Three things to know about Lab Grown Diamonds

Shopping for an engagement or wedding rings can be overwhelming enough, but when you consider what type of stone is best for you, lab grown diamonds are fast becoming a popular choice.

Lab Grown Diamonds have grown in popularity over the past several years and are a viable choice when shopping for a diamond engagement ring. But we are often asked what's the difference between a lab grown diamond and a natural one--and what should be considered when purchasing an engagement or wedding ring?

For starters, let's clear the air about what a lab grown diamond really is.

Lab grown diamonds are identical to earth mined diamonds in every way, except that they are grown in a lab. Lab grown diamonds are as real as diamonds mined from the earth. They have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as mined diamonds and exhibit the same fire, scintillation, and sparkle. Lab grown diamonds offer an exceptional value when compared with the same quality rare, earth mined diamonds. (Although the increase in popularity of lab grown diamonds is lowering the cost of natural diamonds overall).

Here are three main reasons why our customers choose lab grown diamonds when they are shopping for engagement and wedding rings:

1. They're free of conflicts
Unlike mined diamonds, lab grown diamonds have zero ties to war zones, forced labor, or unethical trade practices. They are created in laboratories under regulated conditions, ensuring complete transparency in sourcing and production. When you choose lab-grown, you eliminate any risk of contributing to human suffering.

2. There's no exploitation of labor
Unfortunately, gemstone and diamond mining has a long history of exploitative labor practices, including dangerous working conditions, low wages, and even child labor. Lab-grown diamonds remove the human cost. Instead of being extracted from the earth through mining operations, these diamonds are produced in advanced facilities that prioritize fair working conditions and worker safety.

3. They're viewed as a sustainable choice. One of the biggest ethical concerns surrounding natural diamonds is the environmental impact. Mining disrupts ecosystems, causes deforestation, and depletes water sources. In contrast, lab-grown diamonds:

• Require no mining—meaning no destruction of landscapes or displacement of wildlife.
• Use significantly less water and energy compared to traditional mining operations.
• Can be produced using renewable energy, with some labs operating on 100% green energy sources.

Because of these reasons, lab grown diamonds are often more affordable than natural diamonds. That allows customers to choose a larger center stone and larger diamonds overall for their engagement and wedding ring setting.

Everyone has their own preferences, and we're here to help. Whether you're searching for a lab grown diamond engagement and wedding ring or one that features semi-precious gemstones or natural diamonds, Original Hardware can create the perfect ring for you!