Are lab grown diamonds the new trend for engagement rings?

Lab grown diamonds are becoming more and more popular with Irish couples, and for good reason.

They are not only made of the same chemical properties as natural mined diamonds and evaluated using the same 4C characteristics (cut, clarity, colour, and carat), they are also more affordable, ethical and sustainable. 

Cut 

Arguably the most important component, cut determines a stone's sparkle and brilliance. A low carat ring with an excellent cut will always look better than a high carat ring with poor cut.

The shape also contributes to this, whether it’s the most popular Round Stone Cut (Brilliant Cut), the Square Cut (Princess), Oval Cut etc..

Clarity 

This refers to how many imperfections can be seen in the stone, and how obvious they are to the naked eye. 

Whether you're going for a classic diamond, or a precious gem like a sapphire or ruby, you want to avoid stones with inclusions. Inclusions are any materials trapped inside a mineral during its formation, and they can affect the colour of a stone. 

Colour 

According to The Diamond Pro, diamond colours range from D to Z, with D being the brightest and going down from there, but - depending on the setting - an H or I diamond can look just as clear and white as a colourless grade diamond. 

Carat 

You may have heard references to how many 'carats' a ring is in movies and TV shows. This refers to the stone's weight or size, which can be an important factor to some couples. The most common carat size for engagement rings is between 0.5 and 1 carat, however higher carat rings are becoming more and more popular. 

A diamond created in a lab is a diamond by another name; it's not to be confused with something like cubic zirconia, which is made of zirconium dioxide and often found in costume jewellery.

A lab grown diamond is as durable and beautiful as its natural counterpart and can often be purchased for a much more affordable price which, due to Ireland's ongoing cost-of-living crisis, is a very attractive selling point. It also eliminates ethical concerns regarding mining practices in poorer countries. 

Although its popularity is booming, some couples are hesitant to choose lab grown over natural. This may be due to resale value concerns, but if not, is it really more romantic for your diamond to be dug from the ground rather than grown and perfected in a lab? Is a rose any less beautiful if it's grown in a greenhouse rather than a garden? 

The answer will vary from person to person, and each person's choice is deeply personal to them.

Deciding to marry someone is the result of a gut feeling, a quiet intuition and deep inner knowledge that this is the right person for you forever. And like most matters of love, it's best to go with your gut. Buying an engagement ring is no different, whether it's grown in the ground or not. 

If you want to discuss more or want to see what selection we have in stock call to Celtic Jewels, 17 Dublin St, Longford, and talk to John.

Celtic Jewels

17 Dublin St, Longford, N39 N2X0

Call: 043 3342157 / 086 8051229

Website: www.celticjewels.ie

Facebook: www.facebook.com/celticjewelslongford

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