Learn With Mer

Real Diamonds. Real Meaning. Real Confidence.

 

First Time Buying a Diamond? You’re Not Alone.

We get it. Buying a diamond can feel big. Like, really big. For many of our customers, it’s one of their very first meaningful investments. That’s why we’re here to make it less intimidating and a whole lot more empowering. 

This isn’t just jewelry. It’s a story. A symbol. A vow. And you deserve to understand every part of what you’re buying.

Let’s break it down without the pressure, without the fluff.

 

What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?

Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. Identical to mined diamonds in beauty, brilliance, and durability. They are formed using advanced technology that replicates natural conditions, creating pure carbon crystals with the same physical and chemical properties. 

At MER, we choose lab grown diamonds because they reflect what we value: integrity, and transparency. 

 

Are They Certified?

Absolutely. Almost all MER diamonds come with an official grading report from the IGI (International Gemological Institute) or an equivalent trusted lab except for smaller melee stones (the tiny accent diamonds), which are typically not certified due to their size. Think of a grading report as your diamond’s “report card.” It breaks down everything from cut and color to clarity and carat, so you know exactly what you’re getting. Thanks to lab grown technology, your diamond is traceable, ethically created, and verified—no mystery, no murky origins. Now more than ever, you get to choose the stone that reflects your values and your story.

 

Most Asked Questions: 

  • Will people know it’s lab grown?
    Only if you tell them. Lab and mined diamonds look identical to the naked eye and are graded the same way.

  • Why are lab diamonds less expensive?
    You're not paying for mining costs, inflated rarity, or luxury markups.

  • Do lab diamonds last?
    Yes. Lab grown diamonds are just as hard and brilliant as mined diamonds and built to endure.

 


Why Lab Grown Diamonds Are Better for the World

  • No mining required
    That means no land destruction, no displacement of communities, and far less environmental impact.

  • Conflict free, guaranteed
    Our diamonds are created in controlled, traceable environments without the ethical concerns tied to mining.

  • Mer Metals Are Made with SCS Certified 100% Recycled Precious Metals
    Because what’s meaningful should also be responsible.

 

 

Let’s Talk About the 4 Cs

These are the four things you’ll see on any diamond grading report. Here’s a cheat sheet:

  • Cut – The sparkle factor. We obsess over this so your diamond shines from across the room.

  • Color – Less color = more value. We stick to near-colorless ranges that are bright and beautiful.

  • Clarity – The fewer natural marks inside the diamond, the better. Most people can’t see them anyway. 

  • Carat – Weight, not size. 

 

Are Colored Stones Real Diamonds?

Some are and some aren’t. Let’s break it down:

  • Colored lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They're created the same way as clear lab diamonds, with trace elements added during growth to give them colors like pink, yellow, or blue. These are chemically and physically identical to mined colored diamonds.

  • Colored gemstones like sapphires, emeralds, and rubies are not diamonds but they are real lab-grown gemstones. They’re made of the same materials as their natural counterparts, just grown in a lab using clean, controlled processes.

 

Both are stunning. Both are real. And both are crafted with the same commitment to meaning, beauty, and lasting quality you expect from MER.

 

 

 

Still unsure what to prioritize? We’re happy to walk you through it. It’s what we do best. Send us a message. We love helping you get it just right.