When choosing diamond jewellery today, there are always two questions: Should you choose a lab-grown diamond or a mined diamond? Both look indistinguishable to the naked eye, but they differ substantially in their origin, price and environmental impact. As conscious luxury becomes more prevalent, it is important to understand the difference in order to make an informed decision that is personally meaningful.
Understanding The Difference Between Lab-Grown Diamonds Vs Mined Diamonds
The primary difference between lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds has to do with the process by which they are created. Lab-grown diamonds are created using advanced technology that can replicate the process by which a diamond naturally grows, in a controlled environment. Mined diamonds are removed from the earth by traditional mining.
Even though both diamonds have the same chemical composition, durability and brilliance, lab-grown diamonds have more sustainability and affordability. They have the same sparkle and strength, but feature a smaller environmental footprint, making lab-grown diamonds a modern and responsible option in diamond jewellery.
Quality And Appearance
There is no visible difference between lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds. Both are graded using the same criteria: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. However, lab-grown diamonds, because they were created in a controlled environment, are often produced with fewer inclusions and can be graded for clarity at a higher level and lower cost. For jewellery seekers who want beauty and value, lab-grown diamonds are an appealing option.
Price And Availability
The price of lab-created diamonds compared to mined diamonds is one of the key benefits. Lab-created diamonds cost 30 - 40% less than a mined diamond on average. With the lower price point of lab-created diamonds, you have the flexibility to explore larger stones or more elaborate designs without compromising quality or style! With the advances in production technology, lab-created diamonds are becoming more common in all types of jewellery, whether rings, earrings, necklaces or bracelets, allowing more people to engage with sustainable luxury.
Sustainability And The Future Of Diamond Jewellery
As we enter a more conscientious consumer age, lab-created diamonds are changing the stature of sustainable diamond jewellery. In comparison to how diamonds are extracted from the Earth, diamonds are not mined within an energy or resource-intensive process that exists for traditional diamond mining, that is creating serious impacts to local ecosystems, communities, and ultimately our planet.
In weighing lab-created diamonds vs. mined diamonds, it is not simply about the drastically lower cost, nor that it is just a reflection of your own personal values, but all of this is about an opportunity to engage in purposeful luxury through conscious purchases in your individual life or fashion choices. The long-standing presence of sustainability in the jewellery industry means lab-created diamonds are the future of sustainable luxury.
Explore More Sustainable Options
If the notion of lab-created diamonds sparked your interest in looking beyond the diamonds themselves, consider exploring other elegant lab-created pieces made with care and intention. Check out contemporary lab-created diamond engagement rings, lab-created diamond necklaces, and lab-created earrings that marry beauty with purpose - all designs maintain the same commitment to beautiful craftsmanship and stunning diamonds, anywhere and anytime.
FAQs On Lab-Created Diamonds
1. Are lab-created diamonds real diamonds?
Yes, lab-created diamonds are 100% real diamonds composed of the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds
2. How do I tell the difference between lab-created diamonds vs mined diamonds?
Even the trained eye can require advanced gemological equipment to determine lab-created versus mined diamonds. Visually, they appear identical.
3. What is the resale market for lab-created diamonds?
While the resale market is in its infancy, lab-created diamonds are often a great value at their initial purchase and are often a way to invest in lab-created diamond jewellery of equal quality to mined diamonds at a lower price point.
4. Aren't lab-created diamonds better for the environment?
Yes! Lab-created diamonds utilise significantly less energy and water, and minimise environmental costs to the mining industry.
5. Are lab-created diamonds certified?
Of course! Lab-created diamonds are certified for authenticity and quality by the most reputable gemological institutes in the world, such as IGI and GIA, as mined diamonds are, which confirms the highest level of quality for lab-created diamonds.
