In the world of jewelry, diamonds are a timeless symbol of love, commitment, and eternity. For centuries, most diamond jewelry has been made from natural, mined diamonds, but lately, there has been an insurgence of lab-grown diamonds.
Lab-grown diamonds are beautiful and sparkly, but they have remained a mystery. Most people know that they are made in the lab, but beyond that, it all becomes confusing. As such, there has been a lot of debate regarding what lab-grown diamonds are and whether they are "real" diamonds.
Let's weigh in:
What Exactly is a Lab-Grown Diamond?
Lab-grown diamonds, also known as man-made diamonds, are grown in a laboratory environment. They are created by replicating the conditions in which natural diamonds are formed by using a High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) process. These processes typically begin with a tiny natural mined diamond seed, which blossoms into a large diamond within a few weeks, depending on the size of the diamond being created.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real?
Yes, lab-grown diamonds are as real as diamonds mined from the earth.
Unlike diamond simulants or imitations such as cubic zirconia, lab-grown diamonds are made from carbon. They display the same physical, atomic, and optical properties, and are still a 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
Even the world's leading gemological laboratories, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), consider lab-grown diamonds as real diamonds and grade them on the same quality characteristics, i.e., the 4Cs as mined diamonds.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds offer several advantages over natural diamonds.
- Affordable - Lab-grown diamonds are typically 50-70% cheaper than mined diamonds of the same carat weight.
- Ethically sourced - Lab-grown diamonds are conflict-free. No miners are hurt or exploited as they are grown.
- Environmentally friendly - Lab-grown diamonds require no mining and do not disturb any land surfaces or produce mineral waste.
However, lab-grown diamonds also have some disadvantages.
- Rarity - Lab-grown diamonds can be mass-produced and hence lose that one-of-a-kind aspect associated with natural diamonds.
- Value - Since lab-grown diamonds are relatively new to the industry, their value is not yet settled. Advancements in manufacturing technology could lower the value of previously sold lab-grown diamonds.
Which Should I Choose - Lab Grown or Mined Diamond?
There is no wrong answer. The ultimate choice here comes down to personal preference.
If you are budget-conscious or appreciate the latest advances in technology in the jewelry industry, your best option is a lab-grown diamond. But a mined diamond is the best for you if you have a classic approach to love and appreciate the sense of rarity and exclusivity.
If you're still unsure, Pineforest Jewelry has been in the jewelry industry since May 1, 1986. We offer both Natural Mined and Lab-Grown diamonds in nearly every Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat Weight, and shape. Contact us today to schedule a private appointment or browse our diamond collection. We you'll find the perfect diamond at a price you'll love.