As a sister, daughter and future wife, I understand how difficult it can be to purchase diamonds. It can be intimidating and it can be difficult to know which diamonds to buy. We don’t often give big gifts to Kyle, but we are getting married in Italy this fall, so I have been encouraging him to research a pair of diamond earrings. As a placeholder for my wedding ring, you know. However, I discovered Clean Origin, a truly amazing jewelry brand that has completely transformed the way I view diamonds. They are an online retailer and also sell lab-created diamonds. I had no idea about this before. Although I had heard of “blood” diamonds, and that they are often illegally traded, I didn’t know lab-grown diamonds could be a legitimate, ethical alternative.
When I refer to equally genuine, it means that lab-grown diamonds and cubic zirconia are not synthetic. The Gemological Institute of America (a non-profit organization that oversees international diamond grading systems) released a statement stating, “Lab Grown Diamond Studs.” They are identical to mined diamonds in terms of their physical and chemical properties. This was new information for me so I assume it is for you, too. That being said, I thought it would be fun to get advice from experts and share three important things that everyone should know about diamond earrings. Continue reading to learn all about them!
3 Things You Need to Know Before You Buy Diamond Earrings
These are some things to know before you buy diamond stud earrings, whether you’re purchasing them for yourself or someone you love.
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What is the difference between lab-grown and mined diamonds?
So, lab-grown diamonds vs. mined diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are known to have the same chemical and physical properties as mined diamonds. These properties aside, I want to highlight three important differences.
- Prices- Lab-grown diamonds can be up to 40% cheaper than mined. This makes it possible for an earring (or necklace, bracelet, or ring) to be much more affordable. Why, exactly? Even though cutting, polishing and inspection costs are identical, the lab-created supply chain for diamonds is cut by skipping the mining process.
- Source- The mined diamond industry was brought under scrutiny for its funding of violence a few years back. Lab-created diamonds can provide you with the security that you need to avoid the blood diamond trade.
- Sustainability- Lab-grown diamonds offer a better alternative to mined diamonds. Why? Why?
In truth, however, I am only scratching the surface. This helpful page from Clean Origin provides more information on the major differences between lab-grown and mined diamonds. You can also find great information and resources at the International Gemological Institute about Lab-Grown Diamond Earrings.
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Carat weight is important
My experience has taught me that the most important thing to remember when purchasing diamond jewelry is its carat weight. It is important to understand that a carat refers to a unique weight measurement that is used to weigh diamonds and gems. The carat weight of diamond studs is “TW”, which stands for total weight. A pair of two-carat studs weighs in at two carats. Each earring is therefore one carat.
It is not only important to know the weight of a diamond, but it is also very useful if you have a specific style or look in mind. A larger carat weight will be more striking if you are looking for an earring that is dramatic. You might prefer something more casual, such as these Clean Origin diamond earrings. You might find a better match.
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How to Choose the Perfect Style
Although choosing the right pair for you may seem simple once you have chosen a carat weight, there are still some factors to consider: metal color, purity, and setting. Here are some tips and tricks to help you choose the right pair of earrings for your loved one.
- – The most common colors for diamond stud earrings are yellow gold and white gold. They’re timeless classics unlike some other metals.
- Metal Type (ie. Purity Level – The appearance, feel and durability of diamond studs can be affected by the metal type. You may have heard of fake metals that can turn green in six months. You should avoid those fake metals. You should make sure that your studs come in either 14K gold or 18K gold.
- Setting – A prong setting is simply the number and location of an earring’s prongs. A four-prong setting is the most common, while a three prong setting gives the diamond a triangular look. Clean Origin has both four-prong martini and classic four-prong studs. You can view the visual differences on their website.
Here’s an example of a pair Clean Origin diamond studded that I have my eye on. These earring have a TW of two carats (one carat per earring), and are made from 14K gold. They also feature a trendy three prong setting. These diamonds, like all Clean Origin jewelry, are lab-grown and not mined.
