Why Go Lab?
MARCH 13, 2025
Whether your reason lies in ethics or aesthetics, there are a multitude of factors to consider when assessing if a lab grown diamond is the right diamond for you. Lab diamonds elimiate the need for mining, meaning that it does not contribute to habitat loss or land degradation. However, it of course still requires energy to create the stones. Some labs are more eco-friendly than others and use clean energy instead of fossil fuels. On the other hand, there are natural stones that are mined using stringent environmental sanctions, are conflict-free, and follow the Kimberley Process, which allows for transparency in the supply chain. ✦Now, ethical reasons aside, there may be design reasons why a lab diamond is the right choice for you. Let's dive in and find out why.
We were recently inspired to re-enter the "Lab or Natural?" chat upon reading Lilah Ramzi's Vogue article on the editor's regret of not buying a lab-grown engagement ring. While we here at ASJ don't believe in prescribing, we very much do believe in giving you the knowledge and tools needed to make the most informed purchase, (especially for a ceremonial piece)! First, let us just say that a lab diamond is a real diamond. They're chemically and structurally the same. Secondly, as Ramzi points out, there can be financially savvy reasons for going lab. Lastly, with lab-grown diamonds, there is the pontential for boundless design opportunties. In the article, Ramzi interviews jewelry designers like Jean Dousset. What we can take away from Douseet's words is that lab diamonds are not the exception, they're the rule. From a design perspective, the great-great grandson of Louis Cartier sees the potential of lab-grown diamonds as limitless. Dousset tells Ramzi, “Lab-grown diamonds have freed us from the constraints of rarity and price, allowing designers to be more creative than ever before [...] we can experiment with bolder designs, larger stones, and unexpected settings without the usual limitations.” In honor of Beyoncé’s Grammy-winning Cowboy Carter, Dousset designed a true dazzler. The 3.94 carat lab diamond was actually cut in the silhouette of a horse's head! Indeed, when one is less constricted by the restrictions of rarity and price, which drive the natural diamond market, some really bold and interesting designs can be made. Allowing people to create something truly magical has always been our aim, and choosing a lab diamond over a natural stone may be the perfect way to get a truly one-of-a-kind ASJ piece. Working one-on-one with Anna herself to make a custom ring is typically pricier because of the amount of sketching and design work involved to make something new that is not an existing ASJ style. If uniqueness in design is a priority for you, working with a lab-grown stone can get you a stunning custom design on a budget.
The other benefit, of course, to choosing a lab diamond is achieving a bigger look for less. Fancy lab diamonds paired with a setting by Anna Sheffield are a great option for those who want a one-of-a-kind custom design or are prioritizing a larger carat size and spread on a budget. ✦While readily available fancy cut lab diamonds may sometimes be challenging to find for other retailers or brands, our team of experts has access to beautiful fancy cut lab diamonds in various shapes and sizes, and can additionally have one custom cut to your preferences.
Let us remind you, however, that there are no pros without cons, and vice versa. And, it's all up to you; it's about what you want in a piece and how you'd like to make your vision come to life. Lab diamonds have their place. Natural diamonds have their place, too. To travel through time, (up to a few billion years, to be exact), and emerge on the other side a brilliant, scintillating, natural work of art, is no easy feat. Next time, we'll build a similar argument for natural diamonds. Until then, allow yourself to ponder all of the factors that will contribute to finding your forever piece.
Our Bea Halo Marquise Ring featuring a 2.58 carat lab white diamond set in yellow gold.
Custom ASJ Lab Diamond Pieces
Made-to-Order Lab Diamond Rings
Our Theda setting featuring a hexagon lab diamond, baguettes, and trillions, set in platinum
A Custom Toi et Moi Bezel setting in yellow gold featuring a pear and emerald lab white diamond
Our Creo Ring features a 1.54 carat lab white diamond and white diamond halo set in yellow gold.
Our Bea East/West Hidden Halo Ring features a 4.05 carat lab white diamond and hidden white diamond halo set in yellow gold.
Why Go Lab?
MARCH 13, 2025
Whether your reason lies in ethics or aesthetics, there are a multitude of factors to consider when assessing if a lab grown diamond is the right diamond for you. Lab diamonds elimiate the need for mining, meaning that it does not contribute to habitat loss or land degradation. However, it of course still requires energy to create the stones. Some labs are more eco-friendly than others and use clean energy instead of fossil fuels. On the other hand, there are natural stones that are mined using stringent environmental sanctions, are conflict-free, and follow the Kimberley Process, which allows for transparency in the supply chain. ✦Now, ethical reasons aside, there may be design reasons why a lab diamond is the right choice for you. Let's dive in and find out why.
We were recently inspired to re-enter the "Lab or Natural?" chat upon reading Lilah Ramzi's Vogue article on the editor's regret of not buying a lab-grown engagement ring. While we here at ASJ don't believe in prescribing, we very much do believe in giving you the knowledge and tools needed to make the most informed purchase, (especially for a ceremonial piece)! First, let us just say that a lab diamond is a real diamond. They're chemically and structurally the same. Secondly, as Ramzi points out, there can be financially savvy reasons for going lab. Lastly, with lab-grown diamonds, there is the pontential for boundless design opportunties. In the article, Ramzi interviews jewelry designers like Jean Dousset. What we can take away from Douseet's words is that lab diamonds are not the exception, they're the rule. From a design perspective, the great-great grandson of Louis Cartier sees the potential of lab-grown diamonds as limitless. Dousset tells Ramzi, “Lab-grown diamonds have freed us from the constraints of rarity and price, allowing designers to be more creative than ever before [...] we can experiment with bolder designs, larger stones, and unexpected settings without the usual limitations.” In honor of Beyoncé’s Grammy-winning Cowboy Carter, Dousset designed a true dazzler. The 3.94 carat lab diamond was actually cut in the silhouette of a horse's head! Indeed, when one is less constricted by the restrictions of rarity and price, which drive the natural diamond market, some really bold and interesting designs can be made. Allowing people to create something truly magical has always been our aim, and choosing a lab diamond over a natural stone may be the perfect way to get a truly one-of-a-kind ASJ piece. Working one-on-one with Anna herself to make a custom ring is typically pricier because of the amount of sketching and design work involved to make something new that is not an existing ASJ style. If uniqueness in design is a priority for you, working with a lab-grown stone can get you a stunning custom design on a budget.
The other benefit, of course, to choosing a lab diamond is achieving a bigger look for less. Fancy lab diamonds paired with a setting by Anna Sheffield are a great option for those who want a one-of-a-kind custom design or are prioritizing a larger carat size and spread on a budget. ✦While readily available fancy cut lab diamonds may sometimes be challenging to find for other retailers or brands, our team of experts has access to beautiful fancy cut lab diamonds in various shapes and sizes, and can additionally have one custom cut to your preferences.
Our Bea Halo Marquise Ring featuring a 2.58 carat lab white diamond set in yellow gold.
Made-to-Order Lab Diamond Rings
Our Creo Ring features a 1.54 carat lab white diamond and white diamond halo set in yellow gold.
Our Bea East/West Hidden Halo Ring features a 4.05 carat lab white diamond and hidden white diamond halo set in yellow gold.
Custom ASJ Lab Diamond Pieces
Our Theda setting featuring a hexagon lab diamond, baguettes, and trillions, set in platinum
A Custom Toi et Moi Bezel setting in yellow gold featuring a pear and emerald lab white diamond
Let us remind you, however, that there are no pros without cons, and vice versa. And, it's all up to you; it's about what you want in a piece and how you'd like to make your vision come to life. Lab diamonds have their place. Natural diamonds have their place, too. To travel through time, (up to a few billion years, to be exact), and emerge on the other side a brilliant, scintillating, natural work of art, is no easy feat. Next time, we'll build a similar argument for natural diamonds. Until then, allow yourself to ponder all of the factors that will contribute to finding your forever piece.