THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LAB-GROWN AND NATURAL DIAMONDS
October 14, 2021
Thanks to the advancements that science and technology has made over the past century, it’s now possible for scientists to create diamonds in contained environments such as labs. This is an incredible boon to the jewellery industry as not only does it provide a steadier supply of diamonds but it allows them to sell diamond rings and engagement rings to customers at a lower rate compared to natural diamonds and therefore, drawing in more consumers in the process.
According to experts, lab-grown and natural diamonds look pretty much the same. Despite this, however, they do have their differences and before you make your diamond jewellery purchase, there’s no harm in learning what these differences are. In fact, by doing so, you’ll be able to make an informed purchase that you’re certain is worth your money.
In this article, Vella Diamonds, the leading experts in bespoke jewellery, discuss the differences between lab-grown and natural diamonds.
Looks
At first glance, lab-grown and natural diamonds look exactly the same, meaning that if you purchase diamond rings or engagement rings with lab-grown or mined diamonds, they’ll look almost identical to the other. However, diamond experts say that there are a few differences between the two diamond types. For instance, lab diamonds can have extremely small inclusions that aren’t present in mined diamonds. But keep in mind, these inclusions can only be seen with a magnification tool, so you’re more than free to purchase jewellery with lab-grown diamonds without anyone realizing that the diamond you’re touting wasn’t formed from the earth.
Price
Ever since it came into existence, there’s always been a certain difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds when it comes to price. In fact, a few years ago, lab-grown diamonds were said to be a bit more costly compared to mined diamonds. Nowadays, on the other hand, they’re much more affordable than natural diamonds, being 50% to 60% cheaper or even more in some cases. This is due to the supply of lab-grown and natural diamonds; since the supply of natural diamonds is limited and comes directly from the earth, it’s only natural for the price to reflect the effort and expenses made to mine them in the first place. Lab-grown diamonds, meanwhile, can now be manufactured easily in a contained environment, resulting in a near unlimited supply that lowers its prices in the process.
Sustainability
Compared to mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are a more sustainable option in the creation of diamond rings, engagement rings, wedding bands, and other kinds of jewellery. This is because when jewellers use lab-grown diamonds, they’re doing so without risking the depletion of the world’s supply of natural diamonds. Since lab-grown diamonds can be manufactured in a lab, their supply can be constantly replenished when needed, making them a far more sustainable option than natural diamonds mined from the earth.
Value
In terms of value, on the other hand, diamond industry pros say that lab-grown diamonds are almost impossible to sell without taking a substantial loss. This is because while lab-grown diamonds may not look different from natural diamonds, it’s still a stone that was manufactured and can be mass produced. Natural diamonds, meanwhile, take a lot of effort to mine and, thanks to their increasing rarity, are steadily rising in resale value. With that in mind, if you plan on making loose-diamonds a long-term investment, it might be best that you opt for natural diamonds instead of lab-grown stones.
Which Type Should You Opt For?
Now that you know the differences between the two diamond types, you’re likely asking “So, which type of diamond should I opt for?” The answer to this question ultimately boils down to your personal preferences. If you’re on a budget, are environmentally conscious, and you have no intention of making the diamond a long term investment, then you’re more than free to purchase rings or diamond jewellery with lab-grown diamonds attached to them. But if your funds aren’t an issue and you want a long-term investment that you can sell in case of an emergency, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t opt for jewellery with natural diamonds instead.
Planning to canvas for engagement rings some time soon? Want to purchase diamond rings as gifts for your relatives? If so, simply turn to Vella Diamonds, the professionals to turn to when it comes to fine jewellery. Not only do we have plenty of experience in the jewellery industry but we’re also more than committed to helping you find the perfect piece for your proposal plans. You can rely on us and we won’t let you down!