Image source- Gold City Jewelers
Diamonds are used widely in jewellery all around the world. Whether it’s an engagement ring, wedding band, necklace, or daily wear diamonds, they are a favourite of one and all. Purchasing diamonds can be a stressful and expensive affair, as very few individuals have good knowledge about diamonds.
The most crucial question faced by diamond buyers is whether to buy a mined diamond or a lab-grown diamond. Both naturally mined diamonds and lab-grown diamonds are identical in all chemical and optical qualities, and the difference is not visible at all. In this blog, we go deep into the difference between naturally sourced and lab-grown diamonds.
Are Man-Made Diamonds Real?
Lab-grown or man-made diamonds have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties. Natural diamonds are nature’s marvels and take millions or billions of years to make, unlike lab-grown diamonds, which are made artificially in a laboratory in a few weeks. Natural diamonds are different in value and even formation, which are the main differences between the two. Some natural diamonds are also very rare. That’s the reason why lab-grown diamonds are referred to with different names like man-made, and lab-created, because they are not formed like natural diamonds.
Original Image sources- Only Natural Diamonds, jewelers mutual, Geology in
The difference between Lab-Grown and Natural Diamonds
How are they created?
Natural Diamonds: Natural diamonds take millions or even billions of years under the earth’s crust to form with the pressure and heat that causes the element carbon to rearrange on an atomic level, which leads to the solid form of diamond.
Lab Grown Diamonds: Lab-grown diamonds are made in laboratories in two ways: CVD( chemical vapour deposition) and HPHT(high-pressure high-temperature). Both procedures use pure carbon with high heat and pressure to mimic the original process of manufacturing man-made diamond.
Price and Value
Natural Diamonds: The price depends on the rarity of the diamond, as well as the cost of mining, polishing, labour, advertising, etc. Natural diamond prices have seen a drop of around 8 per cent last year.
Lab Grown Diamond: Lab-grown or man-made diamonds generally cost 40 to 80 per cent less than the original. Man-made diamonds are not controlled by any supply chain or mining and can be produced in bulk. High production of lab-grown diamonds is the main reason for a price drop of between 16 and 17 per cent last year.
Durability and Clarity
Both mined and man made diamonds are equally durable, both the precious stones are the hardest substance on earth. This is the main reason why diamonds are considered perfect for engagement rings and daily wear jewellery, as they are durable.
The clarity of both natural and lab-grown diamonds is the same, and it is hard to differentiate between the two precious stones. Both are dazzling and sparkling and have the same qualities in colour and clarity.
Resale Value
Natural diamonds will always have a better resale value as they have a limited supply. Lab-grown diamonds have an ample supply, so they are not able to hold their value. Lab-grown diamonds are a more pocket-friendly option at the initial purchase. Please keep in mind that diamonds are not good for long-term investment for an average buyer, and it’s more of a luxury.
Original Image sources- Beldiamond, With Clarity, GIVA
Which One to Buy?
The plus point that lab-grown diamonds have over natural diamonds is sustainability and affordability. Lab-grown diamonds don’t harm the environment in production compared to natural diamonds. The millennials and Gen Z consider lab-grown diamonds a better option.
But even lab-grown has its drawbacks, as a large amount of power is consumed by high-temperature machines. Buying natural or lab-grown diamonds totally depends on your choice. If you are looking for an economical and sustainable option, then lab-grown diamonds suit you well. Natural diamonds are best suited to someone looking for rare, real and associated with our traditions for years.
FAQs
What is the future of lab-grown and natural diamonds?
Both kinds of diamonds have their own market. Lab-grown diamonds are sustainable, economical, and the market for lab-grown diamonds is growing fast. Natural diamonds are costly but still loved by many, but it is facing stiff competition from lab-grown diamonds.
Are lab-grown diamonds available with certification?
Certified lab-grown diamonds come with grading reports from GIA or IGI, which are known and trusted labs. The certifications come in handy if you are reselling the diamond and include details of chemical properties as well.
