Traditionally, the very first and the most prominent option in mind when it comes to an engagement ring turns out to be the diamond. However, with lab-grown diamonds now available too, recently there happens to be another option too: equally stunning but perhaps more affordable. As the popularity for lab-grown diamonds is really on the rise, people remain confused and skeptical about them. Are they as good as natural diamonds? Do they differ? Why are they cheaper? Let’s get into the facts about lab-grown diamonds for engagement rings.
What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds, which is what the name suggests, are diamonds grown in a lab rather than in the ground. They have all the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, meaning they’re, in all intents and purposes, real diamonds. What differs is the mode of formation. But whereas a natural diamond takes billions of years to be formed under thousands of meters of pressure deep beneath the earth, and immense heat, synthetic diamonds can be prepared within weeks in a controlled environment.
The two major processes of production of lab-grown diamonds are High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both these methods reproduce precisely what makes a natural diamond, so the end product is in every sense very much looking, feeling, and sparkling exactly like a mined diamond.
The Engagement ring you choose is one of the most exciting and important choices you’ll ever have to make. An engagement ring is a sign of love and loyalty. At Carat Diamonds, we have a beautiful selection of engagement rings to fit any style or personality. Our lab-grown diamonds are just as beautiful and brilliant as real diamonds, but they cost less. They can be used in traditional solitaires or more modern halo designs. Let us help you find the right ring that keeps shining for a lifetime and tells the story of your love. Check out our selections right now!
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds “Real” Diamonds?
One of the biggest myths about lab-grown diamonds is that they are not “real.” But that couldn’t be any further from the truth. Lab-grown diamonds, in fact, are perfectly identical to natural diamonds on every possible parameter: from their hardness to their sparkle. Both lab-grown and mined diamonds are made of pure carbon in a crystal structure; hence as strong and beautiful. The difference lies merely in origin.
The quality, brilliance, and strength of lab-grown diamonds are the same as those with a mined diamond. Lab-grown diamonds grade on the same parameters that natural diamonds do: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Also, they are accredited by reputable institutions like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or International Gemological Institute (IGI).
Environmental Impact: How Lab-Grown Diamonds Help the Planet
One of the reasons lab-grown diamonds have gained such popularity is due to lower environmental impact. The natural extraction of diamond minerals involves a lot of water, energy, and land use. Moreover, most diamond mining leads to the destruction of forests, habitats, and even human rights issues in various countries. Although not all diamond mining is harmful to the environment, it is an industry that has raised many issues regarding ethics lately.
Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, are produced in controlled setups that only minimize damaging the environment. As opposed to natural diamonds, these do not occupy vast tracts of land nor disrupt the entire ecosystem, thus ideal for the environmentally-conscious consumer. Though lab-grown diamonds are still produced with energy consumption, many manufacturers are shifting to renewable sources of energy to greatly minimize their carbon footprint.
Cost Comparison: Why Lab-Grown Diamonds Are More Affordable
Lab-grown diamonds have a major advantage in price. The average lab-grown diamond costs 20-40% less than its mined counterpart, of similar quality, primarily due to the economics of production rather than from any difference in quality. Natural diamond mining requires huge amounts of manpower and highly heavy machinery, plus expensive restorations to the environment.
That aside, lab-grown diamonds do not have such issues. Because they are grown in a controlled setting, production runs more smoothly and is less hazardous, thus much cheaper. For couples on a budget, the difference in price often works well to allow them to get either a larger or higher-grade stone without having to reach into the stratosphere of wallets.
Ethical Considerations: Avoiding the “Blood Diamond” Controversy
The term “blood diamond” refers to diamonds mined in areas with fighting and then sold to finance armed groups against official governments. Although there are enough mechanisms in place to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the market, such as the Kimberley Process, it is very far from perfect. So there is still a possibility that some natural diamond comes from some unscrupulous source.
With lab-grown diamonds, any concerns over conflict are, in effect, erased because they merely grow in labs, so the possibility that they will fund any form of violence or exploitation is zero. This is a really attractive feature for couples desiring an engagement ring in line with their moral values and assurance about what they are buying.
Quality and Durability: How Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Measure Up?
Essentially, quality and durability-wise, laboratory-grown diamonds are identical to natural ones. They score the same on the Mohs hardness scale, which means they are equally resilient to scratches, chips, and all forms of wear and tear. In addition, lab-grown diamonds are graded and certified by established gemological laboratories, so you have perfect assurance about the quality in the same way as with a mined diamond.
The brilliance and light sparkle of a diamond are most important to the average person. Truth is, lab-grown diamonds are available in the same color, clarity, and cut as mined, so the buyer can determine a diamond that best suits their taste. Almost identical to a mined diamond is the appearance of a lab-grown one, with special equipment not being necessary to tell the difference.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds a Good Investment?
One thing to note is that lab-grown diamonds do not tend to retain value like mined diamonds do. While the natural diamond may be sold for at least a portion of what one paid for it originally, lab-grown diamonds rarely retain value. This is to a great extent supplied by the actions of supply and demand, but also because more lab-grown diamonds can be made. For someone considering an engagement ring as an investment, a natural diamond is more appealing.
However, engagement rings rarely are bought in the expectation of resale. Most people buy them for the reasons they are symbolic and hold emotional value rather than as any form of financial investment. To those people whose purchasing decisions are driven by affordability, beauty, and sustainability, resale value is unlikely to be a major factor in their purchase choices.
Customization and Variety: A Range of Options
Lab-grown diamonds are just as customizable as their mined counterparts. They can be made in any shape and size, ranging in color from clear to deep, rich colors, and have various cut options. This gives couples the opportunity to choose a diamond that suits their personal taste and preferences. Moreover, lab-grown diamonds are extremely affordable when it comes to the production of fancy colors like blue, pink, or yellow – quite significantly cheaper than comparable natural diamonds.
This flexibility allows couples to continue searching for that perfect ring that encapsulates their relationship. Whether it’s the traditional round diamond or one of the trendy oval pieces or even a customized colored stone, options in lab-grown diamonds are limitless.
Common Misconceptions About Lab-Grown Diamonds
Much of the general public remains skeptical about lab-grown diamonds, primarily because of myths and misconceptions. Some people claim that lab-grown diamonds are “fake, “cheap, “or “inferior.” As we covered earlier, though, lab-grown diamonds are in fact just as real and of similar quality as mined diamonds; they‘re just giving a modern alternative to the conventional diamond industry.
Another misconception is that a lab-grown diamond can’t withstand the test of time or will get easily damaged. The case is far from it, as lab-grown and mined diamonds are equally strong and long-lasting with daily wear. There is no disparity between the two in terms of hardness and durability; therefore, a lab-grown diamond is equally durable as a symbol of commitment.
Is a Lab-Grown Diamond Right for You?
It is a very personal decision; what you prefer, lab-grown or mined diamonds, will depend on your priorities. If the environmental impact, the ethics of sourcing, and keeping costs under control are crucial to you, then perhaps a lab-grown diamond is ideal for you. If this aspect of rarity or want to savor the tradition of owning a natural diamond is important to you, then it may be a mined diamond that could allude you more.
Lab grown diamonds and mined diamonds are each valuable and meaningful choices to make when it comes to an engagement ring. In the end, it is about choosing a ring that truly resonates with you and your partner and reflects your values and commitment.
Final Thoughts
Lab-grown diamonds have shaken the traditional diamond industry by offering an affordable, ethical, and sustainable alternative. They are as natural and beautiful as mined diamonds but come with some of the negative concerns about the environment and ethics attached to mining. This makes lab-grown diamonds an attractive choice for many couples looking for an engagement ring that reflects their relationship and values.
Knowing the difference, benefits, and concerns behind lab-grown diamonds will help you make an informed decision that you will feel good about many years from now when buying a diamond.