The Differences between Lab-Grown Diamonds and Natural Diamonds
Diamonds have long symbolised love, commitment, and luxury. However, not all diamonds are formed or rather constructed in the same manner. Today, buyers are facing two options: Natural diamonds, which take billions of years to form deep within the Earth, and Lab-grown diamonds, which are created in a matter of weeks using advanced technology. While both look identical to the naked eye, which is an extremely important point to understand, the key differences exist in their origin, price, and environmental impact. Whether you’re looking to buy diamond rings online, explore diamond engagement rings for sale, or even rent diamond rings for a special occasion, understanding the differences between lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds. This will help you make an informed decision when buying. Reading this article will help you immensely and clear up the fog, so to speak, in determining which diamond you should opt for.
Formation: How They’re Made
Natural Diamonds: These gems form approximately 100 miles, more or less, beneath the Earth’s surface over billions of years. YES, you read correct, under billions of years under intense pressure and heat. Volcanic activity then brings them closer to the surface, where they are mined.
Lab-Grown Diamonds: These diamonds are created in a controlled environment using one of two methods: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both these processes replicate the natural conditions under which diamonds form but in a much shorter time frame. Thanks to innovation & technology, this incredible feat is now possible and a FACT. Buy lab-grown diamond rings if you prefer an ethical and sustainable choice.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Identical Structure: Both natural and lab-grown diamonds share the same chemical composition (pure carbon) and crystalline structure, making them virtually indistinguishable without specialized equipment. This often surprises customers, even those with decades of experience in the industry.
Durability: Lab-grown diamonds are just as hard as natural diamonds, scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. This is also a real FACT!
Brilliance and Fire: Since lab-grown diamonds refract light in the same way as natural diamonds, they possess identical sparkle, brilliance, lustre, and fire. A few years ago, this was not possible, but thanks to innovative processes, it is now a reality. In some cases, lab-grown diamonds appear even cleaner and more sparkly due to having fewer inclusions. Our gemologists sort through hundreds of lab diamonds and natural diamonds daily. If you are looking for high-quality diamond rings, both options offer incredible beauty.
How to Tell Them Apart
To an experienced jeweller using a 10x magnification loupe, it is not possible to distinguish between the two. A fact also! This needs to be understood by the general public. There is no way to tell these two types of diamonds apart visually. Only after using advanced tools for diamond inspection can they be reliably been differentiated, which explains the recent surge in global demand for lab-grown diamonds. It is really unbelievable, isn’t it?
Inclusions: Natural diamonds often contain tiny imperfections formed over millions of years. Lab-grown diamonds may have unique growth patterns or metallic inclusions, detectable only under 20x magnification. Visually, they can’t be told apart.
Fluorescence & Growth Lines: Under UV light or microscopic examination, lab-grown diamonds display distinct growth lines, while natural diamonds exhibit different fluorescence patterns.
Laser Inscription: Most lab-grown diamonds have a microscopic inscription on the girdle identifying them as synthetic. While jewellers can use this to differentiate them, clients can request to have the inscription removed, making identification more challenging.
Price and Value
Cost: The primary advantage of lab-grown diamonds is affordability. They are 30-50% less expensive than natural diamonds due to the absence of costly mining operations. In fact, purchasing directly from retailers like TheDiamondXpert can yield savings of up to 75-80% or more. This makes them an excellent choice for those seeking affordable diamond rings or custom diamond rings for special occasions.
Resale Value: Some jewellers claim that natural diamonds retain value better than lab-grown diamonds due to their rarity. However, when comparing prices, a 2-carat natural diamond with G colour and VVS1 clarity costs around £22,400, while a similar lab-grown diamond costs approximately £3,000. From a financial standpoint, affordable lab-grown diamond engagement rings offer a more attractive deal. When one goes to sell a natural diamond, you will be lucky to even obtain 50% of the value you purchased it for. So, which one has a better resale value? We leave it up to you to decide. For our customers, we provide an UPGRADE service that will retain the value of lab-grown diamonds,
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
Mining Impact: Natural diamond mining has a significant and very damaging environmental footprint, requiring deep excavation and substantial water usage. Additionally, some mining practices are linked to unethical labour conditions, including child labour and conflict diamonds.
Sustainability: Lab-grown diamonds are a more sustainable choice, requiring fewer natural resources and producing a lower carbon footprint. They also avoid the ethical concerns associated with traditional diamond mining. If sustainability matters to you, consider eco-friendly engagement rings and conflict-free diamonds.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you value tradition, rarity, and potential long-term investment, a natural diamond may be the right choice. However, natural diamond prices have dropped nearly 50% from their peak a few years ago, with no bottom in sight. Please do your homework and if you have any questions, please consult with our team.
If affordability, ethical sourcing, and sustainability are your priorities, a lab-grown diamond is a fantastic and the correct alternative—and the preferred choice for millions today. Whether you’re shopping for diamond wedding rings, oval diamond rings, or platinum diamond rings, lab-grown options offer the same brilliance at a fraction of the cost.
Regardless of your decision, both options offer dazzling beauty and durability. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal preferences, budget, and values. For those looking for flexible options, consider diamond ring rental services or renting a diamond engagement ring for a proposal or wedding.
This article was first published on www.thediamondxpert.com
