Why Lab-Grown Diamonds Might Be The Future of Sustainable Luxury

…and why they’re becoming so incredibly popular across the world
 
It’s undeniable that the fashion industry, as a whole, is always looking for ways to shift towards much more sustainable practices. And amongst this trend, lab-grown diamonds are seeming to emerge as a favored choice for those seeking both luxury and eco-consciousness in their jewelry pieces – whether taking center stage, or as an accompanying part of a full outfit.

We’ll be taking a closer look into understanding why lab-grown diamonds (like Moissanite) are increasing in popularity so fast, and what might be driving this notable rise.

Understanding lab-grown diamonds: How are they made?

In short, lab-grown diamonds ARE real diamonds, and share the same properties, but they’re produced in controlled laboratory environments rather than extracted from the earth like traditional mined diamonds. This method preserves natural resources, and prevents harm to communities surrounding traditional diamond mines, which greatly reduces negative environmental impacts associated with traditional mining practice.

Habitat destruction and excessive carbon emissions have been two of the key clear net-negatives of the industry for centuries – meaning that anyone opting for a lab-grown diamond is able to instead avoid these impacts.

This is because the process of creating diamonds in a lab setting is significantly less harmful to the environment compared to traditional mining. And, by opting for lab-grown diamonds, consumers can enjoy the beauty of a diamond (of which it’s incredibly hard to tell the difference, as we’ll delve a little deeper into below) without contributing to the environmental degradation typically involved in its extraction.

The strong appeal of affordable luxury

Beyond the ethical and environmental benefits, lab-grown diamonds are also much more affordable than their mined counterparts. This affordability makes luxury accessible to a broader audience, allowing more consumers to enjoy the splendor of diamonds without the steep price – especially considering that to the naked eye, no-one can tell the difference.

That’s right – it’ll take an expert, with specialized tools, to be able to tell apart a mined diamond vs their lab-grown cousin. If it looks like a diamond, feels like a diamond, and shimmers like a diamond – what’s the difference?

And with the affordable price tag, minus the ethical and environmental baggage, more and more couples are opting for lab-diamond engagement rings for their proposals, and even for their wedding rings when they eventually tie the knot.

So: Might they be the future?

The short answer is: Absolutely. And the trend is unlikely to stop any time soon, either.

Lab-grown diamonds are poised to play a pivotal role in the future of fashion. And looking at any data, it’s clear there’s a significant shift underway in the jewelry industry, marrying luxury with sustainability, as consumer preferences continue to evolve towards more responsible choices.

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Hannah Longman
Hannah Longman
From fashion school in NYC to the front row, Hannah works to promote fashion and lifestyle as the communications liaison of Fashion Week Online®, responsible for timely communication of press releases and must-see photo sets.

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