I was Skeptical About Lab Diamonds Until I Did This

By Rachel Alger

As a freelance writer with an insatiable curiosity, I find myself delving into diverse topics. Over a year ago, I embarked on an exploration of lab-grown diamonds. At the time, I was a staunch advocate for natural diamonds, harboring reservations about lab-grown stones and the industry's potential for greenwashing and labor issues. Conversations with skeptical jewelers shaped my perspective, and I was firmly on Team Natural. However, as time passed and I delved deeper into the subject, I observed a shift in the industry. Many of these same jewelers were now incorporating lab diamonds into their collections. This, coupled with my research, led to a gradual transformation of my perspective.  

Shifting Perspectives  

My initial doubts were rooted in unfamiliarity. I needed a brand that could educate and earn my trust, presenting both options without bias. That's why I chose Ritani. Their transparency in pricing and balanced approach in the market allowed me to explore natural and lab diamonds without feeling pressured.  

As I immersed myself in the diamond industry through conferences and research, I encountered a spectrum of diamonds, from lackluster natural diamonds to breathtaking lab-grown ones and vice versa. Finding the right diamond is a deeply personal endeavor that deserves nuance. The key is to find a brand willing to work with both and not push you one way or the other.  

My Experience  

My experience with Ritani included an in-person consultation, where I had the opportunity to examine a pear-shaped diamond. While the initial stone didn't meet my expectations, Ritani's  exceptional service and no-pressure environment left a lasting impression. Their approach, which allows customers to view diamonds in person or through mail with a flexible return policy, instilled confidence in my decision-making process.  

Months later, I decided to try again and ordered two diamonds for comparison—a radiant cut and an emerald cut. I fell in love with the radiant cut. This experience underscored the importance of seeing a stone in person and the value of a no-pressure environment.  

Throughout my research, I made a point to pay for every diamond myself. I didn't want bias to creep into my work. My goal was to approach this diamond market objectively, even if that meant changing my mind about lab diamonds.  

One common criticism of lab diamonds is their perceived lower resale value than natural diamonds. While this may be true in the traditional sense, the value of something you love cannot solely be determined by its financial worth or initial investment. Through conversations with newly engaged couples and individuals in the market for a ring, I realized that everyone deserves the exact ring they always wanted. Invalidation of lab diamonds based on financial metrics alone misses the point.  

The Right Choice for Me  

Whether you're Team Natural, Team Lab, or somewhere in between, remember that the right diamond for you is out there. And if you're anything like me, a little research can make all the difference in finding it. Ultimately, it's about having more options and moving beyond the trappings of conspicuous consumption. When choosing a diamond, buying from a trusted source is imperative—one that allows you to see the diamond in various lighting and offers a return policy if you change your mind. With transparent pricing and a return policy, like Ritani offers, I think the only risk is realizing you love what you bought, and you may have been wrong about lab diamonds all along.