Laboratory grown diamonds “Lab Grown” are possibly one of the hottest subjects currently being discussed within the jewelry industry. Although lab grown diamonds are a hot topic and may raise numerous questions, they are here to stay. Lab grown diamond inquiries are growing and the percentage of lab grown diamond sales are spiking. In this blog commonly asked questions regarding lab grown diamonds will be answered, and feel free to contact us with any additional questions.
Q: Are lab grown diamonds easily distinguished from earth made “mined” diamonds?
The simple answer to the question is no. There is no possible way that with either the naked eye or a 10x jewelers loupe that you could possibly see the difference between Lab or Mined diamonds. Mined and lab grown diamonds are of the same chemical composition. These lab grown diamonds are extremely hard to discern from natural diamonds. The lab created diamonds are created through a high-pressure, high temperature process e that replicates the geologic conditions under which natural diamonds are formed called CVD. Even though they are not made within our earth their properties are exactly the same as diamonds that are. Lab grown diamonds still follow the Gemological Institute of America’s strict diamond grading criteria. Only diamond grading labs like GIA and IGI can identify the difference between the two types of diamonds. Overall, lab created diamonds are just as real as earth made diamonds. The only difference between the two is that natural diamonds are formed in the earth and lab created diamonds are grown in a laboratory.
Q: How do lab grown diamonds hold their value compared to earth made diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds cost less compared to their natural counterpart, natural earth made diamonds. According to a Gemological Institute of America’s graduate diamond specialist, Robert Schwartz, the price for lab created diamonds average 40% 0% less compared to the price of earth grown diamonds. Like buying a car the value immediately decreases once you leave the lot, with diamonds the same thing occurs . Since you are paying an average of 40% 0 less because you are purchasing a lab grown diamond, if you were to resell the lab grown diamond the resale value would be based on lab grown prices, not RAP or mined diamond prices. The benefit for lab grown diamonds is that they chemically and physically share the same properties as a natural diamond and they cost less. This enables you to either save money on a comparable diamond or to purchase a larger and/or higher quality diamond for the same price, when compared to the cost of a mined diamond.
Q: Are lab grown diamonds sustainable?
Lab grown diamonds are a great eco friendly option for an engagement ring or other piece of jewelry. Since these diamonds are created in a laboratory they are conflict free with regards to mining and sourcing and distribution. Erosion is sometimes a result of mining for diamonds and other precious gemstones. These diamonds are not coming from the earth so the environment is not being harmed in the process. Since these diamonds do not require mining the working conditions are much safer. Lab grown diamonds are also helping create more jobs in the jewelry field. Choosing a lab grown diamond is not only helping your budget but also the environment and the workers!
Q: How do I know whether to choose a natural or lab created diamond when purchasing an engagement ring?
This answer differs from customer to customer and there is no right or wrong choice. Below are some pros and cons.
PROS:
Cost an average of 40% less than a earth made “mined” diamond
Environmentally friendly
Creates healthier work environment
Able to have a larger and more flawless diamond for less than a natural diamond
Same chemical composition as earth grown diamonds.
CONS
Considered not as “rare” to their natural diamond counterpart
Take months to create rather than taking 1 to 3.3 billion years to form deep in the earth's crust.
Loose the romantic aspect of having a diamond that took billions of years for form
Lover in value when compared to a comparable mined diamond.
Natural diamonds have a romantic aspect to them. Consumers are sometimes opposed to lab-created diamonds because they are seen as not as rare as natural diamonds. Natural diamonds take billions of years to form in the earth’s crust and not months in a lab. As for lab grown diamonds they are cost effective and sustainable. I believe you should review the facts and consider the pros and cons of choosing a lab grown option and determine what makes the most sense to you.
