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etikajewels · 2 years

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Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Just As Good? (Before Purchasing)

The popularity of lab-grown diamonds has exploded in the last few years, especially as these diamonds are identical to mined diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds share the same chemical, physical, and optical properties to mined diamonds and can offer an exceptional value at a lower cost.

It is understandable if you are a bit skeptical about lab-grown diamonds and how they compare to the mined ones. However, if you take a few minutes to familiarize yourselves with the chemistry and features of lab-grown diamonds, you will surely see how lab-grown diamonds are just as good, dare we say, better than natural diamonds.

This article will try to answer some important questions regarding lab-grown diamonds. We will also learn how they are sometimes a better deal than mined diamonds and where you can buy authentic and certified lab-grown diamonds.

So, let’s get to business, shall we?

What is a lab-grown diamond?

While naturally-occurring diamonds were formed beneath the earth’s surface millions of years ago, a lab-grown diamond is manufactured under controlled conditions in a laboratory. Fundamentally this is the only difference between a lab-grown and a naturally-occurring diamond.

Lab-grown diamonds are available in all kinds of shapes and sizes. It is virtually impossible to tell them apart if you have a naturally-occurring diamond and a lab-grown diamond in front of you. Even professional gemmologists need special equipment to differentiate between natural and lab-created diamonds.

Lab-grown diamonds are manufactured under strictly controlled conditions in a lab. The two methods used to make synthetic diamonds in a lab are:

Chemical Vapor Deposition (CDV) method

The CDV is one of the most popular methods to synthesize diamonds in a lab. The method involves seeding a small diamond crystal in a chamber and filling it with gasses. The gasses are then heated under very high pressure when layers of carbon begin to form over the seed crystal. As the layers of carbon start depositing on top of the seed crystal, it grows. The CDV method produces a high-quality, square-shaped diamond crystal.

High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) method

The HPHT method aims to replicate the earth’s crust’s high pressure and temperature conditions that form the natural diamond. The process involves putting a piece of natural graphite in a huge machine that crushes it under tremendous pressure at very high temperatures. Under such high temperature and high-pressure conditions, the graphite turns into a diamond crystal.

Both methods produce high-grade diamonds that are indistinguishable from the natural ones. While it takes millions of years of high pressure and temperature for a natural diamond to form, scientists can create lab-grown diamonds in a few weeks.

One of the most appealing features of lab-grown diamonds is that despite the features they share with natural stones, they cost a lot less.

Main differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds (What do the experts say?)

Natural and lab-made diamonds share the same chemical structure. However you will sometimes hear that lab-grown diamonds are higher quality. Why is that? The reason is the presence of traces of nitrogen in natural diamonds. Nitrogen is the chemical responsible of the yellowish color in diamonds. Lab-made diamonds don’t contain nitrogen in their structure and therefore are colorless.

As lab-grown diamonds are free of nitrogen, they are categorized as Type IIa diamonds, especially the ones made using the CVD technique. As these diamonds contain very little or no nitrogen, they are colorless. Natural diamonds that contain a small amount of nitrogen have a yellowish tinge. Only 2% of diamonds find in the nature are Type Ila, and are truly colorless.

It is nearly impossible to tell natural and lab-grown diamonds apart. Gemmologists use special sophisticated equipment to make out small contrasts in the carbon atoms growth directions to tell apart a lab-grown from a mined diamond. Only sophisticated technologies used by IGI and GIA can tell the difference between natural and lab-grown diamonds.

The lab-made diamonds are so similar to the natural ones that the US Federal Trades Commission (FTC) classes them as “real” diamonds. Lab-created diamonds also test as real when using a diamond tester. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA)started grading lab-grown diamonds in 2007. Since 2019, the GIA also dropped the word “synthetic” from the grading reports of lab-grown diamonds.

Both natural and lab-grown diamonds are graded according to the “4C” criteria- Color, Cut, Clarity, and Carat. A perfectly cut and internally flawless diamond is expensive, whether natural or lab-made.

Similar to natural diamonds, lab-made diamonds also have varying amounts of internal flaws or “inclusions.” The GIA or International Gemological Institute (IGI) graded lab-grown diamonds based on these inclusions. Both GIA and IGI grade lab-grown diamonds. While the GIA is more popular in America, IGI is more popular in Europe and Asia.

Here is how a lab-grown diamond compares with mined diamonds:DiamondsLab-grownMinedChemical compositionCarbonCarbonCrystalline structureCubicCubicRefractive index2.422.42Dispersion0.0440.044Hardness1010Density3.523.52

Are lab-grown diamonds just as valuable?

Lab-grown diamonds are, on average, 30-50% less costly than a natural diamond of a comparable grade. It means you can purchase a significantly larger lab-made diamond at the same price and truthfully claim it as a real diamond.

It is impossible to distinguish between a naturally mined diamond and a lab-grown diamond of a similar grade, neither by loupe or a microscope.

The difference in the price of lab-grown and natural diamonds is not because of inferior quality; rather, it is due to supply. Naturally-occurring diamonds have a longer supply chain and consequently, they are costlier.

On the other hand, the supply chain for lab-grown diamonds is shorter and their production have no cap. Hence, you get lab-grown diamonds at reduced prices.

You must purchase a certified lab-grown diamond from a reputable seller like Etika Jewels®. Today, most lab-grown diamonds are certified by IGI for their color, carat, cut, and clarity according to very strict international standards. GIA also has developed a sophisticated method to screen and grade lab-made diamonds.

While it is true that the prices of lab-grown diamonds have fluctuated over the last few years, there is still a great value in purchasing them.

Are Natural diamonds more valuable?

It is a general misconception that mined diamonds are more valuable because they are rare. As a matter of fact, mined diamonds are one of the most common precious or semiprecious stones found in the earth’s crust.

Expect for some truly exceptional diamonds with very unique specificities (3CT or more Type IIa or naturally colored diamonds), regular quality diamonds are fairly common and are pretty accessible to nearly anyone. Their high price of a natural diamond is more of a marketing strategy than the market’s discrepancy in supply and demand.

While it is true that you might get less selling a lab-grown diamond, you must remember that you purchase it for less as well. Besides, you stand to lose more selling a natural diamond unless you are an expert gemologist with experience in evaluating and testing diamonds.

Many people don’t know that the price of a lab-grown diamond is based on the Rapaport Price List, similar to natural diamonds. So, when the price of a natural diamond goes up on the market, the price of a lab-grown diamond also increases.

However, lab-grown diamonds successfully circumvent the ethical and environmental issues that have plagued natural diamond mining.

Where to buy lab-grown diamond jewelry?

The biggest consideration while purchasing lab-grown diamond jewelry is the authenticity of the diamonds. You must buy your lab-grown diamonds from an authentic supplier like Etika Jewels®. All our diamonds 0.5 carats or bigger are independently certified by IGI.

A diamond is a big investment for most people, and you expect your diamond jewelry to last a lifetime. Authentic, certified lab-grown diamonds are similar to natural ones, and we guarantee they will last a lifetime.

All Etika Jewels® diamonds are graded by assessing the 4C’s- cut, carat, color, and clarity. Our lab-created diamonds are graded “very good” or “ideal” for the maximum brilliance of your jewelry. We only use colorless (D-E-F) or near-colorless (G-H) grade lab-grown diamonds in our jewelry.

Purchasing a lab-grown diamond from a reputed store ensures that you are getting your money’s worth and the guarantee that you got a genuine product.

Conclusion

Lab-grown diamonds are, in no way, inferior to their natural counterparts regarding quality or brilliance. Besides, there are several advantages to purchasing a lab-grown diamond.

Whether you should buy a lab-grown or a natural diamond is a decision that you will have to make on your own. Don’t let anyone guilt-trap you into purchasing a diamond you don’t love. Now that you understand the intricacies of a lab-grown diamond and perhaps see the merit of getting one, you can make an educated and informed choice.

If you want a sustainable diamond that is as brilliant as the real deal, then going for a lab-grown diamond is a no-brainer.

If you are shopping for some of the highest-quality, eco-friendly lab-made diamonds, we have a great collection waiting for you!

#labgrowndiamonds #diamond #ethicalbusiness #ethicaljewelry #labgrowndiamond #fashion #lab created diamonds

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etikajewels · 2 years

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Why Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Becoming So Popular?

While diamond was always touted as something that was ‘forever’ and a ‘girl’s best friend’, reports suggest that young people are looking for alternatives to mined diamonds because of their high environmental and humanitarian costs. Enter the lab-grown diamond! The cultivated diamond’s share of diamond sales has increased from 3% in 2020 to at 7.5% in 2022. Wondering what’s causing this boom in popularity? Let’s find out!

1- Favorite choice of the millennials and Generation Z

Nearly 70% Millennials and now Generation Z – the two main purchasers of diamonds for engagement rings – are considering buying a lab-grown alternative. A rapidly growing eco-conscious mindset and ethical concerns about the environment, social and corporate responsibility, and natural diamond sourcing are the main factors behind this decision. Millennials and Generation Z care deeply about the environment, the global community, and social justice, which is why they prefer luxury products that don’t compromise their ethics. Especially in the face of the global COVID-19 pandemic, consumers have become more mindful of their purchasing habits and the businesses they are supporting.

2- Ethical and Eco Friendly

The surge of conscious consumerism is also fueling the popularity of lab grown diamonds. Consumers prefer to be aware of the journey of their stone from its origins till its acquisition, and be reassured they’re conflict-free. Afterall, Diamond mining is associated with child and bonded labor, human rights violation, hazardous working conditions and unfair wages. Diamond mining also has severe repercussions for the earth. Did you know that 250 tonnes of earth is shifted and almost 57kg of carbon are released into the atmosphere for every single carat of diamond mined? In addition, diamond mining also pollutes water sources used by local people due to acid-mine drainage. With the ever-increasing use of social media, today’s consumer is not oblivious to these environmental and social impacts.

On the other hand, lab-grown diamonds have a much smaller carbon footprint, consume much less energy to grow and have no environmental, economic, and social impact on communities where they grow. While diamond mines require immense amounts of fossil fuels to extract the gemstones, diamond growers are using renewable energy to grow diamonds. Since they are sustainably grown in state-of-the-art facilities operated by well-compensated employees, there is no question about their origin as well. A sustainable, vegan, ethical and eco-friendly jewelry piece that brightens the world, is a fitting choice for mindful buyers. Learn more about the positive impact of lab grown diamonds Here.

3- Top Celebrities are sparkling in it

Given the choice of all the world’s sparkle, many famed celebrities are preferring cultivated diamonds over mined ones. How can we forget how bright Meghan Markle shined when she emerged onto a London Street adorned in a pair of glittering drop earrings embedded with man-made diamonds! Or when Penelope Cruz wore lab grown diamond jewelry to the Cannes Film Festival because she wanted to wear something responsible and beautiful. We have often seen Emma Watson wear lab grown diamond earrings on the red carpet. In fact, a lot of celebrities have jumped on the bandwagon, including Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Zendaya, Jennifer Hudson, Lana Condor, Regina King, Jennifer Lopez, Kate Mara, Deepika Padukone and many more.

4- Better for the bank account

Purchasing a diamond doesn’t have to break the bank. One of the main reasons consumers are flocking to man-made diamonds is their relatively lower cost. Lab-grown diamonds can sell for as much as 40% cheaper than a natural diamond of the same size, cut, and clarity, which has made them accessible to a wider range of price-sensitive consumers. This is primarily because while it may take a diamond, some billions of years to form naturally, lab-grown diamonds take just a few weeks to grow. The supply chain of lab-grown diamond is also much shorter, that means less mark-ups and included in the final price. This means that with cultivated diamonds, you get a larger, higher-quality stone for your price point, but just as stunningly beautiful.

5- They are real diamonds

Despite the efforts of mining companies to trick consumers into feeling like a lab-grown diamond isn’t “real”, lab-grown diamonds are every bit as real as mined diamonds. They exhibit the same physical, optical and chemical traits as mined stones, and cannot be distinguished by an untrained eye. Since they have the same scintillation, flash, and fire as a natural diamond, they can only be identified by a trained gemologist, and that too with the help of high-tech equipment. For the cherry on top, in addition to their lower price point, the controlled environment of a lab ensures that these diamonds are free from impurities. This makes them clearer, durable, brighter, and of superior quality than their mined counterparts. Rest assured, your lab-grown diamond will shine as brilliantly as you.

Discover our collection of stunning lab-grown diamond jewelry and start today your fine diamond Jewellery collection.

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#EtikaJewels #diamond #ethicalbusiness #ethicaljewelry #labgrowndiamond #fashion #lab created diamonds #sustainability #design #art #ootd

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5 Jewelry Essentials To Start Your Collection

A staple jewelry collection is a timeless way to boost your style. Among the must-haves are diamonds and 18K gold pieces, each everlasting in terms of style, value and quality.

Today, with Etika Jewelry®, diamonds don’t have the same harmful and exploitative reputation thanks to lab-grown diamonds – which are sustainable and 100% ethical. Adding these staple lab-grown diamond pieces to your collection is an effortless way to improve your accessorizing game while supporting an environmentally friendly substitute for mined diamonds. Not to mention the obvious style upgrade that comes along with them!

#1 Diamond Studded Earrings – The Most Essential Accessory

Simple diamond studs are a way to elevate any look. They pair perfectly with any style and instantly brighten the face and eyes for an effortless, glamourous appeal. You can wear them day and night and make them part of your everyday garb, no matter your style. Have a look at our Lab-Grown Diamond Studded Earrings.

Why We Like Them: These studs come in a variety of sizes and feature high-quality, IGI-certified diamonds. Options include 18K gold in white, pink, or yellow and diamond sizes ranging from a total of ½ carat to 2 carats.

#2 Solitaire Necklace – A Touch Of Sophistication

A simple, stylish necklace is always in style. It adds an effortless touch of sophistication to any look and pairs well with virtually everything. Check out our beautiful Diamond Solitaire Necklace, the proof that beauty is in simplicity.

Why We Like It: Our diamond solitaire necklace comes in different stylish shape options like the classical round cur diamond, heart cut, oval shape or pear shaped diamond. You can choose your preferred gold color and select your certified diamond size for a look that’s all your own. Plus, the price tag is right on point!

#3 Tennis Bracelet – Dainty & Classy

A dainty diamond bracelet is a stylish and trendy way to light your wrist. It’s classy and flirty and plays up any style, making it an essential jewelry piece to add to any collection. Nothing shines like our Diamond Tennis Bracelet.

Why We Like It: Our tennis bracelets come in a variety of sizes and precious stones. You can choose between the classic diamond bracelet, available in different sizes from (1 to 10 carats), the color gemstones sapphire tennis bracelet, available in black sapphire or rainbow sapphire, for a bold statement bracelet. Choose your tennis bracelet in white, pink or yellow 18K gold. You can also shop the mini bracelet with ½ carat for an unbeatable price.

#4 Diamond Ring – Everyday Bling

Upgrade your ring game with our collection of trendy rings, stackable rings and lab-grown diamond engagement rings. Wearing one on the daily can add the right amount of bling to your OOTD – which is never a bad idea – and comes with zero strings attached (unlike other kinds of diamond rings).

Check Our iconic Kenza, Oval Diamond Ring or Nabila, Halo Diamond Ring are must-have, zero-conflict diamond rings for everyday wear. For a unique spin on the traditional diamond ring, check out the Sophia: Emerald Diamond Ring.

Why We Like Them: Our diamond ring options are not only stylish but ethically sourced and easy on the environment. Each diamond comes certified from the International Gemological Institute (IGI). Every ring has a unique shape and look, as well as customizable features like band gold color and carat size of the diamond.

#5 Mini Huggies – Most Trending Essential Accessory

Huggies are a trend that’s here to stay, dressing up the ears and making literally any outfit look put together. Make mini huggies your go-to ear accessory – playing them up with diamond studs and hoops or wearing them alone for a minimalistic style. Choose from our Gemstones Huggie Earrings or our Diamond Huggies Earrings and even Rainbow Sapphire Huggies – our collection is full of brag-worthy essential pieces.

Why We Like Them: Huggies are one of those accessories that you can put on and forget about, becoming a part of your everyday style. You can wear them 24/7 because they have no back closer. Classic yet trendy – you can wear them with anything – but choosing to go bold and play up essential jewelry pieces is also an option. Our selection of huggies lets you choose to go minimal, bold, or both – with prices that will keep you on-trend on a budget.

But Wait… There’s More

These 5 essential pieces are the foundation of a stylish jewelry collection. Apart from the must-haves listed here, we here at Etika Jewelry® are stocked with everything from minimalist and delicate pieces to timeless statement pieces. Not only are our styles so “now” but our dedication to ethical products is our driving factor. We are proud to offer stylish options that are ethically sourced, sustainable, and easier on the wallet than others. You don’t have to break the bank to be timelessly stylish – so start building your jewelry collection today.

#diamond #ethicalbusiness #fashion #lab created diamonds #sustainability #ethicaljewelry #art #labgrowndiamond #design #ootd

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etikajewels · 2 years

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#education #womeneducation #womenempoweringwomen #womenandchildren #empoweringwomen #womenentrepreneurs #womenentrepreneur #labgrowndiamond #labgrowndiamonds #labgrowndiamondjewelry #diamond #ethicaljewelry #ethicalbusiness

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The Million Dollar Question: Can You Tell the Difference Between Lab-Grown and Mined Diamonds? . . . The short answer is “No.” . . You cannot tell the difference between a lab-grown diamond and a natural diamond with the naked eye. This is because they possess the same chemical and optical properties as the mined diamonds.

#sustainablefashion #sustainablebusiness #uae #ethicalfashion #ethicalbusiness #ethicallymade #jewelrydesigner #jewellery #labgrowndiamond #labgrowndiamonds #labgrown #labgrowndiamondjewelry #sustainability

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etikajewels · 2 years

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Learn more about lab-grown diamonds with us Ethical & Trendy Diamond Jewellery in Dubai - ETIKA Jewels

#fashion #jewerly #jewellery #lab created diamonds #labgrowndiamond #diamond #finediamondearrings #ethicalbusiness #ethicaljewelry #sustainability

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etikajewels · 2 years

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Jewelry for Life:

Classic gold and diamond jewelry transcends seasonal trends thanks to top-quality materials, and meticulous craftsmanship. Etika Jewels® fine jewellery styles are those precious details that instantly elevate your outfits and make you feel good. We come up with jewelry classics that mix & match with everything, everyday.

What We Do:

We create everyday fine diamond jewellery made of lab-grown diamonds and gemstones born in laboratories that replicate the natural diamond growing process. These gems are elegantly set with 18K gold to create timeless jewelry for you. Our classic collections are meant to be worn forever and for every occasion. Every season, our prêt-à-porter pieces reflect the fashion trends. We come up with effortless chic jewelry that best represents you and your lifestyle. Our designs are classic and minimalistic, with a knack for pieces that stand the test of time. At Etika Jewels®, we can also meet your wishes and design bespoke jewelry made of created diamonds and gemstones, only for you.

Our Mission:

Our credo is making high-end jewelry that is produced in a sustainable way. We maintain an ethical approach to fashion in everything we do, from the initial sketches to the final product and packaging. Our diamonds and gemstones are engineered with the help of advanced technology and are 100% conflict-free. We create conscious and eco-friendly jewelry. We take pride in making diamonds more ethical and accessible to each of you, getting you closer to your dream jewelry collections and styling them with your everyday outfits.

Our Products:

What are lab-grown diamonds? Lab-grown or created diamonds are diamonds that are grown in laboratories. Lab-grown diamonds are physically, chemically, and visually identical to their mined equivalents, a true miracle of science and technology that gets constantly optimized. The only difference between a lab-grown and a mined diamond is the place of its origin. Natural diamonds are forged by heat and pressure deep in the earth’s mantle, while lab-grown ones are ‘engineered’ in similar conditions inside a latest-technology machine. Even the most proficient gemologists cannot distinguish them. Just like traditional diamonds, lab-created diamonds are graded by assessing the four C’s of diamond quality: Cut, Color, Carat, Clarity.

Our Advantage: The Value of Ethical Fine Jewelry

Lab-grown diamonds are very well known among luxury shoppers for their good value-for-money. With lab-grown diamonds, you can get a bigger diamond size and a better quality for the same budget. They are indistinguishable from mined diamonds, are equally durable, and last a lifetime. At Etika Jewels® we select for you only the best diamond quality (G+ VS+) to be set in our 18K jewellery and we provide you with a certificate from the International Gemological Institute (IGI) for all diamonds over 0.5CT.

Our Roots: Woman-Made Feminine Jewelry

Etika Jewels® is a women-owned, women-run digital brand. We believe in jewelry as a form of art and self-expression. We believe in women, their talents and their ability to make the world a better place. That is why, at Etika Jewels®, we make diamond jewelry that is a sure confidence-booster, making you look stunning and effortlessly chic everyday in your busy lifestyle. Our company is all about strong women looking and feeling their best!

#diamond #labgrowndiamond #manmade #lab created diamonds #fashion #sustainable #sustainability #ethicaljewelry #ethicalfashion #ethicalbusiness

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