You might have heard about lab grown diamonds, or seen “synthetic”, “man-made” or “lab created” stones at your local jeweller. But what is a lab grown diamond exactly, and how is it different to a mined diamond? We interviewed our Co-Managing Directors Justin McCabe and Jessica McCabe-Moran to find out about what lab grown diamonds are, why they are so popular, and to introduce a brand new premium grade lab grown diamond offering in an exciting new engagement ring collection available in stores and online right now.
WHAT IS A LAB GROWN DIAMOND?
“Lab grown diamonds are an exciting part of the next evolution in jewellery.” As Gerard McCabe’s Co-Managing Director, Justin McCabe personally oversees the careful selections of gemstones and design elements of Gerard McCabe designs, including lab grown diamond stones. He continues, “it is impossible to ignore the influence that lab diamonds have had on the global diamond market, especially in relation to engagement rings.”
So what makes a lab grown diamond different from a mined diamond? The main difference lies in how they are formed. Billions of years ago, diamond gemstones were formed from superheated and pressurised crystallised carbon found deep in the Earth’s crust. As pressure beneath the earth’s surface built up, hot molten rock carried diamond bearing rocks towards its crust in what are called Kimberlite pipes.
Thanks to the development of cutting edge technology and mass scale production advancements, diamonds can now be manufactured in weeks. Lab grown or synthetic diamonds are created in machines simulating the pressurised conditions of the earth’s crust, forming diamonds that have the same chemical properties and performance of a naturally mined diamond.
Gerard McCabe is proud to now offer a premium selection of lab grown diamonds, carefully hand-selected with the precise and thoughtful standards we apply to our natural stones. These diamonds deliver the same exceptional quality and craftsmanship that is the hallmark of a Gerard McCabe design.
WHY ARE LAB GROWN DIAMONDS SO POPULAR?
With the undeniable surge of popularity that lab grown diamonds have enjoyed in recent years, their influence on fashion and accessibility to a wider audience means an opportunity to bring a bigger range of premium diamond jewellery to the discerning client.
Lab grown diamonds offer incredible value, allowing clients to select larger, higher-quality stones at a more accessible price point, compared to mined diamonds. Justin says, “Lab grown diamonds have made what was once an unattainable dream for most customers to be within reach of the majority”. Big looks are all the rage, with the most asked for carat size being in the 2-3 carat range for lab grown diamonds.
And in the celebrity world, bigger is certainly better, with Taylor Swift’s recent engagement with an 8-carat natural ring reported to be worth over a million dollars. Her influence as a global phenomenon will undoubtedly shape buying habits of engaged couples. “It’s now possible to achieve a similar look for a fraction of the cost,” Justin continues, “which means our clients can own the diamond jewellery they have always desired without sacrificing quality or size.”
Shop Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings | Gerard McCabe
Why choose a Gerard McCabe lab grown diamond?
Co-Managing Director Jessica McCabe-Moran says, “We are always seeking the exceptional with every range we bring to our clients. With lab grown diamonds, advancements in technology have ensured an abundance of top-graded stones for Cut, Colour and Clarity.”
Lab grown diamonds are cut and polished using the same techniques as mined diamonds, and they exhibit the same level of brilliance, fire and scintillation. They are graded according to the Four Cs: Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat, the same grading standard as mined diamonds. At Gerard McCabe, our lab grown diamonds typically fall within the top three colour grades (D, E, F) and premium clarity grades (IF to VVS2), ranging from 0.70ct to 3.00ct and beyond.
Our gemmologists hand-select each stone, ensuring it meets our strict quality standards so you can enjoy showstopping sparkle. Jessica continues, “Our clients can go wild with ring design options, knowing their diamond is going to be a knockout.” A personalised approach means you can customise your ring design to suit your style and budget: from trending cuts like cushion and bezel, to statement-making large ovals and hidden halo designs. With so many options and price points available, there’s no wonder clients are choosing lab grown diamonds.
LAB GROWN DIAMONDS AT GERARD McCABE
Lab grown diamonds are the latest addition to our tailor-made bridal range. We have an extensive selection of engagement ring designs available in natural mined diamonds or lab grown diamonds, ready to wear or made to your specifications. Plus, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. We guide you through stone selection and design, through to the final touches like ring sizing and custom engraving.
“It’s such a privilege to work with our clients at such a special and momentous time in their lives.” - Jessica McCabe-Moran, Co-Managing Director
Shop Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings | Gerard McCabe
Witness the sparkle of our lab grown diamonds in person by booking a personalised viewing in-store at our Adelaide Arcade or Rundle Mall Plaza boutiques, or browse our range of lab grown diamond rings online.
