Diamonds are Forever
When it comes to choosing the perfect engagement ring or wedding band, many couples are now considering lab-grown diamonds as a stunning and sustainable alternative to traditional mined gems. But with this growing trend come plenty of myths and misconceptions. To set the record straight, we spoke with Talitha Cummins, founder of The Cut Jewellery in Sydney. Talitha shares her expert insights on what makes lab-grown diamonds so special, why they’re gaining popularity, and dispels common misunderstandings about their quality, value, and environmental impact. If you’re curious about making an informed choice for your wedding jewelry, this interview is a must-read.
What inspired you to start The Cut Jewellery, and how does your brand differentiate itself in the jewellery market?
Before I became a TV journalist, I actually worked in the jewellery space for a jeweller on the Gold Coast. I was inspired to work there because my uncle, Craig Blizzard, who is an integral part of my business now, had been a jeweller for as long as I could remember, so I was already familiar with the industry. It is also an industry that brings joy, so it is one I enjoy working in. I then went on to have a 20 year career as a TV journalist, I am now married and have two gorgeous young children. Once my youngest got to preschool age, I started thinking that I would love to make a change and try something new. My uncle approached me one day and pledged to mentor me in the industry that he has been in for 5 decades. I flew over to London for a few weeks to do a number of courses and I was blown away by the quality of lab-grown diamonds. They are chemically the same as mined diamonds but they don’t require any of the labour or mining that mined diamonds require. Those who wish to purchase a diamond can get a much bigger and better diamond for a better price and lab-grown diamonds are also graded by GIA so they hold their value. I decided that the lab-grown space would be where I would specialise and I am very proud of what I have created. Being a journalist, education videos and reels
What initially drew you to offer lab-grown diamonds at The Cut Jewellery, and how have they been received by your clients?
They have been received really well. We have some incredible designs. Some are timeless and elegant. Others are unusual and unique ones. We are by appointment and have a private shopping experience where couples can come in and design their rings together which is a great point of difference. Lab-grown diamonds really drew my attention as the diamond space can be quite polarising. By growing them in a lab, it removes a lot of ethical questions that come up with mined diamonds. Additionally, if the lab-grown diamonds are made well, it is a lot easier to control the quality, clarity and size of the diamond, which takes a lot of risk out for myself as a jeweller. Most importantly, you can have the diamond you’ve dreamed of without compromising on size or quality!
Can you explain the main differences between lab- grown and mined diamonds in terms of quality, cost, and environmental impact?
Both Lab and Mined diamonds are chemically, physically and visually the same. They sparkle in the same way because they come from the same substance; pure carbon. Gemologists can’t even tell them apart with the naked eye - it requires specialised equipment to do so. The only difference lies in their origin. One is from a lab, the other from a mine. Lab diamonds don’t have the cost of extraction from the earth so they are at a lower price point - for example, a 1.5 carat Natural diamond ring may cost around $21-$30k depending on it’s grading - while a 1.5 carat Lab grown diamond ring between $5-$6.5k. Some are grown utilising solar power, but others require significant amounts of electricity to create these gems. Both are graded by independent laboratories such as the GIA for their Cut, Clarity, Colour and Carat weight. The measure 10 on the MOHS scale of hardness - one of the strongest minerals known to man.
How do lab-grown diamonds compare to mined diamonds in terms of durability and long-term value?
They are equally durable, regardless of whether theyare mined or lab-grown. Diamonds are the strongest stone in the world which is why they are often used for engagement rings. We always tell our clients, diamonds whether lab or mined are not an investment.
Engagement ring white diamonds typically don’t retain or gain value unless they’re a rare gem. A return on a diamond is beauty. It’s a sentimental investment.
What are the key differences between mined and lab-grown diamonds that clients should consider when selecting an engagement ring?
For a client looking to purchase an engagement ring, they can get a bigger and sometimes higher quality diamond for a better price if they went for a lab-grown diamond. Some clients prefer a diamond that has grown in the earth and we supply those too. Natural diamonds have benchmark pricing and are expensive to extract from the earth so subsequently you’ll pay considerably more for these.
What are the myths or misconceptions about lab-grown diamonds that you’d like to address?
They’re not ‘fake’! Lab diamonds are chemically, physically and visually the same as natural diamonds. They sparkle in the same way because they are made of the same substance: pure carbon! Carbon is carbon!
Also, it’s normal for people to assume this product and technology is improving but that’s not the case. Not all lab diamonds are the same.
Some lab diamonds have defective characteristics beyond the 4C’s such a colour tone and bad crystal material that are directly tied to cost of producing them.
There are two completely different markets for lab grown, little known to the general public who may think they’re getting a ‘great deal’ on a low priced stone at some stores or budget e commerce. There are the poor quality grown with cheap, sped up technology that is dumped into the market at a low price. Then there’s the beautiful, high quality diamond that is grown in smaller batches and traded to private jewellers at completely different price points. You get what you pay for.
Lab-grown diamonds do hold their value as an investment or an heirloom, however as with all engagement rings, your focus would hopefully not be on resale, but about loving a ring that signifies the love you have for your partner.
Do lab-grown diamonds come in different colours?
They sure do. There are pink, green, red and yellow lab-grown diamonds too. I’ve yet to see any truly incredible examples of pink. It’s hard to compete with an Argyle Pink.
What trends are you seeing in engagement ring designs currently?
I am actually finding that there has been a bit of a shift, with more people opting for something a bit bolder for their engagement ring. A bold gold ring with a coloured diamond has been popular this year, as has the trilogy in every form - with round brilliant cut diamonds, radiant centre and trapezoids on the side - we do love at Trilogy at The Cut!
What advice would you give to couples who are trying to decide between a classic solitaire and a more contemporary bespoke design?
Choose something that you feel will be timeless and classic and leave the truly unique rings for another hand!
What do you hope couples take away from their experience when purchasing an engagement ring from The Cut Jewellery?
Getting engaged and married is a major moment in anyone's life. I want to make sure that our couples have an incredible experience, that their ring speaks to the couple and that they love it. We have a lot of grooms coming to check out our existing collection, we also have a lot of couples coming to have a bespoke appointment and experience. It is truly an honour to work in this space and help couples create or choose as design that they love for one of the biggest moments in their lives.
