You’ve probably heard the myths about buying a lab grown diamond engagement ring. “They aren’t high quality,” “Lab grown diamonds aren’t as durable,” or our personal favorite, “It isn’t a real diamond.” Today, we’re setting the record straight! We’ve teamed up with Great Heights to bring you just a few of the reasons you might want to consider this traditional diamond alternative!
Yes, lab grown diamonds are still real diamonds.
Just because they come from a lab and not a mine doesn’t mean these diamonds are of any lesser quality. In fact, they are held to the same high standards that naturally occurring diamonds are, and they’re evaluated and graded by the same gemologists. Lab grown diamonds and mined diamonds have the same physical and chemical makeup and are virtually indistinguishable by the naked eye. The only real difference is their origin. Scientific advances have allowed humans to understand the diamond-making process that happens beneath the Earth’s surface and reproduce it in a controlled setting. But because the process is the same, no two lab grown diamonds are alike. There are variations in clarity, color, and size, just like with mined diamonds.
They’re a fraction of the price.
The supply chain of mined diamonds includes exploration, extraction, transportation, manufacturing, and distribution, just to name a few steps. Each one of these comes with a cost, and they all add up to the hefty price tag of the finished diamond we see in jewelry retailers. When the mining process is eliminated, much of the costs associated with it are as well. Not to mention, there are increased savings to be had with companies like Great Heights that are digitally native and bring their customers diamonds via eCommerce. Consumers can save up to 40% when opting for a lab grown diamond at Great Heights. This means a couple can get more bang for their buck or spend less money on an engagement ring without sacrificing size or quality.
You can purchase with peace of mind.
The diamond industry can be a nasty business. According to an article appearing on Time.com, 5-10% of the world’s mined diamonds are illegally traded. While this statistic is down from 25% in 2003, it still equates to thousands and thousands of people being subjected to exploitation, slavery, and violence, all in the name of jewelry and profits. There is only one way you can be absolutely positive you aren’t unknowingly purchasing a “blood diamond,” and that’s by opting for a lab grown one instead. You can rest easy knowing the ring on your finger is conflict-free.
Mother Nature will thank you.
Weddings can be super wasteful, but luckily more and more couples are adopting green wedding practices. However, these steps towards a more earth-friendly celebration can start long before the big day. Lab grown diamonds are more sustainably produced than their natural counterparts. Take water usage, for example. Great Height’s website reports that approximately 126 gallons of water are consumed per carat of a mined diamond, whereas a lab grown diamond consumes just 18. This, coupled with lower energy usage, carbon emissions, sulphur oxide production, land disruption, and waste production, makes a lab grown diamond an easy choice for those hoping their union makes less of a carbon footprint.
A modern couple deserves a modern choice.
From puppy bouquets to a “man of honor” to skipping the fuss and muss of a formal reception, millennials are putting their own spins on wedding traditions. Today’s couples are more self aware, more socially conscious, and more willing to break up the status quo than any other generation. Why shouldn’t this extend to engagement rings? Contemporary duos now have another option that doesn’t force them to compromise values for traditions.
All Yours, Never Mined
We couldn’t possibly love this tag line of Great Heights any more. And speaking of love, you just know you’re going to go head over heels for their pieces. With a 100-day return policy, a lifetime warranty, and free resizing, you really don’t have much to lose. Go check out their website, follow them on Instagram, and come back here and tell us what you think.
If you have a Great Heights engagement ring or another lab grown diamond, we’d love to see it. Upload a photo and tag @burghbrides or use #burghbrides so we can scope that shiny sparkler!
A HUGE thanks to Great Heights for teaming up with Burgh Brides to bring you this post. While we were compensated for our work, all writing, thoughts, opinions, recommendations, and love for the brand are our own. You can read our full sponsored content disclosure policy here.
