Diamonds have always represented refinement and forever love, but now, a new type of diamond is revolutionising the way we buy. Lab-grown diamonds are as bright, hardy, and lovely as natural diamonds, but they come at a lower cost and with less harm to the environment. Throughout this blog, we discuss the distinction between lab and natural diamonds, clarify misconceptions, and describe why more are inquiring: Are lab-grown diamonds the best option?
What are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds created in laboratories. They have the same properties as real diamonds.
Synthesised by HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) or CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) processes, these diamonds are practically indistinguishable from natural diamonds, even to skilled gemologists without special equipment.
Lab-Grown vs Natural Diamonds: What's the Difference?
Although lab-created and natural diamonds are both genuine, their main distinction is where they come from and how they affect the environment.
|
ATTRIBUTE |
LAB-CREATED DIAMOND |
NATURAL DIAMOND |
|
ORIGIN |
LABORATORY GROWN |
EARTH MINED |
|
PRICE |
30-50% LESS EXPENSIVE |
HIGHER COST DUE TO RARITY |
|
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT |
LOW ( NO MINING) |
HIGH ( LAND DISTURBANCE, ENERGY USE ) |
|
ETHICAL ISSUES |
CONFLICT FREE & TRACEABLE |
MAY BE MINED WITHOUT ETHICS |
|
APPEARANCE |
IDENTICAL TO NATURAL DIAMONDS |
SAME AS LAB-CREATED DIAMONDS |
|
CERTIFICATION |
YES ( IGI, GIA, SGL ) |
YES ( IGI, GIA, SGL ) |
If you are comparing lab-grown to natural diamonds, LGDs are the more eco-friendly, budget-friendly, and responsible choice, with no sacrifice on beauty.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real?
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds.
They are not synthetic substitutes like Moissanite or cubic zirconia. Lab-grown diamonds are carbon-based crystals, similar to naturally mined diamonds, and they are cut with the same 4Cs: cut, clarity, color, and weight. They're graded by top international labs like GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and IGI (International Gemological Institute), and are accompanied by a certification.
Benefits of Lab-Grown Diamonds
The choice of LGDs has many benefits for modern, informed consumers:
- Cost-Effective: Larger or higher quality stone for the same price
- Eco-Friendly: Low environmental impact
- Conflict-Free: Ethical source, no blood diamonds
- Just as Good as the Real Thing: The same glimmer and texture
- Certified Quality: GIA and IGI assure
- Increased Variety: Greater variety of shapes, colors, and clarity grades available
- Technology-Driven: Created with the latest technology
These benefits of lab-created diamonds have been making them ever more appealing to millennials, Gen Z shoppers, and eco-friendly buyers.
Myths About Lab-Grown Diamonds
A few myths you might've heard, and what is behind them:
- "They're imitation diamonds."
Untrue. Although they are produced under different circumstances, lab-created diamonds have the same chemical composition as real diamonds.
- "They have no value."
Although resale value is still changing, lab diamonds are gaining popularity in your average jewellery store.
- "They're of inferior quality."
On the other hand, the clarity of many lab-created diamonds is more uniform and contains fewer imperfections.
Grown Lab Diamonds Hold Value
The long-term resale value of lab-created diamonds is currently potentially lower than natural diamonds, but it's rising with mainstreaming. Emotional and ethical value, however, is increasingly more so for consumers who care about sustainability and responsible sourcing. Like electronics and cars, diamond value is both monetary, emotional, and utility value, and LGDs deliver well on all of these.
Purchasing Lab-Grown Diamonds Advice
Thinking of purchasing an LGD? Here's what to keep in mind:
1. Check for Certification - IGI or GIA certificates are what to look for.
2. Buy from Reputed Sellers - Make your purchase from trusted jewelers or authenticated online websites.
3. Understand the 4Cs - Cut, clarity, colour, and carat hold good for LGDs as well
4. Set a Budget - LGDs allow greater flexibility for your budget
5. Compare with Natural Diamonds - Go through both of them before taking the ultimate decision.
Frequently asked questions :
1. Are lab-grown diamonds real?
These are actual diamonds that are created in a lab rather than being mined.
2. In what ways are lab and natural diamonds different?
Only the origin. Natural diamonds are formed underground, whereas lab-made diamonds are created in labs.
3. Why are lab-grown diamonds cheaper?
They cut out mining and middlemen, saving money.
4. What are the benefits of lab-grown diamonds?
They're low-cost, green, conflict-free, and high quality.
5. Are lab diamonds certified?
Yes, in fact. The GIA, IGI, and other organizations have qualified them as natural diamond labs.