Both Lab-grown and natural diamonds are real diamonds. Chemically, optically, and gemologically, lab-grown and mined diamonds are the same. Both have the same physical and chemical properties, such as shapes, size, color, and clarity grades. They both come with diamond certifications from GIA and IGI.
While GIA is the gold standard for Natural diamonds, the IGI provides the highest standards in the industry for Lab-grown diamonds.
What's the difference?
The only real difference is that diamonds found in nature contain trace amounts of nitrogen which gemologists can look for to identify them, and lab diamonds do not. They are grown in highly controlled laboratory environments using advanced technological processes that duplicate the conditions under which diamonds naturally develop.
NATURAL EARTH-MINED DIAMONDS
Created by the pressure under the earth’s crust over millions of years, natural diamonds are mined, cut, and polished. This process contributes to a lot of its characteristics and value.
PROS:
Unique Rarity - Each natural diamond has a distinctive geological quality and narrative. As no two diamonds grow the same, this contributes to their scarcity and value.
Investment potential - With natural diamonds historically rising in value, they can hold their worth through time. Natural diamonds' finite supply carries a unique advantage that impacts their resale price, giving them higher resale value.
Natural beauty - Each stone is formed naturally, resulting in variation in color, clarity, and inclusions. Some appreciate the organic character and imperfections that natural diamonds possess.
CONS:
Cost - Considering the process of how natural diamonds are obtained, transported, and processed, they are priced significantly higher than that of Lab-grown diamonds.
LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS
Commonly referred to as man-made diamonds or CVD diamonds. As the name suggests, these diamonds are lab grown and are made to mimic the natural circumstances under which diamonds are formed in nature.
PROS:
Lower cost - Lab diamonds are 40-50% less expensive than mined diamonds of comparable quality. This is due to the supply chain of lab-grown diamonds being much more efficient and the fact that they can be produced at a large scale, meaning their value is not tied to their rarity as they can be made limitlessly.
Sustainable and ethical - Lab diamonds don't rely on large-scale mining operations. They are created in a controlled environment that minimizes negative environmental impact.
Controlled quality and limitless supply - Chemically produced diamonds have a limitless supply as they can be produced repeatedly in a factory. As the production process of lab-grown diamonds can be controlled and monitored, this often results in high-quality stones.
CONS:
Value over time - Because these diamonds are manufactured, there will be less rarity factor than that of natural diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds can be reproduced on a massive scale which can then reduce its potential as a long-term investment.
IN CONCLUSION
With differences not visible to the naked eye, both stones are the same but sourced and created differently. Natural and lab-grown diamonds vary in grade, size, color, sparkle, and clarity. Both are just as durable as the other. But keep in mind that both diamonds hold qualities to take into account that are unique to each as much as they are the same.
Choosing a diamond is a matter of preference. It all depends on what you want to prioritize. Consider these pros and cons carefully to make an informed choice that aligns with your values and desires for the perfect diamond piece.