In addition to offering traditional, mined-from-the-earth diamonds, Scott’s also offers the new, man-made, lab grown diamonds as a more sustainable, affordable and ethically sourced option for building your dream engagement ring, necklace, bracelet or other piece of jewelry.
Exactly the same as diamonds mined from the earth, lab diamonds follow the 4Cs – cut, color, clarity and carat. The biggest difference, though, is in the price! Quality lab grown diamonds are generally 70-80% less than their mined counterparts! And that’s a BIG deal.
Plus, when you purchase a lab grown diamond from us, Scott’s will send a company donation equal to $100/carat to The Dublin Food Pantry as part of our commitment to help serve our community. So not only will you save money and the environment when you choose a lab grown diamond, but your purchase also helps put food on the table for those in need. Talk about a win/win!
Let’s Get it StartedLet’s start by telling you what they are not!
Like diamonds mined from the earth, lab grown diamonds, according to the Federal Trade Commission, 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.
That’s a really scientific way of saying: There’s no difference, chemically, optically or physically between a mined diamond and a lab grown diamond.
But here’s the real reason people are choosing lab diamonds over mined – they get so much more for their money!
Our customers can get a bigger, brighter, cleaner diamond for their budget. Plus, they can feel confident that a lab diamond from us is conflict free and sustainably sourced (we vet all of our cutters extensively).
Think of lab diamonds like tomatoes. Some are grown in a greenhouse, and some are grown in a garden. The only difference is the origin.
And just like lab grown sapphires, rubies and other colored gemstones, the big difference between them and mined gemstones is in the sustainability and cost.
Mining for gems always involved moving earth. Hopefully it’s done responsibly, but many mines leave a lot of damage both to the landscape and to the communities after they’re gone.
Most lab diamond manufacturers (like the ones Scott’s uses) are committed to energy-saving techniques (like solar power), and fair labor practices.
But picking out a beautiful, lab grown diamond still requires expertise. There are good looking diamonds, and diamonds that look like chunks of ice-melting salt. As Grandpa used to say, you need to pick out the diamond that “winks at you.” That’s where we can help!
Lab grown diamonds are made by recreating nature’s process above ground. It’s pretty fascinating, too!
High quality diamond crystals are produced in a machine that mimics the earth. After the crystal is grown – anywhere from 2-6 weeks – master diamond cutters begin their magic. They use the same tools and expertise to cut lab diamonds as well as mined diamonds.
Combining technology and hand-craftsmanship, labs can provide larger, brighter, higher quality diamonds at a much lower price than their mined counterparts.
First, a high-quality, lab grown diamond seed is placed in a Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) chamber, or greenhouse.
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.
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.
Besides offering lab grown diamonds and re-purposing diamonds from older jewelry, Scott’s Custom Jewelers also recycles the gold from old, broken jewelry that’s traded in on a custom jewelry design.
The old gold is sent to a company who refines it, then sends us purified gold chunks to use in our new jewelry castings. Heck, we even recycle the gold dust that collects on our equipment! Every little bit helps. Why hurt the earth when we can recycle and save? We’re very proud of the fact that in over 20 years of business, we’ve never had to buy newly mined gold.
With our headquarters near Columbus, Ohio, our custom jewelry services are also available to pretty much anyone with a smartphone! Sure, you could swing by our brick and mortar store, but if your busy schedule doesn’t comply, or you live out in California and a ticket to John Glenn Airport isn’t in the budget, you can always do everything digitally.
What exactly is a lab diamond?
Lab diamonds are real diamonds, grown in controlled laboratory conditions rather than mined from the earth. Chemically and physically, they’re identical to natural diamonds—they sparkle, shine, and are forever. The only difference? Their origin.
Why are lab diamonds so popular now?
There are several reasons:
1.Ethical Sourcing: Lab diamonds are conflict-free, giving couples peace of mind that their ring supports responsible practices.
2.Affordability: You can often get a larger or higher-quality stone for the same budget compared to mined diamonds.
3.Sustainability: Growing diamonds in a lab reduces environmental impact, from less mining to lower carbon emissions.
Are lab diamonds less “real” than mined diamonds?
Absolutely not! Lab diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically the same as natural diamonds. If anything, some people consider them even “better” because you know exactly where they came from and the conditions under which they were created. We like to say diamonds are like babies — some are conceived “the old fashioned way”, others in a lab. But they’re all babies once they’re born!
How do lab diamonds look on a ring?
Stunning. Whether you choose a classic solitaire, a vintage-inspired halo, or a modern custom design, lab diamonds have the same brilliance and fire as natural diamonds. At Scott’s Custom Jewelers, we love showing off these stones in unique, handcrafted designs.
Are lab diamonds a good investment?
Lab diamonds are a smart choice for personal value and ethical considerations, but they do not always hold resale value like some natural diamonds.
But the reality is that reselling diamonds is almost always a loss. Typically, you can resell any diamond for 15-20% of it’s stated value. If you spent $10,000 on a mined diamond, you would get about $2,000 at a pawn shop, resulting in a $8,000 loss. And if you had to resell your $1,000 lab diamond, you would get about $200, with an $800 loss. Much easier to handle!
That said, many couples prioritize beauty, quality, and sustainability over resale price—and lab diamonds deliver on all three.
If you’d like more information on lab grown diamonds, we’d be happy to help. Give us a call, and let’s make something beautiful, together!
