When my partner and I started to talk about marriage and building a life together, he asked me if I wanted to be a part of choosing the ring. I said YES! I didn’t think it is fair to request him to figure out what type of ring I wanted. To be honest I didn’t know what I wanted.d
1.) It’s the Ethical Choice
Lab-grown diamonds are a more ethical choice compared to mined diamonds. The first lab-grown diamond was created in the 1950s and its popularity has grown over the last 70 years.
After doing some research, I knew that I wanted to get a lab diamond. I have an ethical issue with buying a newly mined diamond due to the environmental and societal impact. The history of blood diamonds is brimming with violence, Civil War, racism, and imperialism. I recognize that there were not many easy-to-obtain alternatives to mined diamonds until the last 10-20 years, so I do not shame or hold those who bought mined diamonds in the past.
After many environmental and humanitarian efforts highlighting the harm of mined diamonds, there has been some progress. It is now commonplace for jewelers to inform their customers that their mined diamond was “conflict” free. While this is a great first step, it does not make up for the damage that was done and the damage that is still ongoing. The imperialist nature of Western countries plundering dthe resources of developing countries all the while making themselves richer while leaving the developing country behind matters to me. For that reason alone, I decided against a mined diamond.
I did consider buying a used mined diamond as it is a sustainable alternative. I would have chosen this route however I had difficulty finding a previously used diamond that fit my qualifications and budget.
2) Cost Effective
I also chose a lab diamond due to the exorbitant cost of mined diamonds. When searching for my engagement ring, I was astonished by how much more affordable a lab diamond was than a mined diamond. Lab-grown diamonds are on average 30-40% cheaper than mined diamonds. This means that I could get more bang for my buck if I go with a lab diamond. As I searched for the lab diamond with the qualifications that I wanted, I was pleased with the savings when I went with a lab diamond.
3.) Lab diamonds are real diamonds
Lab diamonds are real diamonds. Diamonds are a solid form of pure carbon. The only difference is one is made naturally and one is made in a lab. Only gemologists can tell the difference while looking under a microscope. A diamond is a diamond is a diamond
4) Where should you start?
Wondering where you should start? Start here with Frank Darling. Look out for my next post regarding my experience with Frank Darling- Where I decided to get my engagement ring.
