Diamonds are always a good idea, but what if we told you there’s a way to get all the sparkle without the wait of a billion years underground? Enter: lab-grown diamonds. They’re bold, beautiful, and officially part of the Ikecho family (cue excited squeals).
If you’re wondering what makes them different, or whether they’re real diamonds (spoiler: they absolutely are), we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in.
So...what is a lab-grown diamond?
Think of a lab-grown diamond as the modern cousin of a mined diamond. They’re chemically, physically, and visually identical. Same sparkle, same durability, same wow-factor. The only difference? Instead of forming under the earth’s surface, they’re grown in a lab using seriously cool science that mimics nature’s process.
Translation: you get a diamond that looks like it was born in the earth, but it was crafted with a little help from humans (and a lot of fancy tech).
How do they actually grow a diamond?
There are two main ways to grow diamonds in a lab:
- HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature): Think of it like nature’s diamond recipe but recreated in a high-tech oven.
- CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition): Sounds complicated, but it’s basically building a diamond layer by layer, starting with a tiny “seed.”
Both create the same gorgeous result: a diamond that shines, sparkles, and stuns, even to a jeweller’s eye. Fun fact: it actually takes special equipment to tell them apart from mined ones.
Why people are falling in love with lab-grown diamonds
- Bigger sparkle for your budget – Lab-grown diamonds often cost less, which means you can go bolder without the side of guilt.
- Kind to the planet – Created in controlled environments, lab-grown diamonds don’t come with the same environmental footprint as traditional mining.
- All the colours – Lab-grown diamonds unlock a palette of dreamy pinks, blues, yellows, and of course, classic white brilliance. While natural diamonds can appear in these shades, their rarity makes them almost unattainable for most – lab-grown brings them beautifully within reach.
The big question: Are they engagement ring worthy?
100% yes. A lab-grown diamond is just as durable and brilliant as a mined one, which makes it perfect for saying forever. Whether you’re planning a proposal or treating yourself (because honestly, why wait?), lab-grown diamonds are made for moments that matter.
Why
we love them at Ikecho
Erica has been working away behind the scenes to design a range that feels fresh, timeless, and a little unexpected. Our Lab-Grown Diamond collection includes one-of-a-kind rings in both classic whites and dreamy coloured stones.
Introducing lab-grown diamonds feels like the perfect fit for Ikecho. We’ve long been part of a bride’s special day, adorning her, her bridesmaids, and her mother in pearls and opals. Now, with diamonds in the mix, Ikecho becomes a true one-stop shop for bridal jewellery.
Just a heads up, these pieces are one-off designs, so once they’re gone, they’re gone. If you spot the one (pun intended), make sure you snap it up.
So whether it’s a “yes” moment, a just-because gift, or a little sparkle you buy for yourself, lab-grown diamonds are here to make it unforgettable.