Haven't you ever wondered what makes a lab-grown diamond different from an earth-mined diamond? If so you are not alone as many people question the authenticity and the quality of things grown in a lab. However, lab and earth-mined diamonds aren't as different as you think. In fact, they have more similarities than then they have differences. Moreover, to the untrained eye, it's practically impossible to guess the difference between the two without professional-grade equipment.
In this article, we aim to wipe away any misconceptions about lab-grown and earth-mined diamonds and bring to light what makes these diamonds special. This way you can be a more informed shopper when you are looking to get your next diamond. Hopefully, by the end of this article, you will know which diamond type is best for you or for the loved one you are purchasing the diamonds for. Read on to discover the similarities and differences between lab and earth-mined diamonds.
Differences
We will start our learning journey by showcasing the main differences between lab-grown and earth-mined (also known as natural) diamonds. It's most likely you are reading this article because you are curious as to which diamond formation method is best, but that is the wrong mindset. Both of these gemstones are equally amazing, but like all things, they have pros and cons. In other words, it's not a battle of which one is better but which one is better for your situation. To help you make that choice we have listed the core differences between the diamond formation processes below.
- Earth-mined diamonds are formed in the Earth's mantle while Lab-grown diamonds are produced in a Laboratory.
- Lab-grown diamonds are more environmentally friendly and leave less of a carbon footprint.
- There is a smaller resale value for lab-grown diamonds. This is due to the fact that lab-grown diamonds are easier to obtain than natural diamonds.
- Earth-mined diamonds take billions of years to form while lab-grown diamonds can take a couple of months.
- Lab diamonds usually cost 35% of what a natural diamond costs. So a 25,000-dollar earth-mined diamond would be about 8,750 dollars or (25,000 x 35%).
Similarities
Visuals and Physically:
- Lab diamonds and natural diamonds are indistinguishable from the naked eye.
- Lab diamonds will sparkle just as intensely as a same-quality an earth-mined diamond.
- The Mohs hardness, durability, and scratch resistance of both lab and earth-mined diamonds are the same. Your diamond is guaranteed to have a Mohs hardness rating of 10 no matter how it was formed.
Grading and imperfections:
- Both diamond types are graded the same way based on their carat, color, clarity, and cut.
- Both types of diamonds can have imperfections and receive corresponding Clarity and inclusion ratings.
Formation:
- Both lab and earth-mined diamonds are formed under intense pressure
- Both diamonds are formed by the same element: “carbon”
Should I buy an earth-mined or lab-grown diamond?
It's totally personal preference, but don't forget to consider your partner! If you are purchasing a diamond ring for your future wife it's important to get something that has the utmost value in her eyes. Hence, the main reason people tend to like one formation type more than the other has to do with tradition. Therefore, the reason one diamond type might be “better” than the other has to do with personal values.
Here are some questions to ask yourself or your partner before choosing between lab or natural…
- What do you value from diamonds?
- Do you prefer to conserve old traditions so that you can pass down the rings through generations? Or do you value money and saving more?
- Do you prefer to get your diamonds in the most environmentally friendly way possible?
- Do you prefer a bang for your buck or unrelenting tradition?
- Are you buying diamonds as an investment or as a gift?
These questions are just a few things that might run through your head when you eventually go to make a decision. Just know that no matter which path you choose it will look and feel exactly the same. No matter what you or your loved one will be overjoyed to receive a high-quality diamond.
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: “Lab diamonds aren't real diamonds”. Of course, lab diamonds are real diamonds! Just because it takes billions of years more to make a natural diamond doesn't mean that 2-month lab diamonds are fake. With better technology, humans have accomplished astonishing feats. It's no surprise that we have figured out how to create such a coveted material.
- Misconception: “Natural diamonds are better than lab diamonds”. This is another major falsehood because no diamond is inherently better than the other. It all comes down to personal preferences. Even diamonds with inclusions can be deemed “better” in the right hands.
- Misconception: “Earth-mined diamonds look better than lab diamonds”. Wrong! If you think this is true head down to one of our many locations and look at a lab and natural diamond of similar quality. If you can figure out which one is the natural diamond each time you might have a special gift.
An informed shopper is a happy shopper:
Now that you know the basic comparisons between lab and earth-mined diamonds you should be able to make the right choice. Sometimes it's hard to choose between these two types of diamond formation processes but you can rest easy now knowing what you're getting into. Hopefully, with this new knowledge, you don't feel left in the dark and you can share these interesting facts with loved ones and friends. After all an informed shopper is a happy one!