By: WC Editorial Team Read Time: 3 mins Engagement Rings
February 15, 2024
Vintage is always fashionable and appealing, which also applies to engagement rings.
You'll see vintage style engagement rings made with cutting-edge lab grown diamonds. Although the process of creating diamonds in a lab is vintage, technological advances have created stunning lab grown diamonds.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What Are Lab Grown Diamonds? Definition of Vintage Engagement Rings Benefits of Lab Grown Diamonds Characteristics of Vintage Style Combining Lab Grown Diamonds with Vintage Designs Quality and Certification Customization Options Durability and Longevity Cultural and Historical Significance Care and Maintenance Closing Thoughts
What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab made diamonds and natural diamonds look identical in terms of their chemical, physical, and optical properties. Their big difference is that one is made deep within the earth and in a lab environment. A controlled lab recreates the intense pressure and high temperatures to transform carbon into diamonds. High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Deposition (CVD) are two standard processes used to create lab diamonds.
Definition of Vintage Engagement Rings
Vintage engagement rings are older than 20 years old, and antique rings are older than 100 years old. You'll see rings that are actually vintage and others that are vintage-inspired, meaning that they have a vintage look but are new settings that haven't been worn.
Benefits of Lab Grown Diamonds
In addition to being much more affordable than natural diamonds, they come with other essential benefits. You will know precisely where your lab grown diamond was made, which makes it an ethically sourced diamond. Lab diamonds are also sustainable and environmentally friendly. Natural diamond mining disrupts the earth and the ecosystems. Lab made diamonds doesn't use as many natural resources.
Characteristics of Vintage Style
Vintage rings typically have some details that make them stand out. Some have milgrain details or intricate beading. Others have unique metal detailing called filigree on the band or romantic motifs, such as hearts or flowers. Celtic detailing is also a familiar look. Some vintage rings look like they came from specific periods of history. For example, an Art Deco engagement ring would feature geometric shapes to see baguette side stones, emerald-cut diamonds, and Asscher cuts.
Combining Lab Grown Diamonds with Vintage Designs
You can have the best of both worlds by creating a vintage-style ring and using lab grown diamonds. It's a new ring with a vintage flair you designed but comes with eco-friendly and ethically sourced diamonds. Your ring will be durable and timeless, and you'll have peace of mind knowing you selected lab grown diamonds.
Quality and Certification
As you browse lab grown diamonds, you'll notice that they're graded the same way natural diamonds are - the 4 Cs (carat, cut, clarity, and color). You'll also want to look for certified diamonds that a third party evaluates. This ensures you're getting the quality diamond you selected and a detailed report about your one-of-a-kind diamond. Make sure you buy from a reputable seller. Do your research about retailers and check the reviews.
Customization Options
You want a unique ring that fits your personal style and preferences. One way to do that is by customizing the elements of your engagement ring. With Clarity allows you to easily and affordably create a vintage engagement ring. Start by picking a setting and the metal you prefer (platinum, 14K, or 18K white, rose, or yellow gold). You can then select the lab center stone based on your quality preferences and budget. You’re in control of each aspect of designing your ring, which will be catered to your style.
Durability and Longevity
Natural and lab-made diamonds have the same hardness - a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning they're extremely hard and durable. They both have the same physical and chemical properties, so they're built to last for years. You might hear myths about lab diamonds not being “real” diamonds, but they're definitely real diamonds with some additional benefits that natural stones don't offer.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Some are drawn to the past and adore vintage anything. Vintage engagement rings are a subtle nod to the love, romanticism, and tradition of the past. They're a window into the culture and history of that time period. Vintage details are unique and set your ring apart from other designs.
Care and Maintenance
You want to ensure your lab diamond vintage engagement ring lasts a lifetime, and you can help by caring for and maintaining it. You can clean your ring at home periodically to remove the dirt and get your diamond sparkling again. It's also a good idea to have a professional jeweler inspect your diamond ring about once a year to ensure the diamonds aren't loose and the prongs hold all the diamonds in place. Being proactive can help protect your lab diamonds and your setting. You'll also want to store your ring separately from other diamond jewelry pieces to prevent any scratches from the diamonds.
Closing Thoughts
If you adore vintage finds, a vintage engagement ring might suit you. You'll find plenty of vintage-inspired engagement ring settings that you can customize to create your own unique ring. Selecting lab diamonds for your vintage ring allows you to save some money and rest easy knowing you chose a sustainable, ethically sourced diamond.
More men and women are aware of the ethical and environmental impact that natural diamonds have, which has dramatically increased the popularity of lab made diamonds. Consider the quality and budget you’d like to set for a ring, and check With Clarity for the perfect lab grown diamond engagement ring. You have plenty of options for vintage engagement rings, so have fun browsing as you design your ideal ring!
