Plus 4 Dazzling Options for You to Explore!
photo: Kismet Visuals | venue: Franklin Park Conservatory | planning: Thyme & Details | rings: Brilliant Earth
Sustainable and ethical jewelry is produced using environmentally responsible practices and ethical labor standards. This includes using materials that are responsibly sourced and avoiding the use of harmful chemicals in production. Fair labor practices are incorporated throughout production, such as providing safe working conditions, fair wages, and ensuring that workers are not exploited at any point throughout. In addition, sustainable and ethical jewelry often supports local communities and promotes social responsibility. This type of jewelry is designed to have a positive impact on both people and the planet, while also being beautiful, high-quality, and long-lasting.
As the demand for more sustainable and ethical diamond and stone options increases, this is where options like Moissanite or lab-created diamonds come in. Today, let's dive into Lab-created diamonds. Lab-created diamonds, also known as cultured or synthetic diamonds, are created in a laboratory setting rather than being mined from the earth.
5 key factors to consider when it comes to lab-created diamonds:
1. Process
Photo Credit: Celeste Diamonds
Lab-created diamonds are made by replicating the same conditions that occur in the earth's mantle. High pressure and high temperature are applied to a small diamond seed, resulting in the growth of a larger diamond. This process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. You can read more about the process from an Ohio-based jeweler, Celeste Diamonds', here.
2. Quality
Photo Credit: Brilliant Earth
The difference between the two is impossible to see with the naked eye! Lab-created diamonds have the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds. They are graded using the same standards as natural diamonds, including the 4Cs (carat weight, cut, color, and clarity). This means that lab-created diamonds can be just as beautiful and valuable as natural diamonds. My engagement ring and wedding band have all lab-created diamonds and I have never felt like my rings are less luxurious than if they were made from mined diamonds.
3. Cost
One of the most significant advantages of lab-created diamonds is that they are typically less expensive than natural diamonds. This is because the production process is more controlled and efficient than mining, which can be costly and environmentally damaging. Check out pricing at some of my favorite lab-created precious stone jewelers below:
Aether – they have a neat process – using atmospheric carbon – that I'm researching further!
4. Sustainability
photo: Dragonfly Photography | rings: Celeste Diamonds | planning: Thyme & Details
Lab-created diamonds are a more sustainable option than natural diamonds. Mining for natural diamonds can be destructive to the environment, and can have negative impacts on local communities. Lab-created diamonds, on the other hand, have a much smaller environmental footprint.
5. Ethics
Another advantage of lab-created diamonds is that they are free from the ethical concerns that come with natural diamonds. The diamond industry has a history of conflict and exploitation, and it can be difficult to ensure that a natural diamond is conflict-free. Lab-created diamonds, however, are guaranteed to be ethical and conflict-free. You can wear then with pride knowing they did not cause harm to other people or the planet!
Overall, lab-created diamonds offer a more sustainable, ethical, and affordable option for those looking for a beautiful and valuable diamond. As the demand for sustainable and ethical products increases, it is likely that lab-created diamonds will become even more popular in the future.
As always, remember that sustainability is about doing your best, doing better, and doing something! It's not about perfection! I have more tips coming your way real soon...stay tuned!
You can find me as well on my social channels, come say "hi" on Instagram @thymeanddetails!
