Find out where to buy diamond jewellery and the difference between lab grown and natural diamonds from diamond jewellers Niyati and Jimit Kapadia from Niya K.
In the market for a diamond engagement ring? Or perhaps a bespoke diamond necklace for an anniversary present? After you’ve decided on the design, the next big question to consider is whether you want your jewellery to be adorned with natural or lab grown diamonds. Indeed, the latter has been rising in popularity as a more affordable and sustainable option, but there are a few things to note before you make your final decision.
Ahead we run through how lab grown diamonds are made, and the differences (and similarities!) between synthetic and natural rocks, before guiding you on where to find high-quality diamond jewellery in Hong Kong.
Read More: Where To Buy An Engagement Ring In Hong Kong
What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?
As the name suggests, lab grown diamonds are synthetic diamonds that are made in a laboratory, as opposed to natural diamonds which are mined from the earth. Grown over a period of weeks from a wafer-thin diamond seed, lab grown diamonds have the exact same chemical composition as natural diamonds. And because they are created in a controlled environment, consistent high quality is attainable. In fact, when made well (beware of poorly made ones!), lab grown diamonds are indistinguishable from natural diamonds to the naked eye – only specialised testing equipment can tell them apart.
Now available in Hong Kong, Lab grown diamonds were first developed in the early 1950s, but only really started gaining popularity in the jewellery market in the past decade. The good news for us is that higher demand means higher supply, which in turn means a lower price point (sometimes over 60% less than natural diamonds).
Read More: Where To Buy Fine Jewellery In Hong Kong – Diamonds, 18k Gold & More
What Is The Difference Between Lab Grown Diamonds And Natural Diamonds?
Lab grown and natural diamonds are virtually identical in terms of composition, appearance and durability. Also, since lab grown diamonds are artificially manufactured using a process that requires less water and emits a lower amount of carbon, they are seen to be the more ethical option with less of an environmental and social impact than mined diamonds. On the flip side, while there have been ethical issues surrounding the mining of diamonds, conflict-free natural diamonds provide more jobs to support communities in need.
While lab grown diamonds are readily available at a lower cost, ethically sourced natural diamonds have a rich history and are considered more rare, placing a higher value on them. It’s also important to note that because lab grown diamonds are not as valuable, they aren’t going to get you much in resale value.
Choosing between lab grown and natural diamonds is a personal choice, and it is best to consider the two as separate members of the wider gemstone family, each with their own unique advantages. It doesn’t have to be an either/or question – you’ll find that different diamonds can be used for different pieces of jewellery. This is where an expert’s opinion comes in handy.
Read More: Where To Buy Your Wedding Ring In Hong Kong
Where To Buy Lab Grown And Natural Diamond Jewellery In Hong Kong
There are a few places where you can purchase both lab-made and natural diamonds of high quality in Hong Kong. A go-to for diamond jewellery in the city is Niya K, a dependable brand established by a husband and wife duo with an expertise in bespoke designs featuring natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds and gemstones. The second generation diamantaires have a global network of manufacturers to source from, bringing us a range of diamonds to compare and learn more about.
Niya K’s prices for both natural and lab grown diamonds are amongst the most competitive globally, even beating online stores such as Blue Nile, James Allen and Brilliant Earth. Aiming to sell diamonds with full transparency, Niya K will provide a certificate from an independent laboratory for any diamond over one carat, which will state whether the diamond is man-made or mined.
If you’re still unsure about whether lab-made or natural diamonds are for you, the experts at Niya K can talk you through your dazzling options to help you create a beautiful bespoke piece of jewellery within a matter of weeks! Book a consultation now.
Niya K, 905 Podium Plaza, 5 Hanoi Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 9105 1516, Facebook: Niya K, Instagram: @niya_k_, www.niya-k.com