The classic mined diamond solitaire has been the staple of proposals for the last 50 years, but in recent years a new kind of ring has become available on the market. Alternative engagement rings can place ethics and sustainability at their heart whilst also providing a truly luxurious piece of jewellery at a better price point than traditional diamonds.
What Kind of Gemstones can be Grown in the Lab?
Recently lab grown diamonds have featured in the news quite extensively. However, this is not the only jewel that can be grown in the lab. Moissanite is a diamond alternative that can only be told apart from a diamond by a trained jeweller, and its popularity as an engagement has grown drastically over the last few years.
Moissanite is naturally occurring and rarer than diamonds but only occurs in very small quantities. First discovered in a meteorite crater in Arizona, United States by acclaimed Nobel prize winner doctor Henri Moissan (the gem’s namesake) in 1893, it earned the title ‘space gemstone’.
It wasn’t until over a hundred years later when scientists successfully recreated an innovative moissanite laboratory growing process, and shortly after Charles and Colvard produced the first commercial-quality lab grown moissanite gemstones. Charles & Colvard skilled laboratory technicians recreate the natural conditions and pressures needed for
moissanite to form naturally to create a physically identical gemstone to that of a naturally occurring moissanite.
Moissanite is a fantastic choice for an engagement ring for a number of reasons. It is a genuinely stunning gemstone that is great value for money as well as being extremely durable, ethical and sustainable. It is a beautiful alternative to diamond.
Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab diamonds hold identical chemical, optical and physical properties to natural diamonds, making them the closest alternative. As the name suggests, lab diamonds are created in a laboratory by replicating the high temperatures and high-pressure conditions which occur in the Earth’s crust.
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds, displaying the same fire, sparkle and brilliance as natural diamonds, making it impossible to distinguish between the two with the naked eye. These engineered diamonds can be considered more desirable than natural diamonds as they are free from flaws and impurities that are acquired in the formation and mining of natural diamonds.
More affordable than traditional diamonds and with lower environmental impacts, yet just as luxurious, dazzling and durable, lab grown engagement rings are perfect for those who want a real diamond without the financial and environmental cost.
Coloured Gemstone Engagement Rings
You can also find coloured gemstone engagement rings, and you’ll find collections which include alexandrites, champagne sapphires and aquamarine; in addition to classical options of emeralds, blue sapphires and rubies.
All of these are grown in a lab using cutting edge technology that allows for colours, carat sizes and cuts that are practically unheard of in the mined variety. Chatham was founded over 80 years ago and are world-renowned for their stunning gemstones. It’s worth pointing out that, as with diamonds and moissanite, these lab grown jewels are aesthetically and chemically exactly the same as their mined cousins, the only difference being that they
weren’t formed in the earth millions of years ago.
First started by Carroll Chatham in 1938, the company has spent years perfecting their processes and only sells the very best gemstones. They are so strict in fact, that ordinarily around 80% of the rough crystal is discarded, and only one in every 200 gemstones made meet their stringent standards for clarity and colour. Chatham stones are also all exceptionally clear, falling within the VVS and VS range (very very slightly included and slightly included), they are also a much more affordable price than the mined stones.
Shopping at Lily Arkwright
As a company, Lily Arkwright prides itself on its ability to produce stunning ethical and sustainable fine jewellery at an amazing price point, supported by unrivalled customer service. They offer the highest quality moissanite engagement rings, lab grown diamond engagement rings and coloured gemstones.
Lily Arkwright are proud Assay Assured jewellery retailer and committed members of the National Association of Jewellers based on honesty, integrity and professionalism. All precious metal jewellery offered by Assay Assured jewellery retailers carries the legally-required independent hallmark verifying the precious metal content, a protection over and above legal requirements.
If you are interested in booking a consultation or simply would like to find out more information about Lily Arkwright and their collections, please call on 0161 537 6773 or alternatively, you can email their jewellery consultancy team at hello@lilyarkwright.com
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