If you’ve been doing research on diamonds, then you’ve likely come across the concept of using lab-grown diamonds as an alternative to natural diamonds—but are lab-grown diamonds worth it?
There are a number of key differences between lab-grown and real diamonds. But, when it comes to making the smartest investment, you’re better off sticking with the real deal.
Below, we’re exploring some need-to-know basics before choosing between real and lab grown diamonds. We’ll discuss the many reasons why lab grown diamonds aren’t ideal, long-term solutions when you’re looking for a brilliant diamond to maintain its illustrious shine for many years to come.
Lab Diamonds vs. Real Diamonds
You have two options when it comes to purchasing diamonds: natural—a.k.a. real diamonds—and lab grown diamonds.
There’s been a big push toward lab-grown diamonds in the past several decades, with many touting them as a more ethical and affordable option for engagement rings, wedding bands, and other important pieces of jewelry. But compared to real diamonds, lab diamonds fall short in a number of key ways, all of which are important to be aware of when you’re making a decision on what type of diamond to buy.
First, it’s helpful to note what the similarities are. Notably, both natural and lab grown diamonds are quite alike in their appearance and heft, and they share many of the same physical and chemical properties. Both also start with a “seed”—i.e. a sliver of another diamond—that is exposed to extreme heat and pressure, with natural diamonds taking millions of years to be created while lab diamonds can be created much more rapidly in a controlled setting.
While real diamonds have been around for many millennia, lab grown diamonds have only been in existence since the 1940s, though they weren’t mass produced until the 1980s or so. These diamonds were easier for businesses to make a profit off of, and also a more affordable alternative for consumers who weren’t looking for an investment piece.
Natural diamonds, on the other hand, first came to the surface about three to four hundred million years ago, when volcanic pressure pushed them up from the earth’s depths. They’re as rare and special as they are unique, and in many ways, completely priceless.
Pros of Natural Diamonds
- They’re one of a kind. Unlike mass-produced lab diamonds, every natural diamond is 100% unique.
- Increased value. Natural diamonds appreciate in value over time, which makes them an excellent long-term investment and something that you can pass down in your family for many years.
- Distinctive beauty. There’s something special about the beauty of natural diamonds, each of which can be billions of years old.
Cons of Lab Grown Diamonds
We’ve answered the question of how are lab grown diamonds made?, but let’s look at how that process affects their overall quality and value.
- Depreciating value. Lab-grown diamonds don’t become more valuable over time. On the contrary, they’ll always be worth less than what you paid for them.
- Sustainability issues. A 2019 Trucost report found that, on average, lab-grown diamonds require three times greater greenhouse gas emissions than mined diamonds.
- Mass production. Because they’re produced on a mass scale, lab-grown diamonds lack the allure of naturally produced diamonds and aren’t as special to pass down through generations.
There’s No Beating the Beauty of Real Diamonds
Grunberger Diamonds is one of the leading diamond manufacturers and suppliers in Ideal Cut melee with Hearts and Arrow. We are ready to provide jewelers with the most precise and highest quality diamonds in the industry.
View our services for further information on how to get started and open an account, and request a quote today on our timeless, natural diamonds.
