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Synthetic Diamonds Means Big Bling for Less (and Better for the Planet)

Lab-Grown Diamonds: The Future of Exquisite, Eco-Friendly Jewelry

In the jewelry world, few names carry as much weight as diamonds. They symbolize luxury and elegance, often adorning engagement rings, necklaces, and other cherished pieces.

However, the diamond industry has significantly transformed with the rise of lab-grown diamonds (LGDs). These stones offer all the allure of mined diamonds but come with many benefits that turn heads in the jewelry world.

As custom design jeweler in Scottsdale who was an early adopter of this technology (back in the 90’s), lab-grown diamonds mean getting your dream bling ring for less – with no sacrifice in quality or beauty.

What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds, also known as synthetic diamonds, cultured diamonds, or eco-friendly diamonds, are created in a laboratory setting. Unlike mined diamonds, formed over billions of years deep within the Earth, LGDs are grown using advanced technological processes that replicate the natural diamond formation conditions. The two primary methods for creating lab-grown diamonds are High-Pressure, High-Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).

The History of Lab-Grown Diamonds

The journey of lab-grown diamonds began in the mid-20th century. In 1954, General Electric successfully created the first synthetic diamond using the HPHT method. Due to their hardness, these diamonds were initially primarily used for industrial applications. However, as technology advanced, the quality of lab-grown diamonds improved significantly, making them suitable for jewelry.

In the 21st century, the CVD method emerged, allowing for greater control over the growth process and the production of high-quality, gem-grade diamonds. Today, lab-grown diamonds are virtually indistinguishable from their mined counterparts, both in terms of chemical composition and physical properties.

Lab-Grown Diamonds vs. Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia

When comparing lab-grown diamonds to other popular diamond alternatives like moissanite and cubic zirconia, it’s essential to understand the differences in composition, appearance, and durability.

What is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a naturally occurring silicon carbide, first discovered in a meteorite crater. It is known for its brilliance and fire, often displaying more sparkle than a diamond. However, moissanite has a different chemical composition and crystal structure, making it distinguishable from diamonds. While moissanite is a durable and beautiful gemstone, it does not have the same level of hardness as a diamond (rated 9.25 on the Mohs scale compared to a diamond’s 10).

What is Cubic Zirconia?

Cubic zirconia (CZ) is a synthetic material made from zirconium dioxide. It is often used as a diamond simulant due to its affordability and visual similarity to diamonds. However, CZ is much softer than both diamonds and moissanite, making it more prone to scratches and damage over time. Additionally, cubic zirconia lacks the same brilliance and fire as a diamond, often appearing less lively.

Lab-Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds share the same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds, exhibiting the same brilliance, fire, and hardness. This makes them the closest alternative to mined diamonds in terms of appearance and durability. Lab-grown diamonds are the ideal choice for those seeking a gemstone that looks and performs like a diamond without ethical and environmental concerns.

The Eco-Friendly Advantage of LGD (Lab-Grown Diamonds)

One of the most compelling reasons to choose lab-grown diamonds is their environmental impact. Traditional diamond mining is associated with significant ecological and ethical issues, including habitat destruction, water pollution, and human rights abuses. In contrast, lab-grown diamonds have a much smaller environmental footprint. Growing diamonds in a lab uses less energy, generates fewer carbon emissions, and does not involve the displacement of communities or the destruction of ecosystems.

Moreover, the controlled environment in which lab-grown diamonds are created ensures they are free from many of the ethical concerns associated with mined diamonds. Consumers can purchase lab-grown diamonds with the assurance that they are supporting a more sustainable and humane industry.

Little Known Details About Lab-Grown Diamonds

While many people are aware of the basic concept of lab-grown diamonds, some fascinating details are less commonly known:

1. Variety of Colors: Lab-grown diamonds can be created in various colors, including rare hues like blue, pink, and yellow. This variety allows for more creative and personalized jewelry designs.
2. Precision and Purity: The controlled environment of the lab allows for the creation of diamonds with fewer inclusions and imperfections, often resulting in higher clarity grades than many mined diamonds.
3. Speed of Production: Unlike natural diamonds, which take billions of years to form, lab-grown diamonds can be created in just a few weeks. This efficiency translates to a lower cost for consumers.

The Dream Bling Ring for Less (Synthetic Diamonds Make it Possible)

For many, the primary allure of lab-grown diamonds is the ability to obtain a high-quality diamond at a fraction of the cost of a mined diamond. This price difference means that consumers can afford larger or higher quality stones without breaking the bank. For our jewelry team in Scottsdale, this translates to offering clients the opportunity to achieve their dream engagement ring or bespoke piece of jewelry without sacrificing quality or beauty.

Different Names for Lab-Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds are known by several names, each emphasizing different aspects of their creation and benefits:

• Synthetic Diamonds
• Cultured Diamonds
• Eco-friendly Diamonds
• Engineered Diamonds
• Man-made Diamonds
• Lab-created Diamonds

Each term highlights that these diamonds are produced in a laboratory setting, offering an ethical and sustainable alternative to traditional mining.

Are Synthetic Diamonds Right for You?

Lab-grown diamonds represent a remarkable advancement in the jewelry industry, combining the timeless appeal of diamonds with modern, eco-friendly technology. For our Scottsdale team, who was an early adopter of lab-grown diamonds, these gems offer clients the chance to create stunning, unique pieces that align with contemporary values of sustainability and ethical sourcing.

Whether you’re looking for an engagement ring, a statement necklace, or a bespoke creation, lab-grown diamonds make it possible to achieve your dream bling for less without compromising on quality or beauty.

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When it comes to custom jewelry, every finished masterpiece tells a unique story. Today, we have the privilege of unveiling a remarkable creation that not only captures the essence of custom craftsmanship but also pays homage to the allure of fantasy.

Behold, Joseph Schubach’s extraordinary Ring of Barahir with a Natural Unheated Ruby—a piece that transcends jewelry and transforms into a work of art.

The Spark of Inspiration

Every exceptional design begins with a spark of inspiration and this magnificent ring is no exception. Joseph Schubach embarked on this creative journey with a customer with a vision inspired by the “Ring of Barahir.”

For those not familiar with it, the “Ring of Barahir” is a significant magical artifact in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth mythology, worn by Barahir and later his son Beren. This ring features a serpent motif and represents the House of Bëor among Men.

In Tolkien’s legendarium, the Ring of Barahir is a cherished heirloom, embodying courage and the enduring legacy of the Edain, and it remains an iconic element of Middle-earth’s rich history and lore.

The Unearthly Gem

The star of this show is undoubtedly the natural, untreated ruby—an exquisite gem that proved to be as elusive as it is captivating. With its rich, deep red hue, this ruby is more than just a stone; it’s a manifestation of nature’s artistry. The photographs may come close, but as our team attests, words and pictures can scarcely do justice to its radiant beauty.

Craftsmanship Meets Storytelling

The craftsmanship behind this creation is nothing short of exceptional. The ring is a harmonious blend of platinum and 18kt gold, meticulously cast and assembled in multiple pieces to achieve its perfect form.

The true magic, however, lies in the details. Each scale, meticulously hand-engraved, adds a level of crispness and shine that elevates this piece to the realm of wearable art. It’s a testament to the skill, dedication and passion that go into every Joseph Schubach design.

To marry the design with a mythical backstory…well, we couldn’t be more happy to “go there.”

A Priceless Masterpiece

While we cannot put a price tag on artistry, it’s worth noting that the stone alone in this magnificent ring is priced quite high. This sheds light on the rarity and exceptional quality of the natural, untreated ruby gracing this creation. With its interesting back story, this piece of jewelry is more than a wearable treasure—it’s a conversation starter, a symbol of individuality.

We’re super proud of this special piece. It’s a celebration of imagination, beauty and the transformative power of jewelry. In every scale and facet of this ring, we find the embodiment of a dream turned into reality—a dream that transcends the boundaries of fantasy and becomes a tangible, wearable masterpiece.

What wearable story do you want to tell?