Anonymous wrote:Are lab diamonds indistinguishable from mined diamonds?

A gemologist or experienced jeweler can tell the difference if certain inclusions are present. And you can tell the difference with a diamond tester -- lab diamonds do not conduct heat and electricity in the same way mined diamonds do (I believe this is because they form at an accelerated rate, but I'm not sure). But bottom line is going to be that certified lab diamonds are lasered with an inscription on the girdle to indicate they are a lab -- and that is easy enough for just about anyone to see with a loupe.

But for anyone who just wants to wear a diamond ring or bracelet or whatever, nowadays lab diamonds are going to be indistinguishable from mined ones if you are just looking down at them on your hand and aren't looking for that inscription on the girdle.

Are lab diamonds indistinguishable from mined diamonds?

Ritani

If this is an engagement ring, as long as OP tells the other person, I see no problem with it.

Save the money for a downpayment on a home.

Anonymous wrote:Why are you wasting your money on something that is essentially worthless?

DP. You don't understand the meaning of "worthless."

They are pretty, and there are cultural expectations regarding engagement rings. Clearly such a ring will have some value to OP (and to many people -- clearly there is a market).

OP, if I were going to buy a lab diamond ring (which, if I were getting my engagement ring now I would), I'd probably try the Brilliant Earth store as a pp recommended. But look at the website and get very familiar with what you are interested in and how much the stones cost before you go in.

I can’t tell the difference between CZ and diamonds of any kind so I just get CZ now. You can get them set in real gold. For a ring I guess maybe a diamond is more durable, but for earrings or a necklace I don’t see the point.

Anonymous wrote:Why are you wasting your money on something that is essentially worthless?

To save her money for the things that really matter, like kids' education or medical expenses? Not everything is an investment.

Anonymous wrote:Why are you wasting your money on something that is essentially worthless?

NP and I don't own any lab grown diamonds, but...

Only the buyer knows they're worthless. And maybe a gemologist, I don't know whether they can tell.

Why are you wasting your money on something that is essentially worthless?

I’ve been happy with everything I’ve gotten from Vrai

Light box diamonds is another lab grown company. Not sure if it’s just online or not.

Ritani online is also great

James Allen in Georgetown.

I had a great experience at the Brilliant Earth store in Georgetown. They have lab diamond rings.

Does anyone have experience with a local store they can recommend for an engagement ring?