Restyling jewelry at Scott’s

It’s actually pretty easy (and fun) to restyle your jewelry at Scott’s.

First, we’ll meet and start looking at styles and see what jewelry we have to work with. Then, we’ll start sketching and creating, together!

Using our CAD (computer aided design) technology, we’ll design a ring, pendant, bracelet or even earrings that will fit your jewels perfectly! We’ll send you photos of the new pieces, in several angles, so that you get a good sense of what the finished piece could look like.

Need to make a change – no problem! And no service fees!

Once we’ve got the look right, we’ll make a model of the piece with our 3D printers, paint it the color of gold you’ve chosen, and actually place the stones in it for you to try on. That’s the fun part!

With the model, we’ve eliminated “surprises” and you still can make changes.

And when you’re satisfied, we’ll get to work casting the piece into gold, setting the stones and making it all ready for you, all here in our Dublin, Ohio store!

Why you should redesign your jewelry

Unfortunately nothing lasts forever. Not gold, style or low interest rates

And, by redesigning your jewelry instead of buying something new, you’ll not only save money, but you’ll also be saving the environment by recycling your diamonds and gold. Then there’s the memories…

Keep the memories when your redesign your ring

Being able to glance down at your new, restyled ring and see the diamond that you were given originally when you said yes, along with maybe the diamonds from earrings you received when you graduated. Then there’s the small, but oh so special, diamonds from your grandmother’s wedding ring, on the sides. Sigh. It’s like looking at a personal history book!

That’s why you should consider remounting your stones into something new.

Recycling your jewelry makes sense for the environment

We all have to do our part to save the planet. The less mining for diamonds, gemstones and gold, the better, in our opinion.

And by recycling your jewelry by restyling it, you’ll help our environment last a little longer!

How Scott’s is being eco-friendly

We make our jewelry all in-house, here in our Dublin, Ohio custom jewelry store. And, in the almost 22 years we’ve been in business, we’ve never had to buy virgin gold to cast our pieces.

Instead, we take the old gold and platinum mountings that our customers trade in, and send them to a refiner who turns it into pure gold casting pieces. (It’s jewelry magic!!)

Another way that Scott’s is eco-friendly, is that we offer American-made, lab grown diamonds to our customers. Exactly the same physically, chemically and optically as diamonds mined from the earth, lab grown diamonds are an environmentally friendly option. Plus they cost 50-70% less than mined diamonds!

So if you want to add some more bling to your ring – lab grown diamonds are the way to go!

No supply issues when you restyle your jewelry at Scott’s

You know what’s NOT on all of those container ships, jewelry from Scott’s.

That’s because we do everything from design, to casting, to setting the stones all here in our store. So no waiting for an overseas order to (maybe) show up.

Restyling your old jewelry into fresh, new designs is a great way to save money AND memories. So when it’s time to “redo your I do”, stop in and let’s make something beautiful, together.

Maybe it’s because 2020 was so… extra, but one of the newest engagement ring trends we are seeing is the minimalist look. Simple, thin bands that showcase a magnificent diamond in all kinds of shapes and sizes. And an added plus is that a slimmer ring band emphasizes the beauty and cut of the diamond.

Elongated Diamonds Accentuate Minimalist Ring Bands

While round diamonds complement traditional engagement rings, the latest trends feature radiant, oval, and marquise-shaped diamonds. This style of diamond on a thin band creates an abstract look that is perfect for petite hands. Take your custom engagement ring to the next level by adding small diamonds to the band in a neat row is a great way to add bling while keeping it simple.

Why Modern Brides Love Bezel & Bar Set Engagement Rings

A lot of brides dream about wearing a modern style of engagement ring. Incorporating a bezel or bar set diamond into your custom ring band will surely leave any bride-to-be flaunting her engagement ring whenever she can. Usually, a modern, yet minimalist band only features a center stone. If a bride tends to wear gloves at work, our jewlers suggest this a bezel-style ring with a bar setting (a diamond set without little prongs) because it doesn’t snag.

Simple Engagement Rings Let You Get Creative With Wedding Bands

Simple is lovely. A minimal engagement ring looks amazing with literally any style of wedding band. In fact, a lot of brides stack multiple bands against these sleek designs. And there are no rules about matching gold colors either. Yellow, white, rose – mix them all up! Adding a contrasting anniversary band, or even a band for each child is a great way to enjoy significant events – all on one finger.

Thin Ring Bands Are Delicate But Durable

Thin engagement ring bands may be pretty, but too thin is a problem. I mean, no one wants their wedding ring to break before their one-year anniversary! Many minimalist-looking engagement rings found online are not meant to be worn every day. So, with our custom engagement ring design process, we came up with some jewelry “engineering” to make a ring appear thin, but still be strong enough for everyday wear. The secret is not the width of the band, but the depth.

Looking for a gorgeous minimalist engagement ring band that will be both strong AND beautiful? Stop in our Dublin, Ohio store or give us a call at 614 336-4111 to schedule your custom jewelry appointment today.

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We’ve made a ton of engagement rings over the past 20 years, here in our Columbus Ohio jewelry store. And the trends for 2021 are all about simplicity. Solitaire style engagement rings, small details like hidden halos, infinity symbols and initials, and yellow gold mountings are definitely seeing a comeback!

What Exactly Is A Solitaire?

Once the gold standard (we love a good jewelry pun) in engagement rings, solitaire style means one main gemstone or diamond in the design. While 3 stone rings were super popular in the 2000s because they symbolized the past, present and future, the trend towards one single diamond is on the rise! Set up high in the mounting, longish shapes like ovals, marquise and emerald-cut diamonds are getting a lot of requests lately, but round diamonds are still the best sellers.

Another cool feature of a solitaire engagement ring is the thin band. Many brides are stacking multiple wedding bands next to their solitaires, so a thinner band looks great. BUT, thin isn’t strong, so…

…we’ve figured out a way to keep the look AND make them strong. The secret is in the profile! We make our custom solitaire rings tall, not wide. That attention to detail makes all of the difference on strength. Yep, we’re jewelry engineers over here! The ring still looks thin and delicate, but won’t bend under pressure (or under steering wheels in Columbus traffic!)

Tell Me About Hidden Halos!

Ahh – we do love secrets!

A hidden halo is a simple circle of diamonds at the base of the main stone – not circling the edge, but rather circling the bottom. You don’t see the diamonds from the top of the ring, but that profile – it’s amazing! Think of it more as a tiara, not a crown, for your diamond. Hidden halos are very classy, and are great for an engagement ring that sits up high.

Infinity Symbols, Initials And More – Personalizing That Ring!

A lot of people want to include something special on their engagement rings, and that side profile on the ring has a sweet spot for symbols, initials or pops of color. We’ve used that little window to add infinity symbols, ribbons – heck, we’ve even made a martini glass (complete with a diamond olive) for a couple with the.best.last.name.ever!

The profile, or side view, of a custom engagement ring, is also a place where we’ve showcased features that look like a bridge (for the engineer), or interlocking vines (for the arborist). These little details make such a big impact!

Yellow Gold Is Having A Moment

For years, the color of the metal in engagement rings was white. Either 14k white gold, or platinum metal. But lately, 14k yellow gold is becoming super popular! Beautiful on pretty much everyone’s skin, yellow gold (and rose gold) made up about half of all of our custom engagement rings this past year.

Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Still Growing In Popularity!

We couldn’t end the trends without mentioning the growing popularity of lab grown diamonds. Physically, optically and chemically the same as diamonds mined from the earth, lab grown diamonds have been a great, affordable, ethical, conflict-free option for custom engagement rings at Scott’s. Think of them like tomatoes. Some are grown in a hothouse, and others are grown in a garden. But, lab grown diamonds cost about 50% less than mined diamonds (and who doesn’t want to save 50%). Available in almost every size and cut, we even use small lab diamonds in our bands too!

Interested in learning more about lab grown diamonds and how they are the most sustainable (and stunning) option for your jewelry? Download the whitepaper!

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Columbus is a hot spot for innovation (which is why we started our store here over 10 years ago), and jewelry trends here always cutting edge! It’s like living in Los Angeles, but affordable

Whatever your style, you can find or design it at Scott’s!

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According to Wikipedia, the word bespoke (/bəˈspoʊk/) has evolved from a verb meaning “to speak for something” to its contemporary usage as an adjective that describes anything commissioned to a particular specification.

So, in laymen’s terms: custom made just for you. And let’s just say we know a little about that

Is there a difference between “custom made” and “customized in jewelry?”

Bespoke – or custom made – is waaayyy different than customized in the jewelry industry.

A lot of jewelry stores claim to offer custom, or bespoke services for jewelry, but really, the customer can only choose from the list of options that they offer. Yes, they can build a ring, but the designs are limited.

The easiest way to describe the difference? Chipotle.

Customized jewelry

So you walk into the restaurant and chose either a bowl or a wrap. Add a protein, Select your toppings from their list of 8ish items – maybe even spring for extras like guac or sour cream. (Pro tip – always order the guac!)

Yes, it’s customized to your liking and usually delicious, but it’s not truly custom made. You are limited to whatever toppings they have that day.

Customized jewelry is the same. Enter a store (sometimes you even have to be buzzed in!) Select a center stone. Add a ring mounting from their selection of about 8ish options. Maybe even add a diamond halo. Done.

Bespoke: The Chipotle of the jewelry world

But, if you have a chef make your bowl, then you have REAL options!

Want seasoned potatoes instead of rice? Sure. Or maybe you’d like shredded romaine and kale instead of iceberg? Not a problem.

It’s the same with custom jewelry at Scott’s!

What is the center stone going to be? A mined diamond? Lab grown diamond? Or maybe it’s Grandma’s diamond that you inherited. Want to incorporate some small gemstones from a pendant you no longer wear? Absolutely – we can make any size and shape stonework when we custom make it with our CAD technology. How about adding details like initials or special symbols to the ring. All these options, plus so many more are available with real custom designed jewelry.

What’s the best part of bespoke jewelry at Scott’s?

There’s a lot to love about custome made jewelry, but one of our favorites? Getting to reuse family gemstones (saves you money and makes a great story). Having a ring fit. Just. Right. Recycling gold to offset the price of the piece.

Another gold lining custom-making jewelry? You never have to settle. You get to design exactly what you want. Because bespoke means designed specifically with you in mind.

Want to know more about bespoke jewelry? Give us a call at 614 336-4111. We’d love to be a part of YOUR jewelry story!

When it comes to choosing a center stone for your engagement ring, the options can be overwhelming. At Scott’s Custom Jewelers, we believe knowledge is key to making the right choice. Let’s explore the differences between moissanite and lab grown diamonds to help you decide which option suits your preferences and values best.

What’s the difference between moissanite and lab grown diamonds?

When it comes to a center stone in an engagement ring, there are so.many.choices! It can be overwhelming – that’s for sure. But as we always say, knowledge is power, so here are some of the major differences between moissanite and lab grown diamonds.

What exactly is a moissanite? And are moissanite diamonds real?

While most people consider moissanite a synthetic or man made material, some moissanite does occur naturally and very rarely, in very tiny crystals. But moissanite that is commonly used in jewelry is most likely man-made moissanite. This is a form of crystalline silicon carbide created in laboratories. It is a white-ish, hard stone and commonly called a diamond simulant.

Moissanite became popular in recent years as a lower cost alternative to diamonds in jewelry.

And what is a lab grown diamond?

According to the Federal Trade Commission, lab grown diamonds are carbon crystalized in the isometric system with a hardness of 10 on the mohs scale, with a specific gravity of 3.52 and a refractive index of 2.42. Which means they are exactly the same chemically, optically and physically as diamonds mined from the earth.

Lab grown diamonds have been around for many years, but were mainly use for industrial tools. About five years ago, lab grown diamond manufacturers perfected their processes and were able to make bigger, whiter diamond crystals that were pretty and could be cut and used for jewelry.

Can you tell the difference between moissanite and lab grown diamonds?

At first glance, both moissanite and lab grown diamonds look like white stones.

Lab grown diamond on the left, moissanite on the right.

But, in sizes over 1/2 carat, moissanite will start to look different. The color is more yellow/brownish, although it is possible to find a more “colorless” stone. Also, moissanite will often look blue-ish in certain lights, and they don’t give off the classic diamond flashes.

Lab grown diamonds, on the other hand, range in color just like mined diamonds. From colorless (D-E) to black! And lab grown diamonds have the same fire and flash as mined diamonds. A well cut stone will look like fireworks when you look at it!

Which is more durable: lab grown diamonds or moissanite stone?

Nothing is more durable than a diamond (except your granite countertop – those babies will chip all of your jewelry, but I digress).

Moissanite comes in second. It is a very hard simulant. One of the main differences though, is in “how” it breaks.

Moissanite breaks off in big shards. They cannot be re-cut or repaired.

When a moissanite is hit hard, it doesn’t just chip, it breaks off in long shards, or may even shatter. If that happens, there’s no way to re-cut or repair the stone. It has to do with the way the crystals are formed. Because of this, Scott’s doesn’t sell or set moissanite. The risk of it breaking off in these dager-like pieces is too high.

Lab grown diamonds, on the other hand, behave just like mined diamonds. It takes a lot of effort to break them! And, if they do sustain a crunch, they tend to break off a small chip which can be filed smooth or even re-cut, saving your investment.

So why did moissanite become popular?

Moissanite became popular in the 1990s mainly because of price. You could get a big look, for not a lot of money. And moissanite looked better than a cubic zirconia (which scratched very easy).

At that time, people began choosing moissanite because of it’s eco-friendly and conflict free status. When the mined diamond industry came under fire for possible human and environmental rights violations (in the early 60s and 70s – it’s since been heavily regulated), people started to chose these stones.

Are lab grown diamonds popular?

Yep! Lab grown diamonds have become so popular recently because they are cost-effective, conflict-free, and eco friendly. Generally speaking, lab grown diamonds cost 30-50% less than mined diamonds! And because they are so durable (they ARE diamonds), they’re perfect for everyday wear.

Scott’s Custom Jewelers recently made this custom designed halo using round and pear shaped lab grown diamonds around the center lab grown diamond stone.

As people have become more environmentally conscious, they’ve turned to lab grown diamonds because they use less natural resources, like water and electricity, to manufacture.

And, most of the diamonds we sell are made here in the United States, by companies that pay fair wages.

Are all lab grown diamonds the same?

Absolutely not!

A common misunderstanding is that lab grown diamonds are “stamped out” and all look alike. When in fact, the machines actually only create a diamond crystal, which then gets cut into all the shapes, just like diamond crystal mined from the earth.

And not all crystals produce pretty diamonds. Lab grown diamonds vary in color and clarity, just like mined diamonds.

Also, cutting the crystal plays a HUGE part in the prettiness of the diamond. As with mined diamonds, a master diamond cutter knows how to cut the best diamond from the rough crystal. It’s an art!

Learn More About Lab Grown Diamonds Here

Why should I chose a lab grown diamond instead of a moissanite?

Both moissanite and lab grown diamonds are environmentally friendly. And both are free from any social-economic conflicts.

But moissanite isn’t “free” or super cheap, like a cubic zirconia. You’ll still have to make an investment when you purchase one. And it does have some major limitations, like color and durability. When they break – it’s over. You can’t re-cut or polish moissanite.

So if price is a concern (and let’s face it – we all love to save money!) then the value and durability of lab grown diamonds make them a better choice for an engagement ring. A typical, pretty 1ct round lab grown diamond costs about $2000, while a similar sized, premium moissanite costs about $700. And $700 is a lot to lose if it breaks!

Interested in learning more about lab grown diamonds and how they are the most sustainable (and stunning) option for your jewelry? Download the whitepaper!

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If you’d like to see the difference between moissanite and lab grown diamonds (and even mined diamonds), give us a call at 614 336-4111. We’d be happy to help you make an informed decision.

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Alright, I’ll admit it. The jewelry industry has a TON of acronyms, but seriously – carat and karat? They mean two different things in the jewelry industry but are pronounced the same. We’ll explain the difference between these non-veggie words, plus other jewelry terms you may hear when looking for that special engagement ring or custom wedding band. So here they are from A to Z!

Alloy

An alloy is a mixture of metals and/or another element that, in the jewelry industry, are added to pure gold to make it hardy enough to actually wear. At Scott’s, we cast all of our gold and silver jewelry ourselves. So we have to carefully weigh and measure the alloys and the pure gold nuggets, then we melt them together and pour it into the jewelry mold. It’s like a bakery over here – only we’re making a very sparkly cake!

Basket

A basket is a small, wire-shaped form that holds a gemstone. It can have tons of shapes, but usually resembles … a basket!

Bezel

A bezel is a metal (we use gold, silver or platinum) band with a top edge, that is set over the stone to hold it in place. It’s like a metal “donut” and is very secure.

Carat

Ahh, the jewelry term that started it all! A carat with a “C” is a unit of weight for gemstones. It’s the readout on the scale, and, unlike when I get on the scale, the bigger the number, the better!

Channel Set

Another way to secure a gemstone. Channel set is when stones are held in place by a slight rim of metal that runs along the edges.

CAD

Computer Aided Design. That’s how we make most of our jewelry here at Scott’s. We use a special engineering type program that lets us design jewelry around your gems or your idea! Then, we can actually make pictures of the piece and send them to you before it’s even been made. It’s very cool!

Diamond

This one used to be easy, but now we have mined diamonds and lab grown diamonds. Mined diamonds are found in the earth, while lab grown diamonds are made above ground in a lab. Both are the same physically, chemically and optically, and both come in a variety of shapes, grades and colors. Typically, lab grown diamonds cost 30-50% less than mined diamonds.

Emerald vs. Emerald Cut

An emerald is a beryl gemstone that is green. It can be found in many shapes, including an emerald cut (see – I told you jewelry terms were confusing!) Emerald cut is a square or rectangular shape with edges that are faceted, or cut on angles.

Facets

Look at a gemstone up close. Do you see all of those cuts? Those are facets. They’re made to shape the stone and to enhance the shine. They act as reflectors and bounce the light around. The more facets in a diamond, the more it sparkles!

Karat

Karat with a K – this refers to the total weight of gold alloy in jewelry. 24 karats is pure gold, but because of its softness, pure gold is not suitable for making jewelry that is worn everyday. Usually a mixture of elements (these are alloys) including copper, silver, and zinc are added to pure gold to strengthen it. How much that is added determines the color and karat of gold. In the United States, jewelry is generally made with 10k, 14k and 18k gold.

Moissanite

Diamond on the left, Moissanite on the right.

This is a faux, branded diamond simulate. It does not perform the same way as a mined or lab grown diamond, and it tends to have a bluish tint to it in larger sizes.

Pave

Pronounce “pah VAY”, this is a method of setting small diamonds very close together. They look like the gold is paved with diamonds!

Prong Set

Another jewelry term and a way of setting gemstones. Small metal claws, or prongs, are shaped and bent over the stone to hold them in place.

Rhodium

White gold is naturally yellow, so we plate it with rhodium to make it whiter.

Rhodium is a non-tarnishing white platinum metal that is plated over white gold to make it whiter. Some better quality sterling silver jewelry is also plated with rhodium to keep it from turning black and tarnishing.

Shank

Not a prison weapon. The shank is the part of the ring that encircles the finger.

Zoom

Not *technically a jewelry term, but we use Zoom, and other digital media to provide virtual jewelry consultations with our customers all over the world!

With lab grown diamonds becoming more popular because they are cost-effective, conflict-free, and eco friendly, it’s important to note that not all lab-grown diamonds are created equal. Just like diamonds formed in the earth, there are also a lot of variances in diamonds that are grown in the lab.

As a third-generation jeweler, I’ve seen so many diamond stimulants come across my showcases these past 25 years. And boy do I have some stories! Knowing what to look for, and what questions to ask, I believe, will help you pick the best diamond for your engagement ring!

So here’s what you should know when you look at lab grown diamonds for quality.

Where is the diamond made?

First off, all lab grown diamonds have the same elemental structure and the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as mined diamonds. The only difference is mined diamond rough crystals are cut from the earth, and lab diamond crystals are made in a machine. But even lab grown diamonds have differences.

Diamonds grown in the United States have a more consistent power supply grid and cleaner water sources than those grown in other countries.

Why does this matter?

Lab grown diamond machines are pretty cool – they look like something from a sci-FY movie! These pods use super high pressure and water to “grow” a small diamond seed into a bigger crystal. Kind of like how you used to make rock candy with sugar water when you were a kid.

If the power goes out, it interrupts the process and effects the final product. Same with the water. Clean, filtered water produces a better diamond rough crystal. And both can cause issues that can be visible in the lab grown diamond after it’s cut and polished.

It’s all about the cut

All diamonds, whether mined or lab grown, still need to be cut into their finished shapes. Diamonds are cut by machines and people (yep – there are still diamond cutters around!) It’s really cool to watch, too!

A huge part of the value and beauty of a diamond is determined by how well it is cut. So.Much.Math. The best looking, most sparkly diamonds have the best cutters. And some lab grown diamond manufacturers are going for quantity, not quality – they’re churning out diamonds by the boat full – but the pieces are … kind of ugly.

Having an expert (that’s us) weed through the ugly is a big help. We’ve literally seen millions of dollars worth of diamonds in our life, and can tell at a glance which ones are cut well.

Lab grown diamond certifications

Many diamonds, both mined and lab grown, are graded and certified by independent laboratories. These certificates don’t give a value of the gemstone, but rather, a grade. Like a report card, actually. The better the grade, the more the diamond is worth.

But diamond grading is very subjective. The same diamond can get different grades, depending upon who looked at it. Weird, but whatever – it is what it is.

Now some lab grown diamond manufacturers have their OWN labs. We think this is a conflict of interest. The whole idea of an independent lab is to give it a grade which will determine it’s worth. So – if I make a diamond, then give it an A (but it’s really only a C), then I make more money when I sell it. Hmm.

At Scott’s Custom Jewelers, we only sell diamonds (lab and mined) that are graded by an independent lab. And we do that by vetting those labs and manufacturers. That way, you get what you pay for.

Diamonds grown out of the country

One of the biggest reasons people chose a lab grown diamond is because they are conflict-free.

The mined diamond industry had a history, that’s for sure. Now, there is a process in place (it’s called the Kimberly Process) that tracks a diamond from the mine to the retailer and guarantees that it was mined humanely, wasn’t part of any drug or arms cartels, and other awful things.

Lab grown diamonds (or “Man made diamonds“) aren’t mined, but there’s no process guaranteeing their ethics.

Because of these ethics, we chose to sell only those diamonds grown in the United States for several reasons:

• Safe working environment: We have OSHA and other manufacturing agencies looking out for the workers here in this country.
• Fair wages: The labs we buy from pay their workers fairly, provide benefits and pay taxes.
• Supporting the local economy: Buying American is always preferred! The labs we buy from employ workers who also use their wages to buy from local businesses, and so on, and so on.
• Tariffs: Overseas companies are sometimes subject to tariffs or taxes.

Buying our lab grown diamonds from American companies eliminates these conflicts, and let’s us provide you a beautiful gemstone at the lowest price.

Buyer Beware: Buying a lab grown diamond off the internet

Sure, we all internet shop. (I say this as UPS just dropped off a package!) And for somethings, it’s a no-brainer! But lab grown diamonds are not like, say a television. You can order a specific model of TV from several sources, and it will be the exactly the same, except for maybe the price (and shipping!)

Lab grown diamonds ARE different from each other – just liked mined diamonds! You really need to see a few next to each other, to compare and figure out which one “winks at you” (that’s what Grandpa used to say).

Plus, we’ve seen so many online companies that are less than honest, to say the least.

We had a person come to us recently, with a “diamond” they purchased off a website that they said was lab grown. And it WAS not mined, that was for sure. It looked off – something was weird about the finish. The customer was told it was authentic, but it turned out to be an ordinary cubic zirconia (a man-made diamond stimulant) with a coating of diamond on it so it would fool diamond testing equipment.

The worst part was that when the customer tried to return it, the company accused THEM of switching out the “authentic” diamond with a fake CZ! Basically, it was “touched you last”.

Not all lab grown diamonds are created equal!

So the moral of the story is: You still need good people (i.e. jewelers) in your life to help guide you in some decisions. Our expertise and experience will help you not make costly mistakes, and help you save money (and the planet) when you chose a lab grown diamond for your jewelry!

Interested in learning more about lab grown diamonds and how they are the most sustainable (and stunning) option for your jewelry? Download the whitepaper!

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Need Additional Help Identifying Quality Lab Grown Diamonds? We’re Here to Help!

Lab grown diamonds. They catch your eye with their sparkle, and have been a symbol of love for centuries. And now, the same diamond that was once only available mined from deep within the earth, can now be created above ground!

Lab grown diamonds, according to the Federal Trade Commission, are exactly the same optically, chemically and physically, as diamonds mined from the earth. They are literally the exact same. So why are they suddenly becoming so popular?

Well, because they cost 30-50% less than mined diamonds, to start. And add on the fact that they are sustainable, or eco-friendly, and conflict-free. Lab grown diamonds are definitely becoming a main stream choice, especially among the millennial customers.

Here’s a guide to all you need to know about these new diamonds.

How much are lab grown diamonds?

Because lab grown diamonds are made, well, in a laboratory, the cost to manufacture them verses mining them is much less, resulting in a lower cost per carat.

An active diamond mine in South Africa.

There’s no need to buy permits, set up expensive digging equipment and camps, and then, perhaps pay tariffs to import the mined diamonds into a country. Those things add up!

They also take less resources to manufacture – there’s no soil to move, and less water is used in the process (18 gallons a carat for lab grown diamonds instead of 127 gallons of water for mined diamonds). That certainly impacts the cost!

In general, lab grown diamonds are 30-50% less than mined diamonds, depending upon the shape and carat weight of the gemstone.

Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?

As Forbes Magazine recently reported, “A diamond is a diamond no matter whether it is grown in a lab or comes out of the ground.”

A piece of lab grown diamond rough crystal.

Both types of diamonds are carbon crystalized in the isometric system with a hardness of 10 on the mohs scale, with a specific gravity of 3.52 and a refractive index of 2.42. They are exactly the same chemically.

In fact, it takes very expensive and sophisticated equipment to tell the difference between them. In general, lab grown diamonds over .25 ct are laboratory graded and laser inscribed with the certification number.

Are lab grown diamonds worth it?

Lab grown diamonds cost less than mined diamonds because of the way they are made. Since they are sustainably grown above earth and leave a significantly smaller carbon footprint, compared to mined diamonds, they are not only ethical, but use less resources, so the price is lower per carat than mined diamonds.

Both types of diamonds are 99.95% carbon – the .05% is made up of trace minerals or impurities. Because diamonds grown in a lab are made in a controlled environment, these impurities have less impact on the diamond’s appearance, so they look like the best mined diamonds, yet cost 30-50% less.

A near perfect mined diamond.

Very high quality diamonds (like the famous Elizabeth Taylor diamond known as “The Krupp Diamond” – a 33.19 carat beauty) are called Type IIa diamonds. Extremely rare in nature, Type IIa diamonds account for less than 2% of the world’s mined diamonds. They are gorgeous because they are almost or entirely devoid of impurities, making them the purest form of diamond. Most of the lab grown diamonds that Scott’s Custom Jewelers sell are these amazing Type IIa diamonds!

What are lab grown diamonds called?

First, let’s start by telling you what they are not called!

• Cubic Zirconia, a man-made white stone commonly used in fashion jewelry
• Rhinestones
• Moissanite
• Simulated diamonds

The Federal Trade Commission requires that all lab grown diamonds be advertised as such, so there is no confusion between them and mined diamonds.

How are lab grown diamonds made?

The process of making a diamond in a lab is so cool! The pods look like something out of a Sci/Fi movie.

Lab grown diamond crystals are made in pods. The rough crystals are then cut exactly the same as mined diamonds.

1. First, a high quality, lab grown diamond seed is placed in a Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) chamber, or greenhouse.
2. Then, hydrogen is pumped into the chamber and ignited. Methane, which is the source of carbon for diamonds, is introduced, and the diamond is left to grow, layer by layer, for about 12 weeks.
3. After growing, the rough diamond crystal is ready to be cut. Here’s where the skill of the diamond cutter comes into play. Using techniques that have been around for generations, expert diamond cutters cut, facet and polish the gemstones.

Pretty neat!

A gorgeous lab grown diamond, cut into a marquise shape and set in a custom band.

Lab grown diamonds are definitely here to stay. They offer an affordable, sustainable option to celebrate life’s big moments like engagements, weddings, anniversaries and babies. For more information, call our Columbus store at 614 336-4111, or stop by at Scott’s Custom Jewelers 6365 Perimeter Drive, Dublin, OH 43016 and see the for yourself!

Interested in learning more about lab grown diamonds and how they are the most sustainable (and stunning) option for your jewelry? Download the whitepaper!

Get The Whitepaper

A candlelit path of rose petals, a string quartet playing in the background and the love of your life gazing into your eyes, about to propose. It’s the moment you’ve imagined since you were six years old. You anxiously answer “yes.” The passersby applaud in celebration of a moment that you’re sure couldn’t possibly be more romantic.

Until your beloved whispers in your ear, “Your ring was made from both of our grandmother’s wedding rings.” Perfection.

Something Old, Something New; Something Made Just for You

While we admit that picking out a brand new necklace, ring, earrings or bracelet is exciting (and we would love to help you with that, too) there are more options. Do you have a ring that no longer fits? Is your favorite necklace broken beyond repair? Have you recently inherited some jewelry? We encourage you to trade, reuse, and save by bringing in your old, no longer used jewelry. Together, we can update, upscale, redesign or recreate “something old” into “something new” to wear for many years without the brand new price tag.

Sustainability Counts: Harvesting The Power of Lab-Grown Diamonds

Diamonds and gems are a thing of beauty, no doubt. But what if you could own a gorgeous diamond without depleting natural resources and support the long-term ecological balance of the environment? We applaud your caring for our Earth by providing cost-effective lab grown diamonds and using 100% purified, recycled gold.

Lab grown diamonds are no different than mined diamonds, except for when it comes to price point and environmental impact. They are 25-50% cheaper while providing sustainability, ethical sourcing and a lower carbon footprint. If you don’t have gems to reuse, we will find any gemstone or mined diamond you desire, or help you choose the perfect lab grown diamond for your creation or re-creation.

Experience & Expertise to Customize Everything

With more than 19 years of experience using computer assisted design and 3D printers, our designers will customize anything you can imagine. Your one of a kind piece will become a treasured keepsake. If you aren’t sure of what you want, that’s where we shine! We welcome the challenge of inspiring you and working together to create a product that you will be proud to own, give, wear, show off on Insta and pass down.

Simple Steps, Elegant Outcomes

Scott’s Custom Jewelers wants to provide you with a personalized shopping experience unlike anything you have ever experienced. Whether you stop into our store, or do the entire process digitally, you will be treated with the same level of importance and attention to every detail. Your design journey starts with a scheduled consultation using old-fashioned paper and pencil where we get to know you and your wants and needs while considering your budget.

Then the design process begins and you have the option of starting from scratch, trading in, or reusing older pieces you already have. This is where the high tech stuff comes in; our CAD design software will produce photos of the design in detail, and there’s no extra cost to make changes because we want you to love it. More cool techy stuff- once you approve the design, we print out a 3D model that you can even try on. Still want to make changes? Bring it on. We will work with you until it’s exactly what you envisioned. In our Dublin workshop, we will work tirelessly to breathe life into your custom piece. When completed, you can either pick it up, or we will ship it directly to you.

Even Mother Nature Likes Your Bling

The greatest outcome: you’re happy to have something nobody else in the world has, we are happy because we shared in creating a lifelong memory, you saved money and we all contributed to saving the environment! It’s a win/win/win/win situation. Let’s not forget that your past pieces are now an integral part of your new piece and will forever be one.

Let’s get started. Contact us today to start the journey to shiny perfection.

What to consider when buying an engagement ring

So, how do you know what to consider when buying an engagement ring? No worries – we’ve helped thousands of couples design their perfect ring. And, we’ve even got ways for you to pull off a surprise engagement!

Guide to Buying Diamond Jewelry

First, we’ll ask some questions

So many choices!

• What shape of gemstone do you both like (we’ll show you examples)?
• Do you know her ring size?
• What color and kind of metal do you prefer?
• What type of gemstone do you want in the engagement ring?
• If you’re looking for a diamond, do you want a mined gemstone, or a lab grown diamond?

Buying an engagement ring is probably the only decision you’ll have/get to make, on your own, on your way to the altar! And many couples actually do come in together to design their custom engagement ring.

What should I expect when I come to Scott’s?

Scott and Beth will help you find the perfect engagement ring!

If you want to surprise your soon-to-be fiancé, this is what to expect when you come to design your perfect engagement ring at Scott’s.

First off, you don’t have to have all the answers when you come in. We don’t expect it! Mainly because you won’t even know the questions! But you WILL ace this test – promise!

We’ll ask questions like, what is she (or he) like? What does she usually wear? What does she do for a living? What kinds of jewelry does she wear now? Does she spend a lot of time on Pinterest – let’s look at her page!

We can usually get a good feel for the style of engagement ring she’ll want with a little digging.

Now for the details!

Now we’ll get to the specifics. Details like, do you have a family gemstone you want to incorporate into this design? Inherited diamonds not only save you money, but they add so much history and emotion into a custom engagement ring. Even re-purposing small diamonds from say, a diamond heart pendant that her grandmother gave to her when she turned 18, can be used in a custom design. Or maybe your own parents have jewelry that they want you to use in your new piece. All of that is possible at Scott’s.

Re-purposing diamonds add to a jewelry story, and saves you money!

Mined or lab grown diamonds?

So, what if you don’t have any diamonds to use. No problem! We’ll help guide you on your diamond choices too (we love them all – we’re not diamond snobs!)

Lab grown diamonds come in every shape and size. The only difference between a lab and a mined diamond is where they come from – and the price!

Do you want to use mined diamonds, or lab grown diamonds? Both are diamonds (the Federal Trade Commission backs this up Forbes.com), but depending upon your budget, a lab grown diamond can save you 20-50% over mined diamonds. Lab grown diamonds are also more ecologically sustainable than mined diamonds. Either way, we have them both!

Interested in learning more about lab grown diamonds and how they are the most sustainable (and stunning) option for your jewelry? Download the whitepaper!

Get The Whitepaper

Size matters

By using sample stones, we’ll show you the sizes and shapes of the diamonds for your engagement ring. We find that a visual is helpful. And we’ll also explain all those letters and numbers – VS, SI1, G-H – that describe diamonds. They can be confusing, but we can show you the differences.

Seeing is believing

After we figure out the center diamond, Scott’s will start searching for diamonds in your price range and with your specs, for you to see in person. We believe you need to see and compare gems to make the best decision.

Seeing is believing – you need to compare diamonds to make the best decision.

We’ll call our many diamond sources and bring in 3 to 4 gemstones. You can then see the differences and make a better determination of which stone, as Grandpa used to say, “winks at you.” And since we don’t own the stones, we aren’t trying to push a certain diamond on you, because we need to get rid of stock. That really makes a difference to your bottom line!

It’s the benefit of internet’s vast inventory, but with the guidance of a professional. Really – you won’t make a mistake this way!

Finding out her ring size

Once we have the style of the ring, and know what our main, center stone will be, we need that ring size!

Nothing is worse than dropping to your knee, romantically proposing to your beloved, then finding out the ring is too small! No matter what her size is, she’ll think she’s too big, and the moment is ruined.

So, if we don’t already know the ring size, we’ll help you be super sneaky, and get it from her. If you can’t bring in a ring that she wears on her engagement finger for us to size, we’ll have you slyly put one on your finger, and where it stops, we’ll have you take a picture, then we’ll size YOU.

We’ll take it from here

Now your work is done, and you’re on your way to a beautiful custom engagement ring that will definitely make her say, YES!

Want to learn more about buying an engagement ring at Scott’s? Call 614 336-4111 to schedule your appointment today.