King Jewelers Magazine 2023-24

AMAZING OPTIONS

BRILLIANCE AS A BIRTHRIGHT

L ab-grown diamonds have carved out a niche in the world of jewelry, and they’re here to stay. Not that they will ever replace natural diamonds, which hold a place of honor in fine jewelry. We’re here to detail the attributes of both, so you can make an informed choice. Lab-grown diamonds have emerged as a compelling option because, in the tech- nical sense, there is no difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds. Lab-grown contain all the same physical properties that we have come to love and admire about the ones made by Mother Nature. The difference is that lab-grown diamonds are created through technological processes. They are synthetic, which does not mean the same thing as simu- lant. They have exactly the same properties as natural diamonds. One of those properties is hardness. A diamond is the hardest mineral known to man, which means it takes a very fine polish that enables radiant white light return and plenty of sparkle. Because diamonds are so durable, they last forever, which makes them perfect for jewelry that will be worn every day and passed on to the next generation. Some people have a preference for natural diamonds, and why not? There is something awe-inspiring and romantic about their origin. They are formed over millions of years deep within the Earth’s crust — the harvest of mother nature’s bounty. The world’s most important diamonds — the Hope, the Cullinan, the Taylor-Burton, etc. — are natural, carefully retrieved from the earth and polished to perfection. They are miracles of nature, and that adds a cachet that makes them eternally valuable. WHETHER LAB-GROWN OR NATURAL, A DIAMOND IS A THING OF BEAUTY

Lab-grown diamonds have the advantage of being produced in a matter of weeks. This accelerated production process significantly reduces the cost, making them accessible to a broad range of consumers. They are, therefore, often used in more fashion-focused jewelry that can deliver plenty of sparkle in more trend-driven designs. And because lab- grown diamonds are made in a factory, origin- conscious consumers can feel confident about where their diamonds came from. The production of lab-grown diamonds can be closely controlled. Most companies that produce them simply discard lower quality specimens without incurring a great loss, which means that, for the most part, only the best gems hit the market. Many have exceptional color and clarity characteristics, just like natural diamonds, meeting the high standards of discerning buyers. Whether you choose lab-

grown or natural, nothing will ever compare to the beauty and elegance of a diamond. It’s a win-win, either way!

Collection of Ella Rose lab grown diamond jewelry.

52 | KING JEWELERS MAGAZINE

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