Diamonds have been, for centuries, synonymous with the themes of love and commitment, as well as beauty immortalized over time. Until recently, natural diamonds were singlehandedly ruling the jewelry market, but this perception has changed with the introduction and growing popularity of lab-grown diamonds. Since people are now considering more ethical and affordable alternatives, lab-grown diamonds have gradually made their place in the hearts and minds of today's eco-conscious consumers. In this blog, we will go through some of the prominent characteristics of both kinds, their benefits, and a few common misconceptions surrounding them so you can decide well for your special moment.

What Are Natural Diamonds?

Natural diamonds are formed over millions of years deep within the Earth's mantle under extreme heat and pressure, resulting in a carbon crystal structure that makes them unmatched for their brilliance and hardness. They originate from various mines worldwide, such as South Africa, Russia, and Canada, and have rich histories and uniqueness that set them apart from other gemstones.

The Journey of Natural Diamonds

A natural diamond originates within the Earth's crust over millions of years, where carbon is subjected to intense heat and pressure. Over time, the carbon crystallizes into diamond form. Once formed, these diamonds travel up the Earth's surface through volcanic eruptions, often adhered to a Kimberlite rock.

The journey of a natural diamond begins deep within the Earth, where carbon is subjected to intense heat and pressure. Over millions of years, this carbon crystallizes into diamond form. Once formed, these diamonds can be transported to the Earth's surface through volcanic eruptions, often embedded in a rock called kimberlite. The diamond is then excavated through a labor-intensive mining process that adversely affects the environment.

What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds, or lab-created or artificial diamonds, are cultivated using high-tech processes that mimic natural earth conditions. There are essentially two methods used to grow diamonds: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Through these processes, the chemically, physically, and optically identical qualities of both natural and lab-grown diamonds allow them to reflect the same brilliance and beauty. The difference lies in their origin, for lab-grown diamonds are actually made in a matter of weeks instead of millions of years.

The Process of Creating Lab-Grown Diamonds

This process involves using a small diamond seed along with carbon in a chamber, to which extreme pressure and temperature conditions are then applied. These conditions closely mirror the one under which diamonds naturally form. The CVD Process, on the other hand, involves a chamber filled with carbon-rich gas, where a diamond seed is placed to grow the diamond. A gas is being heated, and carbon deposits onto the seed bit by bit to form a diamond. The outcome of these processes is of such high quality that they can be graded on the same parameters as natural diamonds.

Differences Between Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds

• Origin: Natural diamonds are within the Earth's crust, while lab-grown diamonds are formed in laboratories.
• Price: Lab diamonds are 20-40% cheaper than natural ones, which makes them accessible to most consumers.
• Ethical Concerns: Lab-grown diamonds are also believed to be a more ethical form of diamonds because their production does not require mining, which is usually considered environmentally destructive 
• Rarity: Natural diamonds are scarce because they take longer to form, while lab-grown diamonds can be easily obtained since they originated in a lab.
• Value Retention: Natural diamonds tend to hold their value better over time, whereas lab-grown diamonds may depreciate more quickly in resale value.

Why Choose Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds offer various benefits that make them appealing to many consumers:

Affordability: The lower price point allows buyers to opt for larger or higher-quality stones within their budget. For example, a lab-grown diamond with the same characteristics as a mined diamond can sometimes be bought at a significantly lesser price, thus offering users many options in settings and styles.

Sustainability: Many customers prefer lab-grown diamonds, which have a lower carbon footprint and minimal effect on the environment. The production process for lab-grown diamonds is said to use less water and produce less waste than traditional mining.

Ethical Considerations: Lab-grown diamonds are free of "blood diamonds," and no soil is harmed or exploited in their creation, assuring the buyer of a conflict-free purchase. Consumers can be sure that their diamond was not created at the expense of others nor with any harm to the environment.

Customization: Many labs specializing in lab-grown diamonds can accommodate a lab-diamond purchase to provide size, color, and clarity. This can provide much more personalized interaction with the buying experience when buying an engagement ring or lab-grown diamond jewelry.

Why Choose Natural Diamonds?

Although lab-grown diamonds benefit consumers by being cost-effective and eco-friendly, many consumers would instead stick to the traditional natural diamonds:

• Tradition and Sentimentality: Natural diamonds have a history and tradition dating back centuries associated with romance and commitment, making them attractive to most couples. The thought of giving someone a piece of diamond that took millions of years to form carries weight in the form of an irreplaceable and valuable piece of jewelry.
• Unique Characteristics: Each natural diamond is unique, with its own unique inclusions and imperfections. Many consumers prefer natural diamonds over lab-grown diamonds, believing they are getting an invaluable, one-of-a-kind stone that is hard to replicate.
• Investment Value: Natural diamonds tend to hold their value much better over time, so some buyers will consider them a smarter investment. While market trends ebb and flow from year to year, natural diamonds, especially rare stones, generally appreciate in value.

Misconceptions About Lab-Grown Diamonds

• Misconception 1: Lab-Cultivated Diamonds Are Fakes: Although lab-grown diamonds are produced in a laboratory, they are natural diamonds with the same physical and chemical properties. The term "fake" is misleading. Lab-grown diamonds could be graded by the same grade requirement as natural diamonds.
• Misconception 2: Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Lower Quality: Lab-grown diamonds are as excellent in quality as or even better than their natural counterparts. They undergo the same kind of grading processes as natural ones. Sometimes, more inclusions and lesser overall quality may be created for lab-grown diamonds.
• Misconception 3: Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Not Valuable: Though, again, lab-grown diamonds don't hold value as well as natural diamonds, they can still be appraised and held in value. Their value is evaluated based on the same factors as of a natural diamond.
• Misconception 4: Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Only for Budget Buyers: Lab-grown diamonds are more affordable than natural diamonds; however, just because they're more affordable does not mean they are only for budget buyers.

Conclusion

The choice between natural and lab-grown diamonds comes down to personal preference, values, and budget. Both have unique benefits, including the ability to symbolize love and commitment in meaningful ways. If you understand the differences and advantages, as well as misconceptions about both options, then you can make a well-informed decision that will align with your vision of a special moment.

Whether you opt for a breathtakingly beautiful natural diamond full of history or an ultra-modern lab-grown one, it must reflect your love and story. Every diamond, whether natural or lab-grown, comes with a lifelong promise of quality and durability at Leander Jewelry, which beautifully fits your composition of romance and commitment. If you can't decide between natural and lab-grown diamonds, visit our store, and we might be able to find the perfect choice for you. Contact us to book an appointment, explore our collection, or order a custom.