Colorado Wedding Planner Advice: Wedding Rings, Synthetic or Real?
Engagement season is officially upon us. You might be trying to decide what style of engagement ring will bring tears to your partner's eyes when you propose. There are so many things to consider; size, cut, style, cost, and natural or synthetic stone. Synthetic stones are growing in popularity. As a wedding planner, I've seen more engagement and wedding rings than I can count. Each one is as stunning as the next. But what's the difference between a synthetic stone and a real diamond?
Image captured by Sara Kempers Photography with Flowers by A Florae.
What is a natural diamond?
Natural diamonds take one to three billion years to form under very high pressure and temperatures under the earth's surface, where it is then mined, refined and turned into a one-of-a-kind stone for the wedding ring of your dreams. Learn more about how diamonds are formed.
What is a synthetic diamond?
A synthetic stone, sometimes called a lab or man-made diamond, is made over a few weeks in a lab environment. The result is a diamond with the same chemical and optical properties as a natural diamond. The only remarkable difference between the two types of stones is that natural diamonds are mined from the earth, making them one of a kind. Choosing a synthetic stone for your engagement or wedding ring has several benefits.
What are the benefits of choosing a synthetic diamond?
Quality and appearance - Lab-grown diamonds are subject to the same grading scale as natural diamonds. They have impeccable quality, and in many cases, are superior to natural diamonds in terms of carat size, cut, clarity, and color. The controlled environment they are grown in eliminates natural flaws like impurities in color and stone blemishes, resulting in diamonds of the highest range of quality. It's often impossible to tell the difference between the two types of stones.
Cost - Good quality natural diamonds are pricey and can be out of many couples' budgets. It is common to settle for something other than the engagement ring you had your heart set on. The cost of synthetic stones is considerably lower than natural diamonds, allowing you to get a larger, higher-quality stone for much lower prices. Natural stones tend to cost 50 to 60% more than synthetic stones. With lower prices on lab-created diamonds, you can now afford to buy your loved one the engagement ring of their dreams.
Environmentally Sustainable - The energy and pollution required to mine a single diamond out of the earth is extensive and destructive to the natural environment. Diamonds grown in a lab environment don't require endless natural resources and pose relatively little threat to the environment. Lab-grown diamonds are a sustainable and eco-friendly choice.
The bottom line is that synthetic stones have the quality and appearance of a natural stone, are budget-friendly, and are environmentally sustainable. As a Colorado wedding planner, I wouldn't rule out looking at synthetic stones for your engagement and wedding rings. That leaves more room in your wedding budget for other things.
If you're looking for help bringing your celebration to life, we're here for you! As wedding planning experts, we have helped plan a wide range of wedding themes and styles in a variety of locations. Let's connect and talk about planning your special day.