“Straights don’t pay retail anymore, so why should we?”
There is a lot of wedding content out there, but not everything is geared towards the LGBTQ community. That’s why it’s important we share educational and valuable information to our community.
For this wedding themed article, we asked our experts at Mervis about a new rage happening in the diamond industry—lab grown diamonds.
What are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab grown and created diamonds are a new option that many shoppers are considering. Nearly indistinguishable from natural diamonds, these gems are cut, polished, and graded by the same world-renowned labs that certify natural diamonds.
Consumers often confuse lab grown diamonds with diamond simulants, such as cubic zirconia or moissanite. These may look like diamonds but are actually made from different materials. Lab grown diamonds have the same crystal structure and chemical composition as natural diamonds. When put next to each other, their look and sparkle are one in the same. The true difference is in the creation process. Lab grown diamonds are created using technology to speed up the process from billions of years to approximately 30 days.
Why Should We Care?
Price
Not all of us have a booming household income. Though many reported statistics claim the average LGBTQ household income is approximately $115,000+, that figure does not count for the entire community. In fact, these reports and figures mostly reflect the large population of wealthy white gay men. A study from the Williams Institute dives deep into how women and people of color do not necessarily fit into the above mentioned statistics.
For those of us planning for an engagement, an anniversary gift, or other special occasions, saving money is essential. Lab Grown diamonds are known for their high quality at a better price.
The cost is oftentimes the most enticing reason for purchasing lab grown diamonds. As the technology has evolved, the price to consumers has become very attractive. When considering lab grown, you can get a diamond about 30% larger for the same price as a natural.
Sustainability
Lab grown diamonds have a more minimal environmental impact than their natural counterparts. Since there is no mining being done, there is no chemical runoff — which historically has been responsible for the destruction of natural habitats from around the world.
As you start looking at rings and other jewelry, this is just another option to consider as you plan for your next special occasion. To learn more about lab grown diamonds, we encourage you to do more research before making your next purchase. There are many LGBTQ-friendly businesses across the country—like Mervis Diamond—who are eager to assist our community.
For those in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Mervis Diamond is having a free open house October 6 – 7, 2018. Visit mervisdiamond.com to find their locations and to RSVP for the event. Mervis was voted Best Place to Buy a Diamond by The Washington Post.
