Even for seasoned jewelers, distinguishing between lab-grown and mined diamonds with the naked eye remains a challenge. Recent data reveals that over a third of couples who tied the knot last year chose lab-grown diamonds for their engagement rings, indicating a growing shift towards these ethically sourced alternatives.
Jasmine Ma and her partner, Ricky Chen, had a clear stance on the matter long before stepping into a jewelry store. Ma emphasized her preference for a lab-grown diamond ring, citing both economic and ethical reasons. Not only do lab-grown diamonds offer a larger stone for a more affordable price, but Ma was also drawn to the decision’s ethical considerations, given the troubling history of human rights violations associated with traditional diamond mining.
This month, Chen fulfilled Ma’s wish by proposing with a custom ring from L. Priori Jewelry, featuring a 1.5-carat oval lab-grown diamond as the centerpiece. While the exact expenditure remains unknown to Ma, lab-grown diamonds generally cost 50% to 70% less than their mined counterparts, despite being virtually identical in chemical and physical composition. Visually, the distinction between the two is virtually imperceptible to the unaided eye, with professionals relying on specialized instruments to differentiate between them.
The financial advantages of lab-grown diamonds have a tangible impact on couples like Ma and Chen. The savings of thousands of dollars can now be allocated towards their upcoming wedding and their new residence in Horsham.
Ma and Chen’s experience is emblematic of a larger trend, as an increasing number of couples opt for lab-grown diamonds. A survey encompassing 12,000 couples conducted by a wedding planning website unveiled that more than one-third of couples who wed last year chose lab-grown diamonds as the central stone in their engagement rings. This statistic marks a twofold increase compared to the numbers reported in 2020, underscoring the growing preference for these sustainable and ethical alternatives.
