What is the Difference Between a Lab Grown and Natural Diamond?
For decades, a quality diamond has been determined by the 4 C’s: clarity, cut, color, and carat weight. Now, an additional factor has been added to the mix – the origin of the stone. Both lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds are real gems, so which is better than the other? Allurez’s collection of fine jewelry designs includes natural and man-made diamonds, all of which are equally stunning and well-crafted. Regardless of which option you prefer, there is an exquisite piece to love. Dive into the difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds to uncover the truth behind these iconic gems.
Lab Grown Diamonds 101: Everything You Need to Know
If you have been shopping for diamond jewelry, you may have noticed gems being denoted as “natural” and “lab grown.” There is a significant price difference between these two types of stones, but they look identical. So what is the difference, and how do you choose if a natural or man-made diamond is right for you? Learn exactly what a lab-created diamond is and how it compares to a natural stone.
How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made?
The extreme heat and pressure beneath the Earth’s core work as a catalyst for carbon atoms to crystallize, leading to the formation of a diamond. This process can take millions and billions of years for a natural diamond to be created and then pushed toward the surface where it can be mined. As a result, the availability of natural diamonds varies. In addition, the condition of natural diamonds can vastly differ. To counteract scarcity and flush the market with more high-quality gems, scientists have developed a process that replicates the conditions under which natural diamonds are formed. The result is lab-grown diamonds that are nearly identical to the naked eye at a lower cost and are much better available.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real?
Lab-grown diamonds are considered real diamonds because they have the same chemical properties as natural gems. In addition, lab-created diamonds have hardness and brilliance properties identical to natural diamonds. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) certifies them as real diamonds. Many people think that the origin of lab-grown diamonds means they are fake or replicas. This is a complete misconception. In fact, lab and natural diamonds are indistinguishable without specialist equipment.
Buying Lab Grown Diamonds vs. Buying Natural Diamonds
You can purchase natural diamonds and create your own jewelry design, or you can buy premade pieces. The price of natural diamonds varies based on their imperfections (or lack thereof), color, and size. In addition, the size of the diamond heavily influences the cost. It is rarer to find large, high-quality diamonds, so prices reflect exclusivity.
Shopping for lab-created diamonds is the same as buying natural diamonds. You can select a loose stone based on cut, clarity, color, and carat. Lab-grown diamonds are available in all the popular cuts, including pear-shaped, round, princess-cut, and more. Price is based on how the stone rates within each of the 4 C’s. If you are buying a lab-created diamond to create an engagement ring, you can also select from a variety of customizable lab-grown diamond bands. Choose from bestselling options like a 14k gold halo setting or a stunning wedding band set.
Pros of Buying Lab Diamonds
There are several benefits to purchasing lab-grown diamonds.
Price – Lab-created diamonds are real diamonds that are significantly less expensive than natural gems. As there is no need to mine, the cost to procure these stones is minimal.
Sustainability – Mining for diamonds is a high-conflict industry. Destroying the land is a concern. Additionally, the areas of the world where natural diamonds are prevalent are often places where workers are exploited and forced to work in grueling, unsafe conditions for unfair wages.
Quality – Lab-grown diamonds have the same brilliance, hardness, and optical properties as natural diamonds. They look identical.
Availability – As lab-created diamonds are man-made, they are much more readily available than the finite quantity of natural diamonds on Earth. This unlimited availability also contributes to the lower price point.
Cons of Buying Lab-Grown Diamonds
Most of the perceived disadvantages of purchasing lab-grown diamonds come from social stigmas. Despite being recognized as real gems by the GIA, many people think that they are less acceptable and less meaningful because they are man-made. While it is true that lab-grown diamonds do not hold the same value as natural diamonds, all of their other properties are identical. There is also an argument that the more manufacturers adopt these scientific processes, the more the value of lab-created diamonds will continue to decrease. Scarcity has a big influence on price, which is why natural diamonds appreciate in value and are always more expensive than synthetic or cultured options.
Pros of Buying Natural Diamonds
Natural diamonds hold or increase in value over time. As there is a limited supply of high-quality naturally occurring gems, the lack of availability drives up the market price. Additionally, diamonds are inherently associated with luxury and wealth. As one of the hardest natural materials, diamonds are resilient and will last forever.
Cons of Buying Natural Diamonds
Natural diamonds are expensive, especially those with high clarity and minimal inflections. Price can certainly be inhibiting when someone is considering purchasing gemstone jewelry. However, the social and economic concerns are much more grave. For centuries, diamond mining has disrupted the environment, and many miners have been exploited. The jewelry industry has made a significant effort to support conflict-free mining. However, the market still needs improvement. Choosing to purchase natural diamonds from a conflict-free retailer is an excellent way to counteract some of the socioeconomic drawbacks of natural diamonds.
Deciding if a Lab Grown Diamond or Natural Diamond is Right For You
Whether you choose a lab-grown or natural diamond ultimately depends on your personal preferences, values, and budget. Both types of diamonds offer stunning beauty and exceptional quality, but the key differences lie in their origin, price, sustainability, and potential long-term value. Lab-created diamonds provide an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative, while natural diamonds hold enduring value and are steeped in tradition. No matter which option you lean toward, there is no wrong choice. At Allurez, we’re proud to offer both types of diamonds and help every customer find the perfect stone to cherish for years to come.
Related Posts
Mother’s Day Jewelry Gift Shopping Guide 2024
As Mother’s Day approaches, the hunt for the perfect gift to honor t
Jewelry Care Tips for the Summer
You should always take good care of your jewelry but the summer time r
Gold Allergies: All the Details For Those Allergic And Your Alternatives
Could you be allergic to gold? Are you sure? The fact is that pure gol
Diamond Fun Facts
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Diamonds are all about Cut, Clari
Diamond Cut Types: A Comprehensive Guide
When it comes to selecting the perfect diamond, the cut is one of the
Sideways Cross Meaning
For generations people have chosen to wear jewelry that features the s