April Birthstone - Diamonds or Diamond Alternative

April 17, 2023

We love April at LBJ. Spring is in the air! Love is in the Air! Weddings are everywhere!

April is a special jewelry month as is associated with the gem of all gems -  the diamond - as its traditional birthstone. However, in recent years, many people have begun to explore alternative gemstones such as white topaz or lab created diamonds for cost and ethical concerns.

Diamonds are one of the most popular gemstones in the world, known for their beauty and brilliance. The diamond’s beauty is attributed to its unique molecular structure, which allows it to reflect and refract light in a way that creates a stunning, radiant effect.

A lab-created diamond is a diamond that is produced in a laboratory setting rather than being formed, naturally, deep within the earth. Lab-created diamonds have the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds, including their hardness, clarity, and brilliance but they are generally less expensive than natural diamonds.

An alternative April birthstone is White topaz - a colorless gemstone. While it does not have the same depth of sparkle and brilliance as a diamond, it does have a unique beauty of its own. White topaz has a subtle shimmer that is often described as a “diamond-like” quality. 

Diamonds are known for their durability and long-lasting quality. They are one of the hardest materials on Earth, which means they are less likely to scratch or chip than other gemstones. Diamonds are also resistant to heat and chemicals, which means they can withstand exposure to a wide range of substances without being damaged. Lab-created diamonds are just as durable as natural diamonds.

White topaz, while not as durable as a diamond, is still a relatively hard gemstone. It has a hardness rating of 8 on the Mohs scale, which means it is less likely to scratch than softer gemstones such as opals or pearls. However, it is still more susceptible to damage than a diamond and over the long haul, make it less suitable for everyday wear.

Diamonds are known for their high cost, which is often attributed to their rarity and demand. The price of a diamond can vary greatly depending  its cut, clarity, carat weight, and color. The more rare and valuable the diamond, the higher the price tag. Lab-created diamonds are often available for a fraction of the cost.

White topaz, on the other hand, is an even more affordable gemstone. It is widely available and does not have the same level of demand as diamonds, which means it is priced lower. While some high-quality white topaz gemstones can be expensive, they are still generally more affordable than diamonds.

One of the biggest concerns associated with diamonds is their ethical sourcing. Many diamonds are mined in countries where labor laws and human rights are not respected which can lead to exploitation and abuse of workers. Additionally, the diamond mining industry has been associated with environmental degradation and destruction of habitats. Lab-grown diamonds are not mined.

White topaz is considered to be a more ethical alternative to the diamond - it is generally considered to be a less environmentally damaging process than diamond mining and white topaz is often sourced from countries with better labor laws and human rights standards.

Are you planning a diamond purchase or designing a engagement ring? Let us know. We can help you navigate this big adventure. Diamonds (natural and lab-created) and white topaz have their own unique beauty, durability, and affordability. Ultimately the choice comes down to personal preference and values. 

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