Our Honest Answers to Your Lab-Grown Diamond Questions
Finding the Best Diamond For You. Does Lab-Grown Make Sense?
So you want to buy a diamond, but you’re not sure if you want to purchase a lab-grown diamond or a natural diamond. Does a lab-created diamond make sense for you? What is a lab-grown diamond? We’ll answer all of your lab-grown diamond questions, so you know can get a better understanding of the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds, the characteristics of lab-grown diamonds, and more to make your next diamond purchase with confidence. No matter if your next diamond for you are your loved one is a lab-grown or natural diamond, you’re certain you’ll shine With Cline!
To start things off, let’s first mention that when deciding between natural and lab-grown diamonds, there is no one correct answer, but there is a right answer for you. We are dedicated to helping you make the best selection for your diamonds. Whichever diamond you choose, our team here at Cline Jewelers will make sure you sparkle!
Differences Between Lab-Grown and Natural Diamonds:
Frequently Asked Questions
How are Lab-Grown Diamonds and Natural Diamonds Similar?
Lab-grown diamonds have practically the same chemical composition as natural diamonds, minus the nitrogen. To the untrained eye, there are no differences between lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds. Both sparkle and have that impeccable Cline shine.
How are Lab-Grown Diamonds and Natural Diamonds Different?
To the naked eye, and compositionally speaking, lab-grown and natural diamonds are nearly identical. The biggest difference occurs in price, with an average 50% - 75% price differentiation between lab-created diamonds and natural diamonds. Why such a big price difference? This comes down to a natural diamond's rarity and scarcity. Lab diamonds can be reproduced endlessly. Natural diamonds, of course, have a limited supply. The high demand for a limited supply item is by far the major reason for this dramatic variation in price.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds more eco-friendly?
Although there are rumors about lab-grown diamonds being more environmentally friendly compared to natural diamonds, these are unsupported claims. Natural diamonds are mined all over the world, and are created from years upon years of heat and pressure from the earth, brought closer to the surface by volcanic movements. The environmental strain that comes from natural diamonds is mostly made up of emissions in transportation as well as the physical mine itself.
Lab-grown diamonds may have a less visible impact on the environment, but they do create their own emissions at the expense of energy it takes for scientists to mimic the earth's slow process in a fraction of the time in a laboratory. Although there are no mines when creating lab-grown diamonds, these laboratories are usually run with fossil fuel energy sources. Even though greener zero-emission energies are available in countries like Norway, most lab-grown diamonds are created in labs in China and the U.S. in facilities that are not certified eco-friendly.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a diamond is a diamond no matter where it comes from. Both natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds made from the heating and pressurization of carbon. However, sellers and advertisers are required to clearly label whether they are selling lab-grown diamonds vs. natural diamonds so as to not confuse buyers.
Ethically Purchasing Your Diamond
Another common question when it comes to lab-diamond vs. natural diamonds is the question of ethics. During colonial times, the diamond industry faced what is described as a “human rights disaster” in Africa.
Thankfully, the jewelry industry has seen the error of its ways and has worked together to incite programs to source diamonds in a more ethical way. Actions have been taken to make giant steps in the right direction. The Kimberly Project, for example, focuses on ending the circulation of conflict diamonds used to fund rebel movements.
Recently, the diamond industry has committed to working towards a brighter future, working with the United Nations to focus on 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The diamond industry has continued to grow, in the process creating millions of jobs as well as supporting the local communities that host these mines.
Value Over Time
One of the biggest differences between lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds is the value that can be accumulated over time. Lab-grown diamonds being created by people, as mentioned earlier, can be reproduced easily. This decreases the value of lab-grown diamonds when trying to resell or invest in a new diamond.
Unlike lab-grown diamonds, natural diamonds take hundreds of thousands of years for the earth to produce. There have not been any new discoveries of natural diamonds made from the earth in approximately 30 years. Because of this, natural diamonds are rare. Rarity increases the value of a diamond after the time of purchase, allowing for the diamond to be resold or used to invest in a new diamond.
Schedule An Appointment To Pick Out Your Lab-Grown Diamond
Whether you invest in a lab-grown diamond or a natural diamond, you are guaranteed to shine with Cline. If you have any questions, feel free to call us and schedule an appointment with one of our Cline Jewelers team members, and we’ll be happy to help answer any questions you may have.