Lab Grown vs Lab Created Diamonds: What You Need to Know from the Woman Behind Desert Diamonds Ireland
We’re delighted to welcome Jean Maguire, founder of Desert Diamonds Ireland, as our guest editor for this issue. A pioneer in Ireland’s alternative affordable diamonds market, Jean is a passionate entrepreneur with a fascinating story, expert knowledge, and a commitment to making stunning, high-quality jewellery accessible to everyone. In her own words, here’s how it all began, what you should know when choosing your perfect piece, how to care for your diamonds and what not to do with them!
Hi, I’m Jean Maguire, founder of Desert Diamonds Ireland. I never imagined I’d end up in the jewellery business, my background is in event management, sales, and marketing. But when I was living in the UAE for four years with my husband and family, I stumbled upon these beautiful simulated diamonds and was instantly hooked.
Just before I left the Middle East in 2005, I came across diamond simulants for the first time. They were stunning - sparkly, strong, and incredibly accessible. I knew immediately that I wanted to bring them to Ireland. That’s when Desert Diamonds was born.
Back then, no one really talked about lab-created or lab-grown diamonds. The words were unfamiliar, sustainability wasn’t the buzzword it is today, and we certainly weren’t on social media. I got the word out through fashion shows with Celia Holman Lee and Mandy Maher and later featured on Xposé with Lorraine Keane, which helped introduce the brand to a wider audience.
What Are Lab Created and Lab Grown Diamonds?
It’s important to understand the difference between lab created and lab grown diamonds and I sell both.
Lab grown diamonds are chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds. They are created in a lab using advanced technology that replicates the natural diamond-growing process. These diamonds are certified, come with full grading (cut, colour, clarity, carat), and are ideal for engagement rings and special heirloom pieces.
Lab created diamonds, also known as simulated diamonds, are made to look like real diamonds to the naked eye but are not made of carbon. They don’t get certified because they aren’t chemically identical to mined or lab grown diamonds, but they offer brilliant sparkle and longevity at a fraction of the price.
We use both types in our jewellery, depending on what our customers are looking for. Some people want the real thing with certification, and others just want that same sparkle and style for less and that’s exactly what we offer.
How Desert Diamonds Got Its Name
There’s a lovely story behind the name. Years ago in the Middle East, people used to collect quartz stones from the desert, polish them up, and make them into jewellery. These became known as “desert diamonds.” While our stones today are nothing like those original finds, I loved the sentiment and chose the name to honour that origin.
Why Our Simulants Stand Out
Our signature lab-created diamond simulants are of exceptional quality. They’re D-colour and VSI grade equivalent, hand-cut using the same techniques as natural diamonds, and polished with diamond powder to give them the same fire and brilliance. We set them in sterling silver, rolled gold, and 9, 14 or 18 carat gold or platinum.
The best part? You can get a stunning ring for just €150 that looks identical to a real diamond to the naked eye and it comes with a lifetime guarantee. These stones don’t fade, crack, or lose their sparkle. Whether it’s a tennis bracelet, pendant, or pair of earrings, every piece is handmade with love and designed by me.
About Our Lab Grown Diamonds
For those looking for something more premium, we also offer certified lab grown diamonds. Prices usually range between €2,500 to €3,000, but they’re still a fraction of what you’d pay for a mined diamond. For example, a ring that would cost €10,000 as a mined diamond can be yours for a third of that with a lab grown diamond, and come without ethical compromise.
Our lab grown rings are especially popular for engagements. People are more conscious now they want ethically sourced, sustainable, and affordable options without sacrificing quality.
Floating Diamond Necklace - a Personal Favourite
One of our bestsellers is our floating diamond necklace, which I first introduced to Ireland nearly twenty years ago. It’s a simple, elegant piece where the stone appears to float on your neck. There’s no bulky chain, just sparkle. You can wear it solo or layer it, and it remains one of our most popular pieces to this day.
Misconceptions About Lab Diamonds
The biggest misconception? That lab-created or lab-grown diamonds don’t last. But the truth is, just like mined diamonds, if you look after them, they absolutely can last a lifetime. What you do want to avoid is exposing your jewellery to chlorine. So, no hot tubs or swimming pools, no matter what kind of diamond you have. Chlorine can damage the setting, loosen claws, and affect the finish.
Caring for Your Jewellery
Here’s my best advice: treat your jewellery like you would your favourite coat. You wouldn’t wear it for a year without getting it cleaned, right? The same applies to jewellery. I recommend a professional clean once a year and rhodium plating every couple of years for pieces set in silver or white gold. This keeps them looking like new.
Affordable Luxury for Everyone
I’m proud to say that we’ve made luxury jewellery affordable. Not everyone can spend thousands on a ring, and they shouldn’t have to. We also make bespoke pieces, so if you’ve seen a ring in a magazine or lost something special, we can recreate it. Many customers even make replicas of expensive pieces to wear on holidays, keeping the originals safe at home.
Desert Diamonds Ireland Customers
Our customers are mostly women aged 35 - 60, but we serve all ages. Jewellery is personal and emotional and people love the idea of owning something beautiful and meaningful without the heavy price tag.
We sell primarily online, but you can find us stocked at Nearly Sisters in Newbridge, and we host pop-up shops across Ireland. I love meeting customers in person because jewelry is visual and nice to touch and feel. Nothing beats seeing it sparkle in real life.
Family and Life Today
I split my time between Clare and Kildare, travelling the country for pop-ups. I’m married with three children — my eldest daughter recently moved back to the Middle East, my son is studying music in Dublin, and my youngest is doing her Leaving Cert. Life is busy, but I love what I do.
Trusted by Celebrities
Desert Diamonds Ireland has also been worn by many well-known names including Lorraine Keane, Rosanna Davison, and Jennifer Zamparelli. I also design jewellery for Loraine Barry, a judge on Dancing With The Stars.
The global lab diamond market is valued at over €224 billion and is growing every year because people want beauty, value, and peace of mind.
So if you’re thinking about a new piece of jewellery or have questions about lab-grown or lab-created diamonds, I’d love to help. Visit our site, come to a pop-up, or stop by Nearly Sisters in Newbridge. You’ll be amazed at what’s possible - and affordable.
— Jean x
Founder of Desert Diamonds Ireland
www.desertdiamondsireland.com
