Discover a whole new world, where the future seamlessly melds with the past, forging a gem akin to any other, but distinguished by its sustainability, accessibility, and enduring nature for eternity.
LAB CREATED DIAMONDS
LAB CREATED DIAMONDS
Discover a whole new world, where the future seamlessly melds with the past, forging a gem akin to any other, but distinguished by its sustainability, accessibility, and enduring nature for eternity.
WHAT ARE LAB GROWN DIAMONDS?
Also referred to as synthetic or cultured diamonds, these gems are meticulously crafted within the controlled embrace of a state-of-the-art laboratory, transcending the traditional confines of the Earth's mantle.
Imagine a diamond that shares the same chemical heartbeat, optical enchantment, and physical allure as its natural counterpart – a gem with an identical DNA, look, and inherent properties. Cultured diamonds aren't merely a replication; they're a refined evolution, the real deal meticulously optimized for perfection.
ARE LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS REAL?
Lab-grown diamonds are the real deal. They share the same chemical and atomic magic, the mesmerizing optical dance, and the inherent charm of natural diamonds. The only twist? Lab-grown diamonds aren't born in the heart of the Earth; they're brought to life through a carefully orchestrated, accelerated ballet in a cutting-edge laboratory.
There are two key methods for creating them: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). So, yes, they're real diamonds, born from innovation and science rather than traditional mining. It's not just what they are, but how they're made that makes lab-grown diamonds a fascinating and sustainable choice.
LAB DIAMONDS BENEFITS
REAL DIAMONDS
Identical in chemical composition, optical brilliance, and physical beauty from their earth-mined counterparts, lab diamonds redefine luxury.
SAME VALUE, LOWER COST
Lab diamonds cost 30-50% less than mined ones, thanks to streamlined manufacturing without lengthy supply chains and expensive mining.
ENVIROMENTALLY CONSCIOUS
Embrace guilt-free luxury with cultured diamonds – a conscious choice that liberates you from environmental and humanitarian concerns.
CONTROLLED QUALITY
Due to the controlled environment of lab grown diamonds, they can be formed in a range of colors & clarities.
SHANORE'S LAB GROWN ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Introducing our latest Engagement Ring Collection from our esteemed ShanOre brand: a collection that blends classic designs with Celtic inspiration, expressing timeless elegance and tradition.
MODERN & ELEGANT
A fresh approach to traditional Celtic designs, offering a contemporary interpretation that blends innovation and elegance with the rich Irish heritage and rich traditions.
SENTIMENTAL & ROMANTIC
By holding on to traditional designs like the Trinity Knot, our pieces eloquently convey sentiment and eternal values, infusing each ring with additional meaning and romance.
SUBTLE & DELICATE
While our traditional Irish symbols remain present, they now occupy a more subtle space, adding grace and finesse to the pieces.
CERTIFIED LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS
With each Flaircraft Diamond, you receive not just a gem but an assurance of quality and authenticity, as every diamond comes accompanied by an IGI certification, offering irrefutable proof and confidence in your exquisite purchase.
THE INTERNATIONAL GEMOLOGICAL INSTITUTE IGI
IGI's meticulous diamond grading adheres to a stringent process encompassing thorough intake, rigorous analysis, and precise reporting, all meticulously designed to uphold the utmost standards of security, anonymity, accuracy, and consistency.
ANONYMOUS UNIQUE REPORT NUMBER
IGI guarantees anonymous diamond grading using unique identification numbers, maintaining privacy by masking owner details and ensuring impartiality through gemologist randomization.
COMPULSORY SCREENING
IGI employs cutting-edge screening and detection services on every diamond, gemstone, and jewelry item, utilizing advanced technologies to distinguish natural, lab-grown, or simulated origins.
THE 4C'S OF A DIAMOND
The 4C's – cut, color, clarity, and carat – stand as the pillars in determining a diamond's value, meticulously assessed by renowned diamond grading labs. In the world of diamonds, understanding these facets empowers you to make a choice that resonates with your unique style.
CUT
Refers to how well a diamond has been cut, including the proportions, symmetry, and polish. A well-cut diamond reflects light internally and displays a brilliant sparkle.
COLOR
Diamonds come in various colors, with the most valuable ones being colorless. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamond color on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The less color a diamond has, the more valuable it is.
CLARITY
Clarity measures the presence of internal flaws (inclusions) and external blemishes in a diamond. The clarity grade ranges from Flawless (no visible imperfections under 10x magnification) to Included (imperfections visible to the naked eye). Diamonds with fewer flaws are more valuable.
CARAT
Carat refers to the weight of the diamond. One carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams. Larger diamonds are rarer and generally more valuable, although the quality of the other C's (cut, color, and clarity) also significantly impacts a diamond's value.
OTHER LAB-CREATED GEMSTONES
Stunning Lab-Grown White and Blue Sapphires. They are identical to the highest quality earth-mined gems but cost 90% less and support people and the planet.
LAB SAPPHIRES
Like cultured diamonds, lab-grown sapphires, also known as synthetic or cultured, are created in controlled labs, mirroring natural geological processes. These gemstones match natural sapphires in chemical composition, physical properties, and optical characteristics. Produced using methods like the Verneuil process, they offer an ethically and sustainably sourced alternative to mined sapphires, showcasing a variety of colors, including the classic blue, and are popular in jewelry like rings, earrings, and necklaces.
LAB-GROWN EMERALDS
Lab-grown sapphires, or synthetic/cultured sapphires, mirror mined counterparts in composition and characteristics. Created in controlled labs using advanced methods like Verneuil or flame fusion, they offer a sustainable and ethical choice, bypassing environmental impacts of mining. Available in various colors, with classic blue being a top choice, these sapphires are popular in eco-conscious jewelry, including rings, earrings, and necklaces.
Lab-grown diamonds can be grown in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can be treated with different colors and clarities. The most common types of lab-grown diamonds are:
- White lab-grown diamonds: These diamonds are colorless and have the highest transparency.
- Colored lab-grown diamonds: These diamonds can be grown in a variety of colors, including yellow, pink, blue, and black.
- Clarity enhanced lab-grown diamonds: These diamonds have been treated to improve their clarity.
There are two main methods for growing lab-grown diamonds:
- High-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) method: This method mimics the conditions in which natural diamonds form in the earth. A small seed diamond is placed in a chamber with carbon and exposed to high temperatures and pressures. Over time, a new diamond will form around the seed diamond.
- Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method: This method involves placing a diamond seed in a chamber with a carbon-rich gas. The gas mixture is heated to a high temperature, which causes the gas to break down, and carbon atoms are deposited onto the seed, layer by layer, to create a diamond.
Physical and chemical properties: Lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds have the same chemical composition, optical properties, and physical characteristics. They are both made of pure carbon and have a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale, making them the hardest natural substance on Earth. The main distinction is that lab-grown diamonds may have fewer impurities, making them potentially more visually flawless.
Durability: Lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds are both extremely durable. Both can withstand scratching, cutting, and other forms of wear and tear. They will not tarnish or discolor over time. They have similar hardness, which makes them highly resistant to damage.
Value: Lab-grown diamonds are generally more affordable than natural diamonds while maintaining the same optical and physical characteristics.
Lab-grown diamonds are crafted within controlled environments, conserving substantial land and water resources compared to conventional diamond mining. This environmentally conscious approach greatly minimizes the ecological footprint of the diamond industry.
Yes, lab-grown diamonds are generally more affordable than natural diamonds of comparable quality. This affordability allows you to acquire larger or more intricately designed pieces without compromising on quality or beauty.
Lab-grown diamonds are often considered more environmentally friendly due to their reduced carbon footprint. While natural diamonds have their own unique appeal, it's worth noting that lab-grown diamonds are created using efficient and advanced technology. They are sometimes referred to as "organic" diamonds to emphasize their eco-friendly nature, without diminishing the allure of natural diamonds.
Lab-grown diamonds are ethically sourced since they do not involve the social and ethical concerns associated with some natural diamond mining practices. They are conflict-free and offer peace of mind to those who prioritize ethical considerations in their jewelry choices.
Lab-grown diamonds do not undergo the Kimberley Process because they are not mined. They are acknowledged as one of the newest ethical gem choices available.
Similar to natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds have the option of undergoing certification. They are sent to a specialized gem institute where a team of gemologists independently evaluates them. These individual grades are then combined and analyzed to determine the final grade of the lab-created diamond.
It's important to note that not all lab-grown diamonds undergo this grading process. Typically, smaller diamonds are not graded, and some jewelers choose not to certify their lab-created diamonds. At ShanOre/Ocean, we provide grading for many of our lab-grown diamonds to ensure transparency in the purchasing process.
When choosing a lab-grown diamond, focus on the 4 Cs: color, clarity, cut, and carat, along with the fifth C, cost. These criteria apply to both mined and lab-created stones.
Are you shopping for lab-grown diamonds? Start by ensuring authenticity through reputable grading reports. Understand the 4 C's for quality assessment. You can always personalize the ring to make it unique and always demand certified reports for transparency. Avoid common mistakes, like skipping certification, and take your time to make an informed and sustainable choice for a meaningful piece. For a more detailed understanding, read our “Tips for Shopping Lab-Grown Diamonds”.
Lab-grown diamond certification, offered by organizations like the International Gemmological Institute (IGI), is essential for ensuring the authenticity and quality of these sustainable gems. Certification provides consumers with confidence in their purchases, supports ethical and sustainable sourcing, aids in comparison and selection, and offers value assurance, making it a cornerstone of trust and transparency in the industry.