Laboratory Grown vs. Natural Diamonds
Laboratory grown diamonds have taken the world by storm, but are they all that they seem? What are the pros and cons of both natural and lab-grown diamonds? Here at Vardy's Jewelers, we pride ourselves on education and family. We believe that when customers become a part of our family, and when they are provided with education, they feel more confident making the big decisions.
Choosing between a natural and lab-grown diamond is and should be your personal decision. Our experts are here to provide you the tools, information, and support you need to find the diamond that fits your lifestyle. With both natural and lab grown diamonds available in store, our mission is to guide you, at your own pace, until you unearth the diamond that is uniquely yours. Below are a few factors that we have found to be the most important in choosing between lab grown and natural diamonds. As we always say, there is no right or wrong choice, only your choice: we're happy when you're happy!
1. Cost & Value
Natural
- Myth: Diamonds aren't rare. There is an abundant amount of natural diamonds in the world and therefore they should not cost that much.
- Fact: Yes, there are a lot of diamonds, however out of 5 million diamonds that are mined, only 1 can be made into a 2 carat diamond. Out of every 1 million mined, only one 1 can be made into a 1 carat. (This does not account for color and clarity of the stone). Therefore the cost reflects the rarity of the stone
Lab-Grown
- The cost of lab grown diamonds is significantly less than natural diamonds (roughly 1/3 - 1/4 the cost of a natural)!
- You can get a larger lab grown diamond for the same price or less than a natural diamond
- The cost of lab grown diamonds is always lowering because they are constantly being mass produced
- There is no current trade in or resale value
- The price of lab grown diamonds have fallen by over 74% from 2016 to 2023, and an additional 37% from February 2023 to February 2024.
2. Sustainability
Natural
- Mines are left in the same condition as they were found
- Supports local businesses and communities, while empowering and employing women
- The SoW ensures responsible business practices related to human and labor rights as well as anti-money laundering and corruption
- Less energy intensive and no chemical process is needed
- Wind power and other natural resources are used as much as possible, minimizing carbon footprint
- Reputable jewelers will follow the Kimberley Process: mandated by the UN and WTO, diamonds are regulated to ensure diamonds are conflict free from the source of origin through the cutting process.
- Makes economic contributions to developing nations and communities
Lab-Grown
- The FTC has warned lab grown diamond companies about using words like “environmentally friendly” or “sustainable”
- The process is extremely energy intensive and the excessive heat that is used to produce lab diamonds require large amounts of water in order to cool the factories
- Over 60% of lab grown diamonds are mass produced in factories in China and India where 63% and 74% of grid electricity is generated from coal
- Some processes require graphite and other metals, all originating from mining
- They use up to 40% more fossil fuel energy PER CARAT than natural diamonds
- There is less research done and they are harder to trace
- Comparable to “fast fashion” i.e. Shein, Forever 21, Fashion Nova
3. Appearance & Chemical Structure
Natural
- Made entirely of carbon
- Formed over 3 billion years under the Earth's mantle through extreme heat and pressure deep within the Earth’s core
- They are then projected towards Earth’s surface through prehistoric volcanic activity
- 10/10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale - perfect to be worn everyday!
Lab-Grown
- Exact same chemical characteristics as natural, and no physical difference to an untrained naked eye
- Produced in a couple of weeks using either a HPHT (high pressure high temperature) or CVD (chemical vapor deposition) process
- Due to the rapid process, growth marks are formed within the diamond, making it easier for professionals to differentiate using a microscope
- Mass produced in factories, mainly in China, India, and Russia
- Also 10/10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale - perfect to be worn everyday!
Lab grown diamond factory featured in "Truth behind lab-created diamonds starts to be exposed" - Jeweller Magazine
Still curious about lab grown vs natural diamonds? Stop in store during open hours and see the comparison or ask more questions for yourself. Learn more at https://www.naturaldiamonds.com/.