I never take off my halo diamond ring. Ever.
It’s become such a part of me that I really do feel naked without it.
And I know I'm not alone, because from speaking to so many jewellery lovers like you, I know how certain pieces feel woven into your identity, carrying memories and providing a little bit of everyday comfort. Perhaps even transporting you back to a specific moment in time each time you glance at it throughout the day.
But I have a confession to make.
If I were to design a large diamond piece for myself next week, I would choose a lab-grown diamond over a mined one without hesitation.
And if that's shocking coming from a jeweller, allow me to explain.
Wait… Are lab diamonds real?
Probably the question I get asked most often, and I understand why. The name is confusing.
Let me reassure you as a jewellery purist, they’re the real thing! Lab grown diamonds are 100% real.
They're not diamond simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite. They aren't "fake" diamonds. They're genuine diamonds that have been created in a laboratory rather than formed underground over millions of years.
Chemically, physically, and optically, they're identical to mined diamonds.
In fact, lab-grown diamonds are certified by the same independent grading bodies that assess mined diamonds.
Both are made from crystallised carbon and both achieve a perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them one of the most durable materials on Earth and an excellent choice for jewellery that you plan to wear day in, day out.
In fact, even trained gemmologists require specialist equipment to distinguish between the two - so the only real difference is their origin.
The lab grown diamond commission that shifted my perspective
A lovely client approached me earlier this year to create a bespoke ring using lab-grown diamonds. She had ethical reasons for choosing a lab diamond over a mined diamond.
It reminded me how much the conversation around diamonds has changed in recent years. More clients are asking questions about where their gemstones come from, how they're sourced, and what alternatives are available.
All of the diamonds I use are ethically sourced, but I am increasingly helping clients explore lab-grown options too for engagement rings, earrings, bracelets, and other special pieces.
And while I used to be a serious sceptic, I've now come around to the appeal.
So why would I choose lab grown over a natural diamond?
To be completely honest with you, it all comes down to value.
Lab-grown diamonds allow you to enjoy a much larger diamond for the same budget, with all of the same colour, clarity, brilliance, and (providing you choose the right jeweller, hint hint) craft.
You can either:
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Spend less money on the design you already have in mind.
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Create something significantly larger and more impactful for the same investment.
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Explore design ideas that may not have been financially realistic using mined stones.
As a designer, that opens up some very exciting possibilities.
If I were commissioning a substantial diamond necklace, statement ring, or pair of earrings for myself, I'd love the freedom that lab-grown diamonds provide. I could create something bold and beautiful without quite the same financial commitment.
Never mind the colour and clarity... what about the romance?
Of course, I understand more than most that jewellery isn't purely logical. We keep sentimental pieces and hand them down even if they have little monetary value, and we have a long-held narrative about the romance of a "real" diamond.
Diamonds have been seriously romanticised in popular culture, after all.
Marilyn Monroe’s glitzy turn in Diamond’s Are A Girl’s Best Friend, Princess Diana’s iconic sapphire and diamond engagement ring, Titanic’s heart of the ocean, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton… I could go on longer than the Titanic film lasted, but you get the idea.
It’s difficult to imagine those classic films and cultural moments featuring a lab grown diamond, but times are a-changing, and we’re all becoming more sustainably-minded.
So while the concept of a gemstone forming deep within the Earth over billions of years is undeniably romantic, I don't think it has to be either-or.
We can honour the heritage of mined diamonds while welcoming the benefits of lab-grown diamonds in the jewellery world.
I do think it's worth considering, though, where the meaning behind a piece really comes from. Is it where the carbon originated? Or is it the person who lovingly chose it, or the occasion it commemorates? Perhaps it's the memories attached to it and the stories it holds through generations.
I believe we bring our own meaning to jewellery and create significance ourselves over the moments and decades it's carried through, so provenance comes second to that.
The verdict
Call me a fence-sitter, but as a jeweller I really do appreciate and welcome both options.
Mined diamonds are still a wonderful choice when they're sourced ethically, so this is the way to go if your priority is natural origin and rarity.
But I really do think lab-grown diamonds have earned their place. They are real diamonds. They're beautiful, durable, and offer a world of possibility from a design perspective, at a more accessible price point. This means that people who would never have been able to afford a mined diamond can now experience how special it is to own a real piece of diamond jewellery.
Coming back to the original question, I'm sold - if I were creating a large diamond piece for myself next week, I'd choose lab-grown hands-down.
And the more I think about it, the more tempting that sounds....
A quicker reminder that lab-grown diamonds aren't the only alternative...
If you love the sparkle of diamonds but aren't particularly concerned about owning a diamond itself, gemstones such as moissanite can be a fantastic option.
Moissanite is a laboratory-created gemstone in its own right rather than a diamond, but it's incredibly durable, scores 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, and has exceptional sparkle – often displaying even more fire and rainbow flashes than a diamond.
There are also options such as white sapphires and other colourless gemstones that can create a beautiful look at a lower price point.
If budget, ethics, durability, or appearance are important factors in your decision, I'll always talk you through all the available options so you can choose the stone that feels right for you, rather than simply following tradition.
Are you considering a piece of diamond jewellery of your own?
If you're weighing up your options and need some help deciding, I'd be delighted to talk you through the possibilities.
Every bespoke commission starts with a conversation, and if you wish to go ahead from there we can create something together that epitomises your style, values, and - importantly - budget.
The first step is to book a free consultation with me over Zoom or in-person if you're local to my workshop in Birmingham, UK. Get in touch and we'll take it from there.
And if you're looking for some inspiration, browse my range of diamond rings and diamond jewellery. All of the pieces displayed are made using ethically sourced mined diamonds as standard, but can be made with lab-grown if you prefer. The choice is yours.
