Engagement rings are an exciting and meaningful part of the engagement process. As this symbol is such a special occasion, selecting the right engagement ring can be overwhelming. Fortunately, today’s engagement rings offer various styles to suit every couple. Lab-grown diamonds are one option people may not be familiar with, but they provide a unique and beautiful engagement ring experience.
What are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are an increasingly popular choice for engagement rings – but what exactly are they? Lab-grown diamonds, man-made or cultured diamonds, are chemically and physically identical to those mined from the earth. They are created in a laboratory where scientists replicate high pressure and temperature conditions that form real diamonds underground; this process gives them the same physical characteristics as naturally occurring diamonds, including hardness, sparkle, and colour. Lab-grown diamonds provide a unique alternative to traditional engagement rings though they may take away some of the romance from natural stones.
Different Types of Lab-Grown Diamonds
Simulant Diamonds
Simulant Diamonds come closest to representing natural diamonds; the difference is probably not visible to the naked eye. Simulant diamonds are chemically and physically different from mined diamonds. These diamonds are made from alternate materials and aren’t particularly created from scratch. They were first made in the 1970s as a replacement for the natural diamonds in the Victorian age. Cut glass, zircon and white sapphires were used to make the lab-grown diamonds.
Diamond Nexus Stimulants
These diamonds are produced from carbon mixed with additional ingredients. These stimulants have a triple lifetime guarantee due to their extreme durability.
Cubic Zirconia Stimulants
These diamonds are produced from zirconium dioxide. They are the least durable type of stimulant diamonds; they also come at the lowest price.
Mossianite Lab created Gemstones
These stones are synthesised from silicon carbide. Mossianite is a very strong stimulant, and this adds to its price, which is quite high as well. Mossianite has a different look as it is a gemstone.
HPHT Diamonds
HPHT (high-pressure, high-temperature) diamonds are lab-grown engagement ring diamonds created by simulating the same conditions in the Earth’s interior. This technological advancement enables reliability and quality in diamonds virtually identical to naturally mined diamonds. These lab-grown stones also have a range of additional benefits as they are available in fancy colours such as pink and blue.
Most Popular Type of Lab-Grown Diamond
The most popular type of lab-grown diamond is the so-called Type IIa diamond, composed of carbon atoms arranged in a regular tetrahedral structure; they tend to be quite hard, making them highly resistant to scratches and breakage. These diamonds also come with beautiful white colour and outstanding clarity ratings. On the other hand, Type Ib diamonds are more commonly found in engagement rings as they tend to have a more vivid colour than their Type IIa counterparts with yellow or brown hues.
Many are now turning towards lab-grown diamonds for ethical reasons and to save money. Lab-grown diamonds are much like naturally mined diamonds as they have the same physical, chemical and optical properties. Each type has its advantages, making it essential to fully understand what type of lab-grown diamond is desired before purchasing your engagement ring.