Jewelry Industry

Lab Grown Diamond vs Natural: Which Should You Buy?

The Mintly Team

The Mintly Team

March 30, 2023
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Lab grown diamond have become a popular alternative to mined (natural) diamonds. Preferred option for those who want to invest in fine jewelry that is more affordable and ethical. Diamonds are a symbol of luxury and love, but when it comes to deciding which type of diamond to buy, there can be a lot of confusion. Natural diamonds have been around for centuries and are mined from the earth. Recently, an alternative known as lab-grown diamonds has emerged, created in labs with advanced technology.

While both options offer similar beauty and sparkle, there are some important differences between the two that consumers should consider before making their purchase. We will do a comparison of Lab Grown Diamond vs Natural for various factors. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at lab grown diamonds and explain why they are becoming the preferred option to natural ones.

What is a Lab-Grown Diamond?

A lab-grown diamond is a diamond that has been created through man-made processes in a laboratory environment. These diamonds are virtually identical to mined diamonds and are made from real diamond crystals.

Knowing the process to make Lab Grown Diamond is important if you are looking to buy. Lab-grown diamonds have all the same attributes of mined diamonds, such as clarity, cut and color, but may cost up to 40% less than natural diamonds.

Lab-grown diamonds also have some advantages over mined diamonds, namely that they are more socially responsible and environmentally friendly. Since lab-grown diamonds do not require mining activities, no land is disturbed or destroyed during their production. Furthermore, lab-grown diamonds are completely traceable, as they start off with a certified origin every time. Lab-grown diamonds don’t contain any conflict material or have to pass through unscrupulous diamond cartels before making it to the consumer – meaning you can be sure that your diamond jewelry is above board!

Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and physically identical to mined diamonds in terms of composition, hardness, light dispersion, and clarity. The difference between Lab Grown Diamond vs Natural occurs in the way in which they were created. Lab-grown diamonds are grown in a lab utilizing advanced technology such as CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) or HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature). This process is able to replicate the natural diamond growing conditions that occur below the Earth’s surface to create genuine diamonds – just in a much shorter time frame. Additionally, these technologies have helped produce superior quality stones at lower costs than traditional diamond sources.

 Lab Diamonds Vs Real Diamonds Comparison | Queensmith

Price Comparison for Lab Grown Diamond vs Natural

Generally speaking, lab-grown diamonds are cheaper than natural diamonds. The price difference depends on the size and quality of the diamond. Generally, a 1-carat lab-grown diamond will cost approximately 30-40% less than a natural one. However, if you compare two diamonds of the same size and quality, then the lab grown one will be significantly less in cost.

The difference in pricing between lab grown and naturally sourced diamonds is also dependent on the availability of the stones. Natural diamonds are rare, scarce and thus considered more valuable. However, lab grown diamonds are available in any size and quality because they’re man-made, meaning that the price difference could be larger depending on the stone type you’re buying.

Generally speaking, colorless lab grown diamonds will be between 20-40% less expensive than natural diamonds but fancy colored colors may achieve greater savings if they exist in sophisticated colors like blue or pink.

Although natural diamonds have been part of the luxury market since they were discovered, lab grown diamonds are rapidly catching up. With prices between 20-40% less expensive than natural stones, consumers have more flexibility when shopping for diamonds .They can purchase larger or higher quality options depending on their budget. It’s a great way to get access to carefully crafted stones with considerable savings compared to their mined counterparts. In the future, prices may decrease even further as technology in advanced diamond labs evolve and become more efficient.

Durability of Lab-Grown Diamonds

When you look at Lab Grown Diamond vs Natural in terms of Durability, LGD also pass this test. Generally, they are of the same strength and hardness as natural diamonds and will resist damage, just like real diamonds would. Their perfect chemical structure is resistant to fading and discolouring, meaning they can last for generations if maintained correctly.

Lab-grown diamonds are rated 10 on the Mohs scale, one of the most commonly used measures of mineral hardness. This means they’re as resistant to scratches, chipping, and wear as natural diamonds. Buying a lab-grown diamond means you can be sure that your treasure will last for generations without fading or showing signs of wear. When it comes to longevity and durability, lab-grown diamonds far exceed those of other synthetics products like cubic zirconia or Moissanite.

Although lab-grown diamonds are still relatively new in the market, science has proven that these stones can resist scratches and chipping as well as natural diamond. When skillfully crafted by an expert lapidary, lab diamonds display impressive brilliance and clarity that is unmatched by any other synthetic stone. Lab grown diamonds are cut according to the same exacting standards used for mined diamonds, ensuring a superior sparkle that can easily be mistaken for the real thing.

Sustainability of Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds are a more ethical and sustainable option, as they require significantly less energy, are made with fewer byproducts, and generate substantially lower levels of carbon emissions than their mined counterparts. This also means they cost much less than natural diamonds, making them an attractive alternative to those looking for the most value out of their purchase.

Lab-grown diamonds are made using high tech advanced technology in a lab environment, resulting in a stone with similar properties and look to that of its naturally formed counterpart. At the same time, their production process is more tightly controlled and totally transparent. This is making it possible to pinpoint exactly where their ingredients come from, who mined them and whether they were ethically sourced.  Comparing this to natural diamonds, they can have murky sourcing backgrounds. All these aspects make lab-grown diamonds a more responsible option when it comes to jewelry purchases, especially for those looking for eco-friendly alternatives.

Lab-grown diamonds offer a sustainable alternative to mined diamonds, specifically in terms of their environmental footprint. The process of creating lab-grown diamonds uses far less water and energy than that used in traditional diamond extraction processes.

All lab-grown diamonds are also free from any conflict minerals which can be found in some traditionally mined diamonds. Additionally, the total carbon output when producing lab-grown diamonds is only a fraction of what would be produced by extracting naturally formed stones, reducing the negative impact on the environment for years to come.

Are laboratory-grown diamonds the more ethical choice to say 'I do'? | Life and style | The Guardian

Ethical Reasons to Choose a LGD

One of the primary reasons to choose a lab grown diamond is for its ethical advantage. Lab grown diamonds utilize fewer resources and require less energy than mined diamonds.  The production process is also free from exploitative labor practices, such as dangerous working conditions and low wages, making it a more ethical choice.

Many of the main ethical issues that exist with mined diamonds are eliminated when purchasing a lab grown diamond. The diamonds are not sourced from conflict areas. The production process is free from unpleasant conditions and unfair wages, providing high-quality diamond jewelry in an ethical way. Moreover, lab grown diamonds can offer significant cost savings compared to mined diamonds. It will appear almost indistinguishable once they have been cut and polished. This means you can save money while supporting a more ethical diamond industry. It will be  a win-win situation for all!

Even with diamond grading, it can be difficult to tell apart a lab grown diamond from a mined diamond. You would need specialized equipment. This means that even if you’re on a budget, you can purchase a lab grown diamond of lower quality. You can see it sparkles nearly as brilliantly as the most expensive stones available. The production of lab grown diamonds also requires far less energy compared to the mining process. This is  ensuring that your new piece of jewelry isn’t causing unnecessary damage to the environment .

Lab Grown Diamond in India

Lab grown diamonds have emerged as a boon for the diamond industry. India, which is one of the largest diamond processing centers in the world, has embraced lab grown diamonds with open arms. In recent years, lab grown diamonds have gained significant popularity among Indian consumers due to their ethical and environmental benefits.

The process of growing diamonds in a laboratory is relatively new but it has already created  buzz in the market. Lab grown diamonds are not only eco-friendly but also affordable when compared to natural ones. The technology used to create these gems replicates the natural process of diamond formation. This can  result in high-quality stones that are visually identical to natural mined diamonds. These factors make them an attractive option for those who care about sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Customers who would also don’t compromise on quality or beauty.

India’s diamond industry has always been associated with conflict-free and ethically sourced diamonds. Brands such as House of Quadri are creating customized bracelets, rings cater to the global audience.

IGI Certification

Lab grown diamonds are becoming more and more popular as an ethical and affordable alternative to mined diamonds. Supply has been steadily increasing for lab grown diamonds. It is also important to ensure that they’re just as high-quality as their natural counterparts. That’s where IGI comes in. The International Gemological Institute provides certification for lab grown diamonds, giving consumers peace of mind when making a purchase.

IGI’s certification process involves rigorous testing and examination of lab grown diamonds . This include analysis of their chemical composition and physical properties. This ensures that each diamond is authentic and meets the standards set by the industry. Additionally, IGI assigns a unique identification number to each certified diamond. This will help consumers to track its history and verify its authenticity.

Are you concerned about sustainability and environmental impact?. Purchasing a lab grown diamond that has been certified by IGI is a responsible choice.

You can buy Lab Grown Diamonds at Walmart. This is available nationwide in all Walmart Stores in the US. It is important to ask for Certificate for the diamond you buy.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, it’s clear that lab grown diamonds offer an excellent alternative to natural diamonds. They are a great choice for those looking for an ethical, budget-friendly gemstone. That said, there is something special about having a diamond that was formed beneath the Earth’s surface. It’s ultimately up to you which one to choose. A diamond that has been created in seconds or one that has grown over billions of years.

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