Today, we’re spoilt for choice when shopping around for diamond rings or jewelry. However, too many options can be overwhelming when it comes to such an important decision. After all, a diamond is more than just a stone – it’s a reflection of love and commitment.
One of the biggest decisions you’ll face during the buying process is whether to go for a lab or a natural diamond. Both options have their pros and cons, and understanding the key differences between lab grown vs. natural diamonds can help you make an informed choice.
We’re here to clear things up and explain what sets them apart. We’ll guide you through the nuances of each option to address your concerns and help you find your perfect match.
Why Differentiating Between Lab Grown vs. Natural Diamonds Matters
Diamonds can be natural or synthetic. Natural diamonds are formed over billions of years under extreme pressure and heat, whereas synthetic diamonds are created in a lab under controlled conditions. Both can be used in jewelry, but there are key differences you should know about.
The diamond industry is filled with an array of diamond types, including natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, and common diamond simulants like white sapphire and cubic zirconia. Knowing the difference between lab-created diamonds and natural ones can help you make the right choice.
What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?
A lab grown diamond, also known as a synthetic diamond or man-made diamond, is created in a controlled environment using advanced technology. These diamonds are made from the same carbon atoms as natural diamonds and have the same chemical composition and crystalline structure. However, the process of their formation is quite different from their earth-grown counterparts.
How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Made?
Lab grown diamonds are produced using two primary methods:
- High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT): This method mimics the natural conditions under which diamonds form in the Earth’s mantle. A small diamond seed is placed in carbon and subjected to high pressure and temperature, resulting in the growth of a larger diamond.
- Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): During this process, a diamond seed is placed in a chamber filled with carbon-rich gas. The gas is ionized, breaking down the carbon molecules, which then deposit onto the seed, forming a CVD-grown diamond layer by layer.
What Is a Natural Diamond?
A natural diamond, often referred to as a “real diamond”, is formed deep within the Earth’s mantle over billions of years. Each is unique, with its own set of inclusions and imperfections that contribute to its individuality and value. Natural diamonds are renowned for their exceptional brilliance, fire, and scintillation, making them a timeless choice for jewelry and a symbol of enduring beauty and strength.
Natural Diamond Formation
These precious gemstones originate from carbon atoms subjected to extreme heat and pressure within the Earth’s mantle, which bond together in a crystalline structure known as diamond cubic. This natural process results in diamonds that are brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions, carried by kimberlite or lamproite magma.
It’s what gives natural diamonds their unique characteristics and makes them highly valued in the diamond market. They extracted through mining operations, which is why they are often referred to as mined diamonds, and graded based on the Four Cs: carat weight, cut, color and clarity. Reputable organizations like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) provide certification ensuring their quality and authenticity.
Lab Grown vs. Natural Diamonds: Key Differences to Know
If you’re stuck between choosing between a lab grown vs. natural diamond, here’s a detailed rundown of what sets these two sparkling options apart.
1. Origin
The key element of lab diamonds that sets them apart from natural ones is where they come from.
- Lab Grown: Created in a laboratory setting using advanced technology.
- Natural: Formed naturally over billions of years deep within the Earth.
2. Chemical Composition and Structure
Both lab grown and natural diamonds have identical chemical makeup and crystalline structures, making them virtually indistinguishable to the naked eye. Their shared gemological properties are the reason why both options are considered real diamonds.
3. Environmental Impact
Thinking about the environmental footprint of your diamond choice?
- Lab Grown: Generally considered more environmentally friendly as they do not involve mining.
- Natural: Mining can have significant environmental and ethical impacts, although many companies are now committed to producing conflict-free diamonds.
4. Cost
If you’re shopping for diamonds, differences in price are probably front and center on your mind. So, which is more expensive, a lab or natural diamond jewellery piece?
- Lab Grown: Typically come at a more affordable price, often 20-40% less expensive than mined diamonds of comparable quality due to the lower cost of lab grown diamond production.
- Natural: More expensive due to their rarity and the extensive mining process.
5. Market Perception
Ever wonder how people really feel about these options?
- Lab Grown: Growing in popularity and acceptance, especially among younger consumers who value sustainability.
- Natural: Still considered the traditional choice, often associated with lasting value and prestige.
6. Appearance and Quality
Can lab-grown diamonds match up to natural ones in terms of looks and quality?
- Brilliance and Optical Properties: Both lab grown and natural diamonds exhibit the same optical properties, including brilliance, fire, and sparkle. They are cut and polished in the same way, resulting in similar levels of beauty and appeal.
- Clarity Grades: Lab grown diamonds often have fewer inclusions or irregularities compared to natural diamonds, leading to higher clarity grades. This is because they are created in a controlled environment, reducing the likelihood of impurities
- Color Options: What are your options in terms of color? Practically endless. Lab-created diamonds can range from colorless diamonds to vibrant colored diamonds. While also available in a range of hues, truly rare and vivid colored natural diamonds can be exceptionally expensive compared to their lab colored diamond counterparts. The rule of thumb when it comes fancy colored diamonds is that the value increases with the intensity of the most prominent hue within the stone.
Real Diamond vs. Genuine Diamonds
The terms “real diamond” and “genuine diamond” are often used interchangeably, but they can have slightly different connotations depending on the context, so it’s also important not to confuse the two.
A real diamond is one that is naturally occurring and mined from the earth, formed through natural geological processes over billions of years. They have unique inclusions, crystal structures, and physical properties specific to natural diamonds, making them generally more valuable due to their natural origin and rarity.
A genuine diamond refers to a diamond that is authentic and not fake, which can include both lab-grown and mined diamonds. Lab-created diamonds possess the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds, although they might lack the natural inclusions found in mined diamonds. While lab diamonds are often less expensive, they are still considered genuine because they share the same properties as natural ones.
So, while all real diamonds are genuine, not all genuine diamonds are natural.
Identification & Certification: Are Lab Diamonds GIA Certified?
Both lab grown and natural diamonds can be certified by organizations such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI). These certification documents (if issued by a reputable certification body) provide assurance of the diamond’s quality and authenticity. Certified diamonds provide peace of mind and add value to your purchase.
Most diamond testers cannot distinguish between lab grown vs. natural diamonds, due to their almost identical properties. High-quality lab grown diamonds are often indistinguishable from natural ones without specialized equipment, such as a diamond loupe or UV ray testing. So, if you’re looking for clarity, your best option is to seek help from a professional or a gemological lab.
Why Choose Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lets sum up the advantages lab options bring to the table for modern consumers.
Ethical & Environmental Considerations
For many consumers, the primary appeal of lab grown diamonds lies in this factor. The production of lab grown diamonds does not involve mining, reducing environmental degradation and ensuring they are conflict-free. However, despite being touted as eco-friendly, concerns exist about the energy-intensive process of manufacturing and whether labor conditions are truly ethical throughout the supply chain.
Cost-Effectiveness
Lab grown diamonds offer the allure and brilliance of diamonds at a fraction of the cost. This makes them an attractive option for those seeking high-quality, affordable diamond jewelry.
Quality and Variety
With advancements in technology, lab grown diamonds can match the quality of the finest natural diamonds. They are available in various shapes, sizes, and colors, providing more choices for consumers.
Are Lab-grown Diamonds Worth It?
Absolutely! Lab-grown stones are a fantastic option, offering the same stunning sparkle as natural diamonds but at a fraction of the cost. They’re eco-friendly and ethically sourced, making them a guilt-free choice for the conscious shopper. Plus, you can often get a bigger, higher-quality stone for your money. If you’re looking for brilliance without breaking the bank, lab-grown diamonds are definitely worth considering.
Why Choose Natural Diamonds?
Benefits of mined diamonds that might steer you towards one include:
Tradition and Prestige
Natural diamonds carry a sense of tradition and prestige that lab grown diamonds are still catching up to. They have been the standard for centuries and are often associated with timeless elegance and lasting value.
Unique Formation
The natural formation process of diamonds gives each stone its unique characteristics, making every natural diamond one-of-a-kind.
Market Perception
Despite the growing acceptance of lab grown diamonds, natural diamonds still hold a significant place in the diamond industry. They are often viewed as a more prestigious choice, especially for significant milestones like diamond engagement rings.
The Verdict: Making Your Decision
Ultimately, when torn between lab grown vs. natural diamonds, your final decision should boil down to the following factors:
1. Personal Preferences
Your personal taste and values play a significant role in your decision. If you prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing, lab grown diamonds might be the better choice. If you value tradition and unique natural beauty, a natural diamond could be more appealing.
2. Budget
Lab grown diamonds generally offer better value for money. If you want a larger or higher quality diamond or are tight when it comes to your budget, lab grown might be the way to go. However, keep the resale value in mind – the secondary market may value lab diamonds less, just like the initial purchase cost was lower.
3. Occasion
Consider the occasion for which you are purchasing the diamond. For everyday jewelry, lab grown diamonds offer an affordable yet equally stunning option. For heirloom pieces or significant life events, a classic diamond might hold more sentimental value.
Diamonds Are Forever – Make Sure Your Decision Is, Too
This blog post covered a lot of ground, from the formation processes of diamonds to their ethical impacts. Whatever options you’re leaning towards, it’s clear that both have their unique advantages and charm. Ultimately, the choice between lab grown vs. natural diamonds is personal.
With the right information, you can confidently select the perfect diamond that will sparkle for a lifetime – one that meets your needs, reflects your values, and brings you or a loved one joy every time it is worn. With thousands of wholesale diamonds available in every type, shape and size, our selection caters to every preference and budget. At Brilliance, we pride ourselves on partnering exclusively with reputable and regulated diamond suppliers. Transparency and quality are our promises to you. Browse our stunning diamond selection today to find one that will speak your heart.
