“Diamonds are forever,” as the famous song goes. Given the fantastic qualities that give diamonds its magnificence, they will not fall out of fashion soon. However, lab-grown diamonds are also growing in popularity, especially when some find them more cost-effective than an actual diamond.
Still, the name “lab-grown diamond” might seem a little odd if you are unfamiliar with it. Could it be some fancy way to describe fake diamonds? We have addressed common misconceptions in our guide to lab-grown diamond myths. Beyond the myths, there is more to lab-grown diamonds than meets the eye, and we have all the information you need to know about them in this handy guide.
As the name suggests, lab-grown diamonds are created under highly controlled conditions within a laboratory that simulates the conditions of a natural diamond’s creation. You may also hear them described as lab-made, synthetic, or artificial diamonds, but they all mean the same thing.
At first glance, a natural diamond appears similar to a lab-grown diamond. If you had to differentiate the two, you would have incredible difficulty doing so. That is because both diamonds are very similar: they share the same atomic structure and even the same kind of sparkle. The only way to differentiate the two would be to use a magnifying glass to find a laser inscription indicating that the diamond was lab-grown. Even then, it may take an expert jeweller to differentiate the lab-grown diamond from the natural one.
A lab-grown diamond originates from a “seed” taken from an existing natural diamond, which is then “grown” into a lab-made diamond under these strict laboratory conditions. The methods for creating lab-grown diamonds require highly advanced technology to carefully mimic the natural conditions from which diamonds are formed, mainly through intense heat and pressure. However, there are other unique ways to create a lab-grown diamond.
Why does a lab-grown diamond present a more exciting proposition than a natural diamond? This section outlines a few key reasons. You may also explore how lab-grown and natural diamonds can be used across different ring occasions, from proposal rings to anniversary rings.
While lab-grown diamonds are incredibly similar to natural diamonds, their most significant advantage comes from their lower price point. The price of natural diamonds has historically been very high, requiring careful consideration of the 4C’s (Cut, Clarity, Colour, Carat) to get a beautiful diamond at a decent price. Even then, you could still be spending a hefty amount if you want a specific type of diamond. For example, higher carat weights can significantly increase the final price.
In contrast, lab-grown diamond prices tend to range up to about 70% to 80% of the cost of natural diamonds. That lower price ceiling does give you plenty of flexibility without losing out on a diamond’s desirable qualities. Additionally, there are no extra costs associated with mining since lab-grown diamonds do not rely on diamond mining activities or the associated logistics; you are primarily paying for their creation.
The artificial creation process is also more efficient, as it may only take six to ten weeks to form a rough diamond before it is cut and polished. You only need a “diamond seed” cut from a thin layer of a natural diamond to create a brand-new lab-grown diamond. In contrast, a natural diamond can take hundreds of years to form below the Earth’s surface, their rarity taking significant precedence in their pricing.
Consistency is another strength that lab-grown diamonds possess. Since lab-grown diamonds are artificial creations, you have more control when producing diamonds with desirable characteristics. As such, lab-grown diamonds can come in different colours and have fewer flaws or inclusions, increasing their value to buyers. You can quickly request a flawless, colourless diamond cut with a beautiful sparkle, and the jeweller can fulfil it in just a few weeks.
In contrast, natural diamonds are formed from nature. As a result of the natural process, natural diamonds may have plenty of inclusions or other defects that affect their quality (and price tag). It can also be rare to find coloured diamonds, as they can fetch higher prices due to their strong demand.
It never hurts to adopt the 4Cs when shopping for a lab-grown diamond, as there are still instances where you may encounter a poorly manufactured one.
As much as lab-grown diamonds have many advantages, there are still a few caveats worth mentioning.
It might surprise you that lab-grown diamonds are considered “less valuable” than natural diamonds. But when we say “less valuable,” we do not mean that a lab-grown diamond would be next to nothing compared to a natural diamond; remember that a lab-grown diamond’s price averages approximately 30 to 40% of the cost of natural diamonds.
In general, diamonds are not necessarily a stable investment. Natural diamonds may not recoup the same value as when you first purchased them — unless you own a unique, highly coveted diamond that everyone would want.
So, whether you buy a lab-grown or natural diamond, its value should primarily be based on the one that would be an ideal pick in terms of price, quality, or some other criteria you deem most important.
Some buyers may still prefer natural diamonds simply because the value lies in their natural quality. To them, a natural diamond is as real as their love for their significant other; why buy an artificial diamond when it carries more significance, one that is true to their longstanding relationship with their partner? Again, it boils down to one’s preferences.
While lab-grown diamonds are considered more environmentally conscious, their sustainability is still debatable. Diamond mining may substantially impact the environment, but considering how much energy is needed to produce even a single lab-grown diamond, one could make the case that lab-grown diamonds have an equally high environmental impact.
Moreover, various advancements in responsible diamond mining practices and rigorous certification processes are helping curb the ethical concerns surrounding the industry and reduce its carbon footprint. In contrast, lab-grown diamonds still need to address concerns surrounding their use of non-renewable energy sources that can significantly influence their carbon footprint; as such, the lines are not as clear-cut as they may initially seem.
The growing acceptance of lab-grown diamonds is a good sign, as their quality is identical to that of their natural counterparts. Fake diamonds are still a problem in the jewellery market. Still, they are mainly made from glass or other stones to mimic a diamond’s appearance. Calling lab-grown diamonds “fake” may not be appropriate, given the conditions and effort needed to create them. Moreover, they are still atomically and structurally the same as natural diamonds from a chemistry point of view.
Awareness is still necessary to educate people about the pros and cons of lab-grown diamonds compared to natural diamonds and overcome the stigma of lab-grown diamonds being of inferior quality. The truth is further than that!
Since natural diamonds are a finite resource, finding the right one on a budget would still be challenging. Lab-grown diamonds are a great alternative that gives you everything you want in a diamond—and in most cases, at a lower price that will not hurt your wallet.
That is not to say natural diamonds are not going away so soon. Here at Ling Jewellery, we have a beautiful selection of diamonds to cater to your preferences and craft them into bespoke jewellery pieces. Our top-notch experts can also help advise you if you want to create custom rings, considering your every preference to make a breathtaking ring for your loved ones.
Contact us today, and let our professional jewellers help you find the diamond ring that best suits you.
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