At Guida Jewelers we’ve built a reputation for our knowledge of diamonds and diamond settings.  If you have a stone that needs to be set, you can confidently watch us set your stone in our workshop.  We love natural diamonds.  With lab-grown diamond production on the rise, here is our NJ Jeweler’s Guide to Lab-Grown Diamonds. 

What are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Did you know that lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to natural diamonds?  They also have the same physical and optical properties of natural diamonds, making them a phenomenal replacement.  Lab-grown diamonds are just as real, vibrant, and precious as natural diamonds. Just as natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds consist of carbon atoms that are arranged in the crystal structure that mimics the natural diamond. 

In fact, lab-grown diamonds so closely resemble natural diamonds that they can only be distinguished from each other through the use of specialized equipment.  This equipment closely examines minor differences in trace elements and diamond structure.  It is important to note that lab-grown diamonds are different from diamond simulants, which look similar to diamonds, but lack the same carbon structure.  Because of this, diamond simulants are inferior to lab-grown diamonds, and therefore sell at a lower price point. Diamond simulants can be identified using the naked eye.  When you purchase lab-grown diamonds, they should always be accompanied with a certificate which identifies them as lab-grown. 

How are Lab-Grown Diamonds “Grown”?

You may hear lab-grown diamonds also referred to as man-made diamonds, engineered-diamonds, and cultured-diamonds.  No matter how you refer to them, they undergo an advanced technological process which mimics the conditions under which natural diamonds develop in nature. When you think about it, the technology is quite impressive, as natural diamonds form in the mantle beneath the earth’s crust.  

The process of growing diamonds starts with tiny carbon-seeds from preexisting diamonds.  Complex technology, which either involves immense pressure or a special deposition process referred to as CVD, mimics the natural-diamond growing environment.  After being grown, some of these diamonds will undergo additional pressure or heat-treatments.  When it comes to colored diamonds, additional trace elements are present during the growth stage, based on the ones they contain in nature.  

In terms of sustainability, lab-grown diamonds can be a responsible choice, as they do not require any mining.  Another benefit of lab-grown diamonds is that they can be made in a variety of colors, some of which are considered rare in nature.  

Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Worth the Money?

Lab-grown diamonds offer excellent quality at great value.  This is because they are more cost-effective than natural diamonds of comparable quality and size.  This is especially true when it comes to colored diamonds, which sell at more affordable prices than natural ones. 

Along with being more affordable, it is not uncommon for lab-grown diamonds to be higher quality than natural ones.  This is due to the highly controlled environment and process lab-grown diamonds are created under. The result is fewer defects, brighter quality and higher purity.  

It’s no secret that there are questionable practices when it comes to diamond mining and the ethical treatment of diamond miners.  Lab-grown diamonds offer traceability in terms of origin, allowing one to only buy ones which are ethically sourced.  At Guida Jewelers we care about sustainability and ethical practices.  When it comes to natural diamonds, we are members of the exclusive Diamond Dealers Club, which allows us to buy directly from the diamond source.  

Will Lab-Grown Diamonds Lose Value?

Lab-grown diamonds are treated similarly to natural diamonds when it comes to how they are certified and graded.  After they are grown, lab-grown diamonds are sent to an independent gem lab, where they are certified by a gem expert. Just as is the case with natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are graded based on their cut, clarity, carat, and color: the 4 C’s of diamond grading.  

Lab-grown diamonds are durable and won’t lose quality over time.  As with all gems, the value of lab-grown diamonds may vary over time.  Since lab-grown diamonds are newer to the market, there isn’t much information on future pricing, when compared to natural diamonds.  

Due to their sustainability and ethical production, it is speculated that lab-grown diamonds will remain a popular and perhaps necessary choice amongst jewelry lovers.  

Just like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds can be insured. Guida Jewelers can help guide you in obtaining Jeweler’s Mutual Insurance, which is the only insurance company which specializes and protects jewelers and the personal jewelry of the United States. 

Phenomenal Quality at a Great Value 

Overall, lab-grown diamonds offer phenomenal quality at a great value.  Lab-grown diamonds can be worn daily or for special occasions.  If you are looking to treat yourself or a loved one to a jewelry piece that will be valued for a lifetime, come to Guida Jewelers.  For something truly unique, ask about a custom jewelry consultation with one of our expert designers.  Whether natural or lab-grown, Guida Jeweler’s can offer expertise in choosing what diamond or piece is right for you or your loved one.

Jewelry is one of our most precious possessions.  Understanding how to care for your jewelry helps to ensure that you maintain the beauty of each piece and that heirlooms can be cherished for generations to come. 

Know When to Remove Your Jewelry 

Chances are you or someone you know has a story of losing a special piece of jewelry.  Whether it be losing a ring down the sink drain, or having a precious piece carried away in the ocean, it’s important to know when to remove your jewelry so you can prevent it from getting lost or damaged.

Take Off Your Jewelry While Swimming

Always remove your jewelry before swimming. When we are in cold water, our extremities shrink, making it easier for rings to fall off. Salt water and chlorine are also damaging to jewelry.  Chlorine is known to discolor and damage metals like gold and platinum, and also erodes the finish and polish of gemstones.  

Take Off Your Jewelry During Times of Vigorous Activity

Jewelry should be removed prior to any vigorous activity.  Did you know that sweat can damage jewelry?  This is particularly true when it comes to sterling silver.  It’s also important to remove jewelry prior to gardening or before exposure to sand on the beach.  This is because soil and sand can be abrasive, which can cause permanent scratches. 

Take Off Your Jewelry Before Showering and Bedtime

Taking off your jewelry before showering is a good practice.  Submersion in water is harmful to certain pieces, and soap can contain harsh chemicals and cause residue buildup.  Removing your jewelry prior to bed can help to prevent breakage.  

Be Mindful of Light and Heat

Just as we need to be mindful of the sun’s rays when it comes to our skin health, excess sun exposure can damage jewelry.  The UV rays of the sun can actually bleach certain materials, in particular natural stones.  In some cases, excess heat and sudden changes in temperature can fracture gems. This is because heat removes the natural moisture that gems need to keep their beauty. For instance, opals can turn white or brown and develop tiny cracks, and pearls can crack and discolor in the presence of heat.  

Also, keep in mind that lotions and sprays dull jewelry and often accelerate tarnishing. 

A good rule of thumb is to remove your jewelry and keep it at home if you are not sure whether a certain activity or exposure will pose a threat of damage or increased risk of being lost. 

Maintaining and Storing Your Jewelry

Make it a habit to keep your jewelry in a safe, dry place.  It is a good idea to have a designated space for your jewelry, so it won’t be easily misplaced.  A special jewelry box, which is lined with fabric and has multiple compartments, is ideal; this way, you can separate pieces which helps to prevent scratching. It is also a great idea to have a to-go storage option for your jewelry; this will help prevent damage when traveling with your treasured pieces. 

In terms of cleaning your jewelry, do so gently with a soft cloth.  Never submerse gem studded pieces in water.  If there is any buildup of debris, use a solution of water with gentle soap and a soft cloth.  Never use abrasive materials such as a toothbrush to clean your jewelry.  In general, it is recommended to clean your jewelry once a month and to bluff it with a soft cloth when needed. 

Examine Your Jewelry Regularly

Keeping an eye on your jewelry will help to ensure you catch any vulnerabilities in your jewelry, such as loose gems or brackets, before it’s too late.  If you are unsure of what to look for, bring your jewelry into Guida Jewelers to be examined by one of our experts.  

Insure Your Jewelry

Jewelry is precious.  Each piece is beautiful in its own right and made even more special by the memories it evokes.  Taking all of the above steps will go a long way in preserving your jewelry, yet accidents do sometimes happen.  It is important to have your jewelry insured in the case that it is lost or stolen.  

At Guida Jewelers we can help you get your precious pieces insured and discuss individualized care of your jewelry.  Our personalized expert service makes all the difference.  Schedule a consultation today!