Finding the right engagement ring can be a mind boggling process, trying to showcase your love and admiration for each other whilst balancing style and budget, is thwarted with difficulties. Today we have the lab-grown jewellery experts from Lily Arkwright here to give us a run-down on some excellent diamond alternatives you can choose from.
Lab Grown Diamonds
If you are completely set on having a diamond ring, choosing a lab diamond ring is an amazing option as lab diamonds are 100% real diamonds! If you didn’t already know lab diamonds are chemically, optically and physically the same as naturally mined diamonds. The process of how lab diamonds are made replicated the natural growing process of how mined diamonds are formed deep within the earth's crust. However the significant point of difference being, one is formed by a natural reaction within the earth’s crust and the other occurs above ground, in controlled lab conditions.
Another great reason as to why you should consider a lab diamond is the ethical and sustainable credentials. Most of the time the supply chain of mined diamonds can be inaccessible. Opting for Assay Assured retailers, will guarantee that your jewellery has met and exceeded legal requirements having been independently tested.
Although not all mined diamonds are exploitive to communities and environments, you will always run the risk when purchasing a naturally mined diamond. When diamonds are grown in a lab, this eliminates the mining process involved during production, ensuring that no community or environment is being harmed. Another great advantage to choosing a lab diamond is the affordability aspect! Lab diamonds are up to 30% less expensive than mined diamonds, meaning you can save money whilst seeking your dream engagement ring.
Moissanite Engagement Rings
Moissanite engagement rings are an amazing affordable alternative to diamond rings. Moissanite should be viewed as its own unique gemstone with its own special optical and chemical properties. Appearance wise, moissanite is very similar to a diamond, the brilliance of moissanite is reflected in its unbeatable durability, sparkle, radiance and colour. All whilst costing an average of 90% less than your conventional diamond, whilst still emitting that same fire and brilliance.
Moissanite gemstones are the second hardest gemstone used in jewellery making today, with a 9.25 score on the Mohs Scale. To put this into perspective, a diamond which is the hardest mineral on the planet has a score of 10 and a blue sapphire, the same gemstone set in the infamous engagement ring worn formally by Princess Diana, measures a 9. Therefore, making moissanite is an incredibly hard and durable gemstone, ideal for everyday wear.
Due to the clear white colour, moissanite is an extremely versatile engagement ring option and can be paired with almost any setting. With moissanites' beautiful sparkle, it makes for a great ethical and sustainable option for couples.
Coloured Gemstone Engagement Rings
For those of you who desire a pop of colour in your life, a coloured gemstone engagement ring could be the perfect option. Did you know you can grow almost any gemstone in a lab, the same way lab diamonds and moissanites are grown!
Lab grown coloured gemstones are physically, optically and chemically the same as their mined gemstone counterparts. The only difference between natural gemstones and lab grown gems is that the lab gem growing process occurs above ground, rather than below. The eco-friendly aspect of lab grown gems is another desirable feature, as no mining is involved, eliminating the impacts on the natural environment, making lab grown coloured gemstones are an amazing sustainable and ethical alternative to naturally mined gems.
Lily Arkwright are proud partners with Chatham Gems, who are the world leading lab grown gemstone producers. An attractive aspect of lab grown coloured gemstones means that the ring can be available in a variety of shapes that are almost impossible to find in naturally mined gemstones. Chatham and Lily Arkwright's production process ensures all gemstones are ethically produced and all gemstones are rich in colour and cut, providing that very special vibrance and sparkle. In gemology diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires are all regarded as precious gemstones and make amazing jewellery and engagement ring choices.
Final Thoughts:
For some, people love tradition so a lab diamond or moissanite could be a great choice but for those who love to stand out from the crowd selecting a colourful gem from the Chatham collection is the best option. If the idea of lab grown engagement rings has piqued your interest or you would like to find out more information about Lily Arkwright and their lab diamond collections simply call them on: 0161 537 6773, or alternatively you can email their jewellery consultancy team at: hello@lilyarkwright.com or book an in-person consultation.
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