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When laboratory-grown diamonds were first introduced into the world of fine jewelry, to say the least, they were met with some suspicion. People want to know whether they are really real diamonds (they are!) and whether they have the same sparkle and brilliance as natural diamonds (they are indeed!). But today, laboratory-grown diamond engagement rings are as popular as ever, and come in a variety of styles, shapes, and cuts. More importantly, many lab-made diamonds are sustainable and cheaper than earth diamonds, making them a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice.
So, what exactly are laboratory-made diamonds—how are they made? JamesAllen.com’s sales manager Lorraine Brantner explained: “Laboratory-grown diamonds are real diamonds formed in a laboratory environment using high-tech equipment.” In short, these laboratories can produce and form diamonds from the earth. The same pressure and high temperature. "In recent years, we have been able to simulate the extreme conditions deep on the earth's surface to create a suitable environment to grow diamond crystals in a laboratory environment," Brantner added.
Although it may take billions of years to form natural diamonds, it only takes a few weeks to produce laboratory-grown diamonds with the same optical, physical and chemical properties as earth diamonds. Even better? Many lab-made diamonds are made using renewable energy and are manufactured in zero-emission foundries, so they are more environmentally friendly than mined diamonds.
Read on to learn about the best places to buy lab-grown diamond jewelry.
VRAI is known for making impeccable diamond engagement rings, which cover everything from simple classics to modern fashion. VRAI's conflict-free diamonds are sustainably grown in its zero-emission foundry in the United States. "Our jewellery and sustainable diamonds are completely transparent. These diamonds are grown using renewable energy, so there is no question of origin or price increases by middlemen. This is the ultimate luxury," said CEO Mona Akhavi. The brand's engagement rings and jewellery are also inlaid with recycled gold and even shipped in sustainable packaging.
Special Service: When it comes to VRAI's stunning collection of engagement rings, you can choose to buy their selected iconic designs or choose to make your own diamond ring. "VRAI offers unparalleled customization options, with up to 10 unique diamond shapes and 13 settings to choose from," Akhavi said. “In addition, we also provide virtual appointments to help select engagement rings as easily as possible, so that customers can view different diamond cuts, settings and ring combinations with our experts.”
Shipping and return policy: In terms of shipping, custom-made items are usually shipped within about two weeks after the order is placed. VRAI accepts stock and unworn engagement rings and rings returned within 30 days of delivery. However, each customer can only return one engagement ring, and you must attach the diamond certificate and original packaging to the return.
When making custom engagement rings, Brillant Earth provides a simplified shopping experience that makes designing your dream ring a breeze. First, you only need to choose diamonds of various shapes, cuts, colors, and prices from a vast inventory of laboratory-grown diamonds. After choosing the perfect center stone, you can choose from a variety of stunning mountings and metals, such as fashionable platinum and fashionable rose gold.
Special service: If you are not sure which type of engagement ring is right for you, or if you want to better understand the appearance of the ring, please use Brilliant Earth's virtual try-on app. As the name suggests, this handy tool allows you to virtually try on an engagement ring just by uploading a photo of your hand and choosing your favorite ring style. If you are seeking professional guidance or you are interested in learning more about laboratory-grown diamond education, Brilliant Earth also offers virtual appointments and consultations with its jewelry experts.
Shipping and return policy: Brilliant Earth provides two-way free shipping and 30 days free return service. To get a full refund, your engagement ring must be returned in the original packaging along with all documents.
Ritani is committed to providing ethical and environmentally friendly laboratory-grown diamonds for all budgets. These sparkling diamonds have the same brilliance as natural diamonds, but the cost is only a small part of it, and there are more than 10 amazing shapes, from emeralds to hearts. Ritani is also important in price transparency and details all the costs of manufacturing each laboratory-grown diamond, such as fulfillment fees and any markups. The brand also offers an impressive series of laboratory-grown diamond wedding rings to match any engagement ring style.
Special service: If you want to design your own laboratory-grown diamond engagement ring, Ritani can meet your needs. Choose from thousands of different types of laboratory-grown diamonds, imaginable in various shapes, carat numbers and cuts, as well as various inlays and metals to create the customized ring of your dreams. All Ritani engagement rings come with free engraving and free resizing.
Shipping and return policy: With Ritani, you can enjoy full insurance, fast and free shipping for all domestic orders. In terms of returns, the jewelry brand has a 30-day return policy and accepts returns for customized and carved engagement rings.
Since its launch in 1999, Blue Nile has become one of the most trusted jewelry retailers in the world and is considered the largest leader in the online market for diamonds and engagement rings. With a proven and true online business model and low management fees, Blue Nile can provide exquisite engagement rings without sacrificing quality or craftsmanship. The brand collaborated with Lightbox in 2020 to launch a series of exquisite laboratory-grown diamond rings. This small and eye-catching jewelry style includes an engagement ring set with white, blue or pink laboratory-grown diamonds.
Special services: In addition to engraving services, Blue Nile also provides free ring size adjustment services for all customized engagement rings in the first year. Blue Nile also offers flexible payment plans and manufacturer lifetime warranty.
Shipping and return policy: Like many high-end jewelry brands, Blue Nile provides free insurance and secure shipping, as well as a 30-day exchange and return policy.
Clean Origin only carries 100% lab-made diamonds, suitable for couples who want to design their own engagement ring. Much like Brilliant Earth, Clean Origin provides an easy-to-use customization process and has a variety of settings and diamond shapes to choose from. More importantly, the prices of diamonds manufactured by Clean Origin's ethical procurement and environmentally friendly laboratories are competitive, 30% cheaper than mined diamonds. Even better? The brand's "Rare Collection" selects selected top laboratory-grown diamonds certified by the Gemological Institute of America.
Special Service: Have questions or concerns about your engagement ring? Clean Origin offers 45-minute virtual appointments with knowledgeable diamond experts. Clean Origin also offers a lifetime warranty and an affordable payment plan.
Shipping and return policy: Clean Origin offers a generous 100-day return policy, giving you plenty of time to decide whether your ring is right for you.
12FIFTEEN aims to provide engagement rings that make you feel good. This high-end jewelry brand only provides lab-grown diamonds and handcrafts each engagement ring setting in an extremely careful and professional manner. The brand also strives to provide their customers with the best laboratory diamonds at the best prices, and is able to reduce costs by reducing middlemen and online sales. Even better? 12FIFTEEN provides the ability to create your own engagement ring, allowing you to get what you want with the click of a button.
Special Service: The brand wants you to have confidence in your purchase, which is why they offer price matching guarantees. If you find a diamond at a lower price, they will work hard to find a laboratory-grown diamond that matches the size and price point of your similar diamond.
Shipping and return policy: Want to know if you can return your engagement ring? 12FIFTEEN offers a 30-day return and exchange policy-as long as the ring has never been worn and is in perfect condition. 12FIFTEEN is shipped to the United States and internationally.
James Allen has an impressive selection of laboratory-grown diamonds with a wide range of shapes and prices. "Our mission is to provide consumers with the best quality diamonds and the most choices at the best price," Brantner said. If you want to design an engagement ring that makes you feel unique, James Allen has all the tools to make the customization process extremely simple and fun. "Our goal is to take the well-known daunting process and make it more transparent and enjoyable," Brantner said.
Special service: Although buying an engagement ring online is simple and convenient, it can be tricky to determine the actual appearance of your ring in person. James Allen's solution to this problem is to create detailed images and videos for each type of custom ring. "We have pioneered the amazing 360-degree video technology, combined with 24/7 customer service and amazing prices, to provide customers with a truly unique shopping experience, all in the comfort of their own home," Brantner explained . "Now, we have gone one step further with our latest service, The Ring Studio, which provides customers with complete creative control, allowing them to further customize their setup style by choosing the metal and design of the head and handle."
Delivery and return policy: Regardless of the order amount or destination, JamesAllen.com provides fast and free delivery service. If you are not completely satisfied with the engagement ring, you can return it within 30 days after receiving the order. The loose diamond must be accompanied by the original laboratory grading report, otherwise you will need to pay for the replacement certificate.
As with any major investment, when buying a lab-grown diamond engagement ring, it’s important to conduct research before buying. Most trusted retailers (such as those listed above) will have an in-depth FAQ page that highlights how and where their lab-grown diamonds are manufactured, and the sustainable practices they might adopt.
Since laboratory-grown diamonds have the same optical and chemical properties as natural diamonds, their grading standards are the same as natural diamonds, including cut, clarity, color, and carat weight. The laboratory-grown diamond engagement ring also offers a variety of different styles, setting methods and metals to meet all aesthetic needs. After you find your dream laboratory-grown diamond engagement ring, you should receive and review its laboratory certification.
Lab-grown diamonds are artificial gems made in a laboratory. They are formed by using high-tech equipment, which can produce the same high pressure, high temperature and chemical conditions as natural diamonds.
"Yes, the diamonds grown in the laboratory are the same as the diamonds mined and have the same optical, physical and chemical properties," Akhavi said.
In short, how they are formed. Natural diamonds are formed under the extreme high temperature and high pressure for billions of years under the surface of the earth, while laboratory-grown diamonds are man-made and manufactured in the laboratory under the exact conditions of natural diamonds.
"Although they are still expensive, they are definitely budget-friendly compared to earth diamonds," Brantner said. "We have found that many customers appreciate the overall value of laboratory diamonds, which allows them to truly maximize their budget."
Lorraine Brantner 999 is the sales manager of JamesAllen.com, a high-end jewelry retailer that sells laboratory-made diamonds at various price points.
Mona Akhavi is the CEO of VRAI, a high-end jewelry brand that provides sustainable diamonds for modern brides.
Contributing writer Sophie Moore is the former fashion editor of Brides. She is an expert in all aspects of bridal wear, from haute couture wedding dresses to perfect "blue" accessories. She researches and purchases the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, bridal parties, etc. When it comes to engagement rings, Sophie really likes classic styles such as emerald cut styles.
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