Man-Made Bling is the New Thing for Diamond Engagement Rings

A couple’s love may be priceless, but the symbol of their commitment can be a big investment. According to The Knot, the average price of a diamond engagement ring is currently $6,000. To make the ring of their dreams a reality, luxury lab-grown diamonds are a stunning new option.

“We find customers buying Lab-grown diamonds love the lower price for the bigger diamond look,” said Lewis Baribault, Jr., Owner of Baribault Jewelers a family-owned, fine jewelry company in Glastonbury. “They are significantly more affordable, costing 30-50% less than natural diamonds, though what matters most is the quality a person is getting for the price.”

 

Natural diamonds are mined, cut, and priced based on clarity, carat (weight), cut and color. Lab diamonds are created in a lab using a process that’s chemically identical to the way natural diamonds are created but are not mined from the earth. They’re priced using the same criteria as natural diamonds and can also be GIA-certified. 

Baribault explains that while lab diamonds are a great choice for many buyers, not all lab diamonds are created equal. Baribault’s in-house B Lab diamonds are created using the chemical vapor disposition (CVD) process, resulting in lab diamonds that are physically identical to natural diamonds. CVD allows for a much higher level of control over the final product, resulting in diamonds with fewer flaws and better clarity.

“Honestly, the result is so beautiful, only a gemologist can tell the difference between the natural and man-made gems,” said Baribault. “That’s why it’s a good idea to purchase a GIA-certified lab-grown stone to ensure the highest quality.”

Baribault shares the top 3 trends in engagement rings this season:

  1.      Three Stones – The sentimental design of three stones instead of one represents a couples past, present and future.
  2.      Hidden Blooms – a subtle string of small diamonds is wrapped around the crown of the diamond, making it visible only from the side. The delicate detail is meant to be enjoyed by the wearer every time they look at it.
  3.      Stackable Bands – This trend is here to stay. The multiple bands symbolize life’s big moments so each stack tells a unique story.

Although many people assume that natural diamonds are transparent and colorless, Baribault emphasizes that most have a hint of color. Their pigmentation may range from a slight tint invisible to the naked eye to darker colors that are more obvious. D-color diamonds are often referred to as white diamonds because they truly are completely colorless, hence earning them the highest rating on the color scale. For maximum brightness, every B Lab diamond is F color or better, known as a colorless diamond.

April’s birthstone is diamond and also marks the 75th diamond anniversary of Baribault Jewelers. In honor of the momentous milestone, a ribbon rededication ceremony will be held on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 9 a.m. in conjunction with state officials, legislators, and community leaders. Customers can enter to win $7,500 worth of giveaways and enjoy $75 discounts on select jewelry pieces from the Baribault vault. 

In addition to lab-grown diamonds, Baribault Jewelers has curated one of the largest collections of natural D-grade natural white diamonds in the U.S., offering the precious gemstones in engagement rings, earrings, pendants, wedding bands and bracelets with a price point starting at less than $1,500.

“Ultimately, whether you go for a natural or lab-created diamond is a matter of personal preference,” Said Baribault. “Both types of diamonds have their own unique properties, as well as their own pros and cons. However we believe in informing our customers on either option- if you’re not sure what questions to ask or who to look to for guidance, Our trusted advisors are here to help you select the diamond that will maximize your budget based on what’s most important to you.”

About Baribault Jewelers

Since 1948, Baribault Jewelers has been guided by its core values of authenticity, integrity, service, gratitude, courage, trust and respect in providing sterling service to its local, statewide and national clientele.  While styles come and go, the mission of the family business has always been to help its valued customers create beautiful memories with the people they love.  Visit www.baribaultjewelers.com.

PHOTO:

Lab-created diamonds are the hot new trend in bridal jewelry this year offering the same high-quality as natural diamonds but with a lower cost and larger stone size. Glastonbury-based Baribault Jewelers offers an on-site lab that allows for a much higher level of control over the final product, resulting in diamonds with fewer flaws and better clarity.

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Submitted by Hartford, CT

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