If you’re interested in fashion, then there’s a good chance that you’re aware it’s now possible to buy jewelry made using lab created diamonds, rather than those that have been mined.
This is not a particularly new breakthrough, but it’s one which is having an increasingly significant impact on the wider jewelry industry at the moment. Here’s a look at the major changes that are taking place right now, and what you need to know as a consumer.
Some Jewelers Are Only Using Lab-Grown Diamonds
It’s no secret that the jewelry industry has been revolutionized by lab-grown diamonds. As technology advances, more and more jewelers are turning to man made gems for their pieces.
For instance, you can find high-quality lab diamonds at VRAI, a forward-thinking brand that uses man-made gems for its entire range.
Of course not every jeweler has ditched mined diamonds altogether, but it seems like this is a movement that’s gathering momentum, to the point that if companies want to appease millennial and Gen Z customers, they need to provide at least some lab created gems to remain competitive.
The Environmental Impact of Lab-Grown Diamonds
One significant benefit of choosing man-made gems over mined diamonds is the lower environmental fallout.
Diamonds created in a lab require much less energy and resources to produce, not to mention a significantly shorter production timeline. The process for creating lab grown gems also eliminates many of the hazardous byproducts associated with mining practices, such as air pollution and water contamination.
On top of that, man-made jewels have fewer carbon emissions than their mined counterparts, which is an important factor in today’s increasingly eco-conscious world.
All these factors combine to make lab-created diamond jewelry an attractive option compared to its mined rivals, which is great news for both shoppers and the planet. In fact, VRAI’s Diamond Foundry grows diamonds with net zero emissions, meaning that they do not emit more carbon than they lock up as part of their production processes. With time, this is likely to get even better.
How the Price of Mined vs. Man-Made Diamonds Compares
Cost is often a major factor when shopping for jewelry, and one aspect where lab created diamonds have an edge over mined gems.
It’s tricky to put a figure on precisely how much you’ll save if you choose man-made diamonds, but it’s safe to assume that in every instance, a like-for-like gem will be more wallet-friendly if it has been created in a lab. The main reason for this is of course the aforementioned shorter production time, and the lack of a need to worry about paying for other expenses, such as transport costs.
It’s still important to note that lab created jewels are still subject to stringent quality control measures, and they are identical to mined diamonds, inclusions and all. That means that they are only comparatively affordable, and will still be more expensive than certain other mined precious and semi-precious gems.
Latest Advancements in Technology for Growing Diamonds
The technology behind lab-grown diamonds has come a long way since its inception. In the past few years, major advancements have been made in both the processes and materials used to create these gems. This means jewelers can now produce higher quality man made diamonds than ever before, with results identical to those of mined gems, as mentioned.
Recent breakthroughs include faster growth cycles, improved gem hardness and more intricate cuts that allow for even greater customization options when it comes to designing jewelry pieces. These technological advances are making it easier than ever before to craft beautiful diamond jewelry from start to finish, all without compromising on quality or style.
While the tech might be complex, the concept is simple. By mirroring the conditions in which diamonds are formed underground, but accelerating the process so that it doesn’t take millions of years, manufacturers of lab-grown gems are transforming the jewelry industry one diamond at a time.
Popularity Among Younger Consumers of Conscientious Fashion Trends
The growth in popularity of lab-grown diamonds is also due to the fact that the under-40s are increasingly looking for fashion trends that do not contradict their beliefs around eco-friendliness.
As mentioned, it is this no-compromises element to man-made gems that makes them an obvious choice. They’re identical to mined diamonds, but do not come with the baggage attached to them, so it’s in the interests of modern consumers to buy them, and thus for jewelers to sell them.
This feeds into the modern yet timeless aspect of diamond jewelry. There are always ebbs and flows in fashion trends, particularly where accessories are concerned. But with a well-chosen lab-grown diamond ring, earring, necklace, pendant or any other piece, a buyer can be confident that this will look good today, tomorrow and for decades to come.
The Increasing Role of Artificial Intelligence in Crafting Quality Gems
As technology advances, so does the role of artificial intelligence (AI) when it comes to creating lab grown diamonds.
AI-powered bots are now able to monitor and adjust production processes at every step, from growth conditions all the way through to polishing and cutting stages. This means jewelers can ensure each finished diamond meets their exacting standards for quality control, and craft truly superior products with ease.
What’s more, this automation also reduces human error which could lead to discrepancies between batches or pieces, making lab created jewels even more consistent than ever before.
Changes to Supply Chain Processes With More Use Of Man-made Diamonds
The final point to make is that shifts in the jewelry supply chain process have been caused by the rise of lab created gems.
This movement away from mined diamonds towards man-made materials has meant that companies must adjust their processes accordingly, from sourcing raw materials all the way through to final product delivery. Moreover, these advancements have opened up new opportunities for businesses as they look to creating supply chains with a reduced environmental impact across the board.
If this has opened your eyes to the amazing world of lab-grown diamonds, then now’s a good time to seek out jewelry that uses them, and wow your friends and family with a purchase that’s much more of a talking point than any with mined gems onboard.
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