Natural diamonds have been a popular raw material for making jewelry such as bracelets, necklaces, and rings, because of their sparkling clarity and everlasting beauty. Fortunately, lab-grown diamonds have recently joined the market as a new player.

These diamonds, usually referred to as artificial diamonds, are made in a lab as opposed to being extracted from the earth. As the demand for ethical and sustainable diamond options grows, many consumers find themselves wondering which type of diamond they should choose.

In this article, we will explore the differences between lab-grown and natural diamonds by considering factors such as cost, quality, ethical considerations, emotional value, and market trends.

But before we make the comparison using these parameters, let’s first see how lab-grown diamonds are made, and how natural diamonds form.

How Jewelers Manufacture Lab-grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds are produced using cutting-edge equipment that mimics the production of real diamonds. With the ‘High Pressure-High Temperature’ technique, a tiny diamond seed is exposed to extreme pressure and heat, causing molecules of carbon to crystallize around it.

The ‘Chemical Vapor Deposition’ method involves heating a hydrocarbon gas in an enclosed space to get the carbon atoms to coalesce to produce a diamond coating on the surface of the substrate.

Both methods produce diamonds with identical physical and chemical properties to natural diamonds.

How Do Natural Diamonds Form?

Natural diamonds originate from underneath the core of the earth’s crust, where high temperatures and pressures trigger carbon atoms to solidify over hundreds of thousands of years. Volcanic activity then brings these diamonds closer to the earth’s surface, where miners can mine them. The geological rarity and the journey that natural diamonds undergo contribute to their high value and allure.

Differences Between Lab-grown Diamonds and Natural Diamonds

Listed below are factors we will use and compare lab-grown and natural diamonds to help you understand the differences between them:

●      Price

Natural diamonds of comparable quality and measurement seen on some classic mens wedding rings may sell for as much as thirty percent more than lab-grown diamonds. The managed production method makes manufacturing more cost-effective by increasing production efficiency. However, it’s vital to note that natural diamonds have a long-established market, and their value is often influenced by factors such as rarity, demand, and market fluctuations.

●      Ethical Considerations

Many buyers are looking into lab-grown diamonds as a substitute for natural diamonds due to concerns about ethics and the environment. Natural diamond mining can have adverse effects on ecosystems and communities, including habitat destruction, water pollution, and human rights issues in some regions.

As opposed to mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds have a lower impact on the planet and don’t raise any ethical issues. They provide an open and verifiable distribution system, assuring that the diamond manufacturing process complies with ethical standards.

●      Certification and Resale Value

Reputable gemological laboratories can certify both lab-grown and natural diamonds. These certificates are crucial for figuring out a diamond’s worth because they include thorough details on its attributes.

However, it’s worth noting that natural diamonds have historically held better resale value compared to lab-grown diamonds. The market for natural diamonds is well-established, and their rarity and desirability contribute to their long-term investment potential.

●      Emotional Value and Sentimentality

For many people, the emotional value and sentimentality associated with natural diamonds are unmatched. Natural diamonds have a long history of symbolizing love, commitment, and celebration. They carry a sense of tradition and heritage, making them cherished heirlooms that individuals can pass down through generations.

Lab-grown diamonds, although visually indistinguishable, may not hold the same sentimental value for those who appreciate the natural origin and unique journey of a diamond.

●      Aesthetics

Lab-grown diamonds appear visually comparable to real diamonds. Even experts require specialized equipment to differentiate between the two. However, some natural diamonds possess unique characteristics such as inclusions, blemishes, or fancy colors that are not commonly replicated in lab-grown diamonds. These distinctive features contribute to the allure and individuality of natural diamonds.

●      Market Trends and Consumer Preferences

The market for lab-grown diamonds has been steadily growing in recent years. Particularly young customers are demonstrating an affinity for goods that come from ethical and environmentally friendly sources.

The lower price point and environmental benefits of lab-grown diamonds align with their values. However, natural diamonds continue to hold a significant share of the market, driven by factors such as tradition, emotional value, and the perception of rarity.

Things to Take Into Account When Deciding Between Lab-Grown and Natural Diamonds

Your budget, ethical concerns, environmental impact, sentimental value, and personal preferences should all be taken into account when choosing between lab-grown and natural diamonds. It’s crucial to educate yourself about the advantages and limitations of each option and prioritize the factors that resonate with you the most.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Lab-grown Diamonds

Advantages

• Diamonds created in a regulated laboratory are environmentally friendly.

• Lab-grown diamonds are not pricey.

• Lab-grown diamonds are tough and have clarity.

Disadvantages

• Lab-grown diamonds, created in a laboratory, may not carry the same perceived rarity and exclusivity as natural diamonds.

• Lab-grown diamonds generally have lower resale value.

• Lab-grown diamonds do not carry the same emotional value and sentimentality for those who appreciate the heritage associated with natural diamonds.

• Lab-grown diamonds are still more limited compared to natural diamonds, especially in certain sizes and fancy colors.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Natural Diamonds

Advantages

• Natural diamonds carry sentimental value. They can become cherished heirlooms that people pass down through generations.

• Some natural diamonds possess unique characteristics such as inclusions, blemishes, or fancy colors that add to their individuality and aesthetic appeal.

• Natural diamonds have a well-established market, and their rarity and desirability often contribute to their long-term investment potential.

Disadvantages

• The mining of natural diamonds sometimes causes ethical issues, including human rights abuses, unsafe working conditions, and environmental damage.

• Natural diamond mining has a significant environmental footprint, involving habitat destruction, soil erosion, and water pollution.

• Natural diamonds are generally more expensive.

• Natural diamonds often lack full traceability, making it challenging to determine their exact origin and ensure they are conflict-free.

• The natural formation of natural diamonds limits the availability of certain characteristics on it, which restrict customization options for those seeking specific diamond attributes.

Conclusion

Lab-grown and natural diamonds each have their set of advantages and limitations. Although natural diamonds represent uniqueness and sentimental significance, lab-grown diamonds are a more responsible, cost-efficient, and ecological substitute to mined diamonds. The one you will choose among them depends on your individual belief, preference, and financial capability.