainable benefits that come with choosing lab grown.
Will my partner appreciate the ethical and environmental advantages of a lab grown diamond?
This depends entirely on your partner's values and priorities. Here's what you might consider:
- Values Alignment: If your partner holds strong beliefs around environmental responsibility and ethical sourcing, a lab grown diamond would likely resonate deeply with them. It's a tangible expression of those values, adding a layer of heartfelt meaning to your gift.
- The Story Behind the Sparkler: The brilliance of a lab grown diamond can be beautifully intertwined with the story of its creation. It eliminates worries about potential harm caused during the mining process. This ethical backstory becomes part of your shared love story.
- Symbol of Modern Love: Choosing a lab grown diamond sends a powerful message. It showcases a commitment to a future built on choices that consider both love and the planet's well-being.
How to Talk to Your Partner:
You could start an open, gentle conversation about what truly matters to them when it comes to jewellery. Do they research where products come from and how they're made? Do they appreciate making eco-conscious choices wherever possible? Their answers will help guide you towards the perfect way to express your love.
Are there any unique colors or varieties available in lab grown diamonds?
A Rainbow of Possibilities lab grown diamonds aren't just a sustainable and sparkling alternative to mined diamonds; they unlock a whole spectrum of colour possibilities! While those classic clear diamonds are beautiful, scientists can now create fancy coloured diamonds that are exceptionally rare (and pricier!) when found in nature.
How Do They Do It? It's all about tweaking the recipe! lab grown diamonds use the same basic ingredients and processes as Mother Nature, but scientists can carefully control things. Here are two ways to get those colours:
- Recipe Tweaks: By introducing elements like nitrogen (for yellows) or boron (for blues) during the growth process, scientists can create diamonds in a range of beautiful hues.
- Colour Treatments: Some lab grown diamonds begin life as colourless stones. They can then undergo processes that infuse them with vibrant colour – think of it like adding a tint to create stunning greens, pinks, or even deep reds.
Fancy Colours That Will Dazzle When it comes to lab grown diamonds, here are some of the amazing colours you might find:
- Classic Beauty: Vivid yellows and warm, cognac-like browns
- Pretty Pastels: Soft pinks, gentle blues, and even hints of lavender
- Bold Statements: Intense reds, deep greens, and even electric, neon-bright orange
The Best Part? These stunning fancy colour lab diamonds are often more accessible and affordable than their naturally-occurring counterparts. So you can add a real touch of unique sparkle to your jewellery without breaking the bank!
Can my lab grown diamond engagement ring be resized?
In most cases, lab diamond engagement rings can be resized just like any other diamond engagement ring. However, there are some factors that may prevent a ring from being resized. If your ring has an intricate or complex design, it may pose challenges for resizing. For example, rings with intricate engravings, filigree work, or pavé settings may require specialised techniques or tools which are not always available to resize without damaging the design. There are also sizing limitations when it comes to resizing a lab grown diamond engagement ring. Rings can typically be resized by a few sizes up or down. However, extreme changes in size may not be possible, especially if it requires significantly altering the structure of the ring.
For your peace of mind, we offer a complimentary standard resize on all of our engagement rings over £2000 within 30 days of purchase if they turn out to be the wrong size. We also have a resize service which costs £125, which includes insured postage back to you.
You can read more here:
However, it is best to make sure that you are ordering the ring in the correct size in the first place. We can send you a free ring sizer in the post which is helpful, but this is only a guide.
You can request one here:
Apart from the limitations that have been mentioned, it is usually perfectly simple to resize you lab diamond engagement ring if needs be.
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