Lab Grown Versus Natural Diamonds : The Debate
Recently we've been making a lot of lab grown diamond designs - and client's have been asking us for more information - so we thought we'd put together a blog to help advise you.
As lab grown diamonds have become more accept, the value of natural diamonds is being questioned and naturally imperfect stones are becoming increasingly accepted. The key issue in this debate is our how perception of value, beauty and cost. Ultimately, it's how you feel about these issues - and what really matters to you as a consumer that will lead you to the right decision for you.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds The Same As Natural Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are visually, physically, and chemically identical to natural, mined diamonds. Both consist of pure carbon in a cubic crystalline form. The key difference lies in their creation process and, importantly, their perceived value and cost.
How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made?
Lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments, primarily in factories based in India or China. Unlike natural diamonds, which take millions of years to form, lab-grown diamonds develop in just a few months. Despite their rapid formation, they still exhibit natural flaws and inclusions, much like mined diamonds. However, it's rare for a lab grown diamond to be produced if it is of poor quality or colour which means that most lab grown diamonds are of a high standard.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds More Ethical?
As they are grown in a laboratory, man made diamonds involve no mining. This means that no land is disrupted in their production and the standards of production are generally cleaner and safer. However, they do require high amounts of energy to produce the huge pressure required to create the stones - which in turn has led to environmental concerns.
Ethical considerations extend beyond environmental impact. The natural diamond supply chain is lengthy and complex, involving mining, cutting, sorting, and selling across different countries. This makes it challenging to ensure ethical practices at every stage. On the other hand, the diamond mining industry supports entire communities worldwide, providing jobs to hundreds of thousands of people.
Why Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Cheaper?
Because lab-grown diamonds are factory-made, their supply is unlimited. This abundance drives prices down, making them significantly more affordable than natural diamonds. This also means their market value can be unstable, with price reductions in recent years.
The Perceived Value of Natural Diamonds
If lab-grown diamonds are identical in beauty, why do natural diamonds still hold a higher perceived value? The answer is deeply emotional - there is something awe-inspiring about a diamond formed naturally over millions of years. On the downside - there is also a big price difference for a natural mined stone.
Flawless Natural Diamonds?
Increasingly, natural diamonds with interesting features that have traditionally been considered of lower value are becoming more desirable. From salt and pepper or ice diamonds to champagne stones - the idea of nature's imperfections adding to a stone's value has risen. This desire for natural beauty seems to be increasing in parallel to the rise of laboratory grown stones.
Lab-Grown Diamonds in Engagement Rings
An engagement ring symbolises not just love and commitment but also status and style. For some, a larger diamond at a lower price is appealing. Many couples now opt for lab-grown diamonds because they offer beauty and affordability without compromising size. Lab grown stones have opened up the potential to go big without a prohibitive price tag.
This is a hugely personal decision - and many decide that luxury is tied to the rarity and price of natural stones. There is a romance attached to a natural diamonds - particularly antique and old cut stones - which inevitably enhances their sentimental or perceived value.
What Matters Most: The Origin or the Look?
Ultimately, choosing between a lab-grown and a natural diamond comes down to what you truly desire. Your personal taste and inclination are the best guide to how you are going to feel about the stone in future years.
The Final Decision
There’s no right choice - only what aligns best with your values and budget. Whether you choose a natural diamond for its timeless rarity, a lab-grown diamond for its flawless affordability or a naturally imperfect stone for it's character, ultimately the most important thing is that the stone really resonates with you.
