A Twist To Tradition: Lab-Grown Diamonds As An Alternative
When creating a custom diamond ring for your significant other or as a treat for yourself, you may have heard of lab-grown diamonds which have become increasingly popular in recent years.
Read on to understand why you should consider selecting a lab-grown diamond engagement ring in Singapore.
What are lab-grown diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds which are made up of actual carbon atoms organized in the characteristic crystal structure of mined diamonds.
Are lab-grown diamonds considered real diamonds?
Simply put, lab-grown diamonds are indeed genuine diamonds. Unlike imitations such as Cubic Zirconia or Moissanite which mimic the appearance of diamonds, these lab-grown diamonds share the same physical, chemical and optical properties as mined diamonds. These vintage diamonds are just as durable and display the same brilliance and fire when cut.
The only difference lies in the way they were formed.
How are lab-grown diamonds created?
When creating lab-grown diamonds, scientists use one of 2 methods:
Method 1: High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT)
This is the more traditional method introduced in the 1950s where diamonds are produced in apparatuses which mimic the conditions of natural diamond formation deep within the earth. The growth chamber is heated to 1300-1600 °C with pressures above 870,000 pounds per square inch and crystallization occurs over a period of several days to weeks.
Method 2: Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)
In this newer method, scientists expose a diamond ‘seed’ to carbon-rich gas at temperatures of approximately 900-1200°C. A microwave beam then breaks down the gas molecules, allowing carbon atoms to fuse layer by layer onto to the original diamond seed.
This process tends to yields strong diamonds which are mostly Type IIA with high purity (low nitrogen) and transparency as compared to natural diamonds (where only 2% are categorized as Type IIA).
Whichever method is used, highly skilled artisans are still needed to cut and polish the diamonds before they are sent for certification.
What are some of the benefits of choosing a lab-grown diamond?
Lab-grown diamonds have many benefits compared to a natural diamond. Whether you’re thinking about your engagement ring or your next custom jewelry piece, here are four reasons why you should consider picking a lab-grown diamond:
1. Higher purity
Lab-grown diamonds tend to have a purer chemical structure without the typical impurities which are present in mined diamonds, therefore making them appear whiter with greater transparency than natural diamonds which were formed underground.
2. Greater affordability
For those looking to upgrade their diamond size or save anywhere from 30-40%, lab-grown diamonds are an attractive option. With the same variety of shapes to choose from, these diamonds offer the same elegant sparkle of natural diamonds, except with massive savings.
3. Environmentally friendly
Lab-grown diamonds are favored as a more sustainable choice as they do not involve any mining or deforestation activities typically associated with natural diamonds.
4. Certified and legitimate
With all reputable jewelers, lab-grown diamonds go through the same certification process as mined diamonds so you can be assured of their authenticity when purchasing one for your lab-grown diamond ring.
They are also graded stringently for their cut, colour and clarity, so there is full transparency and you know exactly what quality of a diamond you are receiving in your custom piece.
At August Bespoke, we maintain the same stringent standards for both lab-grown and natural diamonds we use in our jewelry. In our experience, whichever type of diamond you choose, the cutting remains the true determinant in creating a stunning end result.
Conclusion
Lab-grown diamonds have become an attractive alternative to natural diamonds due to their numerous benefits. Besides being a sustainable option, they allow you to upgrade in size to maximize your budget or enjoy significant savings without sacrificing on sparkle!
As an experienced custom jewelry maker in Singapore, we believe lab-grown diamonds are a trend that is here to stay. Here at August Bespoke, we assure you of the best quality and service along with what we are confident are the most unique engagement rings in Singapore.
Book a personal consultation today, and our knowledgeable team will assist you in crafting the perfect jewelry for yourself or your loved ones.
During the personal consultation, our friendly team can then guide you in the right direction to ensure that this once-in-a-lifetime moment is extra special.
How can we help?
You can expect a response the next working day.
