Lab Grown Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds
Natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds each go through a complex creation process that has an impact on the environment and the countries6 in which they are produced. Both types of diamonds have unique advantages and disadvantages to offer their buyers.
Lab Diamonds Vs Natural Diamonds
The optical, physical, and chemical characteristics of lab-grown diamonds are identical to those of natural diamonds. The unique beginning of a lab-grown diamond is the only distinction. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) believes that diamonds that are natural and created in laboratories are real as of 2018. In 2021, the NAD provided additional clarification on this matter, stating that a diamond created in a lab is a genuine diamond.
Both forms of diamonds have the same formation process, regardless of whether they are created in a lab or extracted from the planet. Rough diamonds, regardless of classification, are polished and cut to bring forth their best shine after formation. Similar to diamonds that are mined, lab-grown diamonds also display distinct color and clarity variations, or inclusions, that happen organically as the diamond grows. The unique characteristics of each diamond are these distinguishing identifiers.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds The Same As Natural Diamonds?
Physically, lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds are identical. You could relate the difference between ice that forms outside on a winter's day and ice that forms inside your refrigerator to the difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds. But there are differences between lab-grown and natural diamonds in terms of ethics, economics, and sustainability. Created diamonds are produced by mimicking the natural process of diamond formation, but without the detrimental effects of mining on the environment or on people.
Are Lab Diamonds As Valuable As Natural Diamonds?
There is a lot of misinformation regarding the relative value of lab-grown vs natural diamonds. A select few persons who control the supply of diamonds set the price for natural diamonds. Not the actual value of the diamond, but the increased demand allows them to charge more. In comparison to lab-grown diamond production, natural diamond production also takes more resources and effort.
For this reason, you will find that natural diamonds are more expensive when comparing the prices of lab and natural diamonds. Instead of being less valuable, lab-grown diamonds are less expensive due to the fact that they are a renewable resource.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds As Strong As Natural Diamonds?
Yes, lab-grown diamonds are just as strong as natural diamonds. Since they have the same chemical composition, one is not stronger than the other. They both score 10 on the Mohs hardness scale.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Better for the Environment?
Natural diamond production is wholly unregulated and has a significant environmental impact. However, some lab-grown diamonds are produced using fossil fuels. They can have a large carbon footprint comparable to natural diamonds.
Lab-grown diamonds are only better for the environment if you choose lab-grown diamonds that are sustainably made.
Why Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Cost Less?
Lab-grown diamonds cost less than mined diamonds, due to fewer middlemen and less required labor. Since mined diamonds are more widely known, and therefore have more demand, diamond retailers can and do charge more for them.