Whether you prefer a mined diamond or lab-grown diamond, Bella Design Jewelers in Bainbridge will help guide you with your selection

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Find out the difference between mined and lab-grown diamonds. Bella Design Jewelry helps educate people about diamonds and works hard to make your diamond purchase a stress-free experience—just in time for engagement season. (Photography: Benjamin Margalit)

By Mary Malik

With engagement season already in full swing, understanding diamonds is critical in making sure you choose the diamond that is right for you. Rock White, owner of Bella Design Jewelers, has been in the business of selling diamonds and diamond jewelry for over 35 years.

“My staff and I enjoy helping customers understand what makes a diamond a diamond,” says Rock. “We work hard to make your diamond purchase an enjoyable and stress-free experience.”

“We all know that diamonds are beautiful, but what many people don’t know are the technical details of diamonds,” explains Rock. “Diamonds are formed from carbon in the earth or, now through the use of new technologies, it is possible to grow diamonds in a lab. We want our customers to be informed about all of the different aspects regarding diamond grading for both mined and lab-grown diamonds.”

“Some of my customers want their diamond to be formed by nature while others are intrigued with the technological wonders of a lab-grown diamond,” says Rock. “And whether you prefer a mined diamond or a lab-grown diamond, we are here to help guide you in your selection.”

“Lab-grown diamonds are identical to mined diamonds with the same chemical, physical and optical properties,” says Lisa Into, marketing director of Bella Design Jewelers.

“The only difference is the origin. Lab-grown diamonds start with a mined diamond sliver that develops in a highly controlled laboratory environment using technological processes that replicate the natural growing process of a mined diamond.”


Lab diamonds have become very popular for their affordability, and the fact that they are both ethically sourced and ecologically friendly. A mined diamond takes millions of years to develop naturally in the earth’s mantle. Mining diamonds is considered by many to be detrimental to the environment. A lab diamond can develop in weeks and these stones are certified and graded using the same process as mined diamonds.

“Some people feel better knowing the mining process wasn’t used for their stone,” says Lisa. “Lab created stones have minimal environmental impact, and the price is significantly less, usually 30 to 50 percent, so you can afford to go bigger without impacting your budget.”

And who doesn’t want a big diamond? The lab-grown stones make diamonds more accessible for all budgets, and people are often able to purchase a larger stone than anticipated.


“We like to use a frozen ice analogy for anyone who may still be skeptical about lab-grown diamonds,” says Lisa. “Ice can be frozen on a pond or you can get it from your freezer. It’s all ice in the end. One process just takes a whole lot longer.”

“People may hesitate to come into a jewelry store for fear of overspending,” she remarks. “We are here to help you in every way, and that includes staying within your budget. In addition to a variety of diamond options, we also carry several lines of affordable jewelry and gifts, and have many items under $100. The most important thing is that our customers are comfortable with their purchase. We want to build relationships.”


The goal of the team is your satisfaction, with not just the items you buy, but also with your entire experience in the store. Purchasing jewelry, whether it’s an engagement ring, earrings or a bracelet for a friend, is made just a little more special at Bella Design Jewelers.

“We have lines of jewelry from all over the world,” says Lisa. “We carry unique and affordable items you won’t find anyplace else.”

If diamonds are not in your plans, or you’re not really sure what you’re looking for, Bella Design Jewelers has designers on staff ready to help you find, or even create, the perfect piece.

“Many customers come in with an idea or even a drawing of what they want,” says Lisa. “Others bring in grandma’s ring or a family brooch that’s been sitting in a drawer for years. Sometimes something as simple as using a different metal or other small and inexpensive changes can take an old piece and make it new again. We can design something one-of-a-kind from scratch, or redesign an heirloom and keep the family history going with a piece you’ll now love to wear.”

Helping customers make these decisions is where the staff at Bella Design Jewelers really shines. They also encourage people to stop in and browse the collections, then suggest creating a wish-list.

“A lot of men really feel the pressure when shopping for jewelry or an engagement ring,” says Lisa. “They don’t want to make a mistake. With our wish list, it’s really foolproof jewelry shopping. When that special someone comes in, we’re ready for him or her with a list of exactly what you want.”

Bella Design Jewelers is located at 8560 E. Washington St. in the Market Square East plaza in Bainbridge. The phone number is 440-543-5093. For information, check the website, BellaDesignJewelers.com.