Lab Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds: What You Should Know

There is an ongoing debate in the diamond world about whether lab-grown diamonds are real. 

The answer is yes!

Both lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds are certified diamonds. While there are differences in the point of origin in lab-grown diamonds vs. natural diamonds – they’re technically, optically, and chemically quite similar. 

The primary difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds is that natural diamonds are formed in Earth’s mantle throughout billions of years, whereas lab-grown diamonds are man-made in a controlled environment in a laboratory.

What’s The Difference Between A Lab Grown Vs. Natural Diamond?

As mentioned earlier, there are no physical differences between lab-grown diamonds vs. real diamonds. The primary difference lies in the origin and price of natural and lab-grown diamonds. 

Through the naked eye, it’s impossible to tell the difference. However, tiny amounts of nitrogen are present in real diamonds that aren’t present in lab-created diamonds. 

Even though nitrogen isn’t visible to the naked eye, it’s visible using advanced gemology equipment. In fact, it is one of the ways gemologists use to identify if the diamond is lab-grown or natural. 

Let us go through some of the differences between Lab Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds –

Composition & Characteristics

Natural Diamonds

Natural diamonds are formed over billions of years in the Earth’s mantle. 

It is composed of carbon atoms arranged in a peculiar crystal lattice structure. Every diamond found naturally is unique, and there might be variations in color, carat weight, and clarity.

Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds are formed artificially in a laboratory through a process called High-Pressure, High-Temperature Synthesis, and Chemical Vapor Destination. 

Even though lab-grown diamonds are physically, chemically, and optically identical to earth-mined diamonds, there are some impurities found in lab-grown diamonds.

Production Process

Natural Diamonds

Natural diamonds are formed of carbon crystals created through high-pressure and high temperatures deep within Earth’s mantle. 

Carbon atoms take millions of years to form diamonds and come closer to Earth’s surface where they’re mined.

Lab-Grown Diamonds

Lab-created diamonds are produced using advanced technology in a controlled lab environment. 

Here, carbon seeds or a small diamond or graphic slice are placed in a chamber, and then carbon atoms are layered upon it slowly to replicate natural diamonds’ structure.

Ethical Considerations

Natural Diamonds

Mining natural diamonds has long been associated with ethical and environmental concerns, including water pollution, unethical mining practices, habitat destruction, deforestation, and more. 

Moreover, there have been rising concerns about human rights violations in some diamond mining areas. The diamonds from the controversial diamond mining regions are often called blood or conflict diamonds.

Lab-Grown Diamonds

Compared to natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are considered more ethical. This is because there’s no need for deforestation or destruction of natural habitats. 

Also, the production of lab-grown diamonds requires less energy and water. Also, with lab-grown diamonds, there’s no fear of ethical concerns often surrounding mining natural diamonds, ensuring consumers peace of mind.

Price

Natural Diamonds

Natural diamonds can cost between $1,000 to over $10,000 per carat, depending on the diamond’s shape, color, clarity, and other factors. 

Ideally, color and clarity grading of the natural diamond and referencing it with the internationally recognized benchmark – Rapaport List helps decipher the cost of natural diamonds.  The resale value of natural diamonds is comparatively higher than its lab-grown counterpart.

Lab-Grown Diamonds

There’s no industry-standard formula for deciphering the price of lab-grown diamonds. However, lab-grown diamonds are commonly around 40% to 85% cheaper than natural diamonds. 

The prices of lab-grown diamonds continue to decrease with time and apparently have little to no resale value, primarily due to greater supply.

Final Conclusion

Lab diamonds are a great alternative to natural diamonds if you focus more on the ethical and environmental benefits. However, natural diamonds may be more suitable if you’re focused on resale value or want an antique piece formed over millions of years. 

Lab-grown diamonds are physically, chemically, and optically similar to natural diamonds and are more affordable. They have an endless supply without leaving a negative impact on the environment. And these factors make laboratory grown diamond rings a strong choice for modern consumers. 

If you’re in the market for diamond jewelry or want to know the differences between lab grown and natural diamonds, hopefully, the abovementioned points have helped guide you in the right direction. Ultimately, which diamond type you choose to go with depends solely on your personal beliefs and budget!