Mined Over Matter

LAB GROWN DIAMONDS

The past few months have seen us use lab grown diamonds in our Bespoke creations more than ever before. So if you're thinking of creating your own custom piece and wondering if lab grown diamonds are the right choice for you, read on! 

THE PROS

COST

Lab grown diamonds are vastly more affordable than their natural counterparts (typically about 50% cheaper). This allows customers to create bespoke pieces at a larger scale than if they were using natural diamonds. 

EQUALITY

At V we are huge believers in jewellery being not just for forever, but for everyone and lab grown is democratising diamonds so that more people can enjoy larger scale stones. 

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

The mining of natural diamonds is carbon intensive, often relying on diesel-run machinery. Excavation uses large amounts of water, energy, and earth.

THEY ARE CHEMICALLY IDENTICAL TO NATURAL DIAMONDS

Lab grown diamonds are made from carbon seeds, put under high pressure and high temperature - the same as in nature, only this time in a laboratory. Even diamond verification machines confirm their authenticity and in 2018 the FTC dropped the word ‘natural’ from the definition of the word ‘diamond’, meaning lab grown diamonds are recognised as authentic diamonds.

THE SEAL OF APPROVAL

Fans and wearers of lab grown diamonds include Meghan Markle, Emma Watson, Penelope Cruz and Lady Gaga, while Leonardo Dicaprio has also invested in the movement, being a large backer of a lab grown diamond supplier. One of the world’s largest diamond miners, De Beers, have also begun selling stones created in labs. 

THE CONS

FUTURE VALUE

As lab grown diamonds are new to the market, their investment value is yet to be proven. That said, many of our customers are undeterred by this as, in their words, they're "not looking to sell the bespoke creation". 

NO INHERENT POSITIVE SOCIAL IMPACT 

The mining of natural diamond supports entire economies. Walking away from responsible miners in poorer communities would affect tens of millions of people across the world.

THEY ARE A PRODUCT OF TECHNOLOGY

A manufactured product has infinite supply, whereas natural diamonds have a finite resource. For some, this rarity is necessary for an emotional purchase such as an engagement ring. 

TAKEAWAY
There are pros and cons for both the use of lab grown and natural diamonds. There is space for both in the market and indeed, swinging one way or the other wouldn't be helpful from a socially responsible standpoint. By listing the above points you can decide which elements are most important to you before embarking on your bespoke journey! Find out more about our Bespoke Service here.