There is nothing more contentious in the jewelry world than the debate over natural diamonds vs Lab Grown Diamonds. Everyone has an opinion. And these opinions can range from would not touch Lab Grown stones with a 10 foot pole, to loving them. 10 years ago, it was not as clear as it is now. However, lab diamonds are here for good. There is no way around it.
What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab grown stones are a fascinating alternative to natural diamonds. They are created in a laboratory using advanced technology that replicates the conditions under which natural diamonds are formed. By subjecting carbon to high pressure and temperature, scientists are able to stimulate the growth of diamond crystals. This process allows for the production of diamonds that are chemically and physically identical to their natural counterparts.
One of the major benefits of lab grown stones is their ethical and environmental impact. Unlike natural diamonds, which are often associated with unethical mining practices and environmental damage, lab grown diamonds are a sustainable and responsible choice. They are produced without the need for mining, which reduces the carbon footprint and eliminates the risk of human rights abuses. Additionally, lab diamonds are free from any conflict or blood diamond concerns, providing peace of mind to consumers.
In terms of quality, lab grown diamonds can be just as impressive as natural diamonds. They possess the same hardness, brilliance, and fire, making them visually indistinguishable. They also generally have higher clarity than most natural stones as the growing environment is tightly controlled.
In fact, many experts argue that lab grown stones can offer even better value for money, as they are often priced lower than their natural counterparts. Whether you’re looking for an engagement ring or a stunning piece of jewelry, lab grown diamonds offer a beautiful and responsible choice that is sure to impress.
Why (or Why Not) To Choose Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab grown stones have become increasingly popular among consumers for several reasons. First, they offer a more affordable alternative to natural diamonds. This is particularly appealing to budget-conscious individuals who still want the beauty and elegance of a diamond without the hefty price tag. Additionally, lab grown stones are ethically sourced. This is because they are created in a controlled environment without the need for mining. This appeals to consumers who are concerned about the environmental and social impact of traditional diamond mining.
Another factor that makes lab grown stones attractive is their quality and consistency. These diamonds are created using advanced technology that replicates the natural diamond-growing process. As a result, lab grown diamonds have the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds. These properties include their hardness and brilliance. This ensures that consumers are getting a high-quality diamond that is virtually indistinguishable from a natural one.
Furthermore, lab grown stones offer a wider range of options in terms of color and size. Natural diamonds are limited in their color variations, whereas lab grown diamonds can be produced in a variety of colors, including fancy colors such as blue, pink, and yellow. Additionally, lab grown stones can be created in larger sizes than their natural counterparts, allowing consumers to choose from a greater selection of diamond sizes.
In conclusion, lab grown stones are attractive to consumers because they are more affordable, ethically sourced, and offer a wider range of options in terms of color and size. With their high quality and indistinguishable appearance from natural diamonds, lab grown stones provide a compelling alternative for those looking for a beautiful and socially responsible choice.
BUT….
There are problems with lab diamonds as well. As with almost every desirable new technology or product, there are people who will exploit the newness and unfamiliarity with a product. Here are some reasons why lab diamonds may not be as beneficial as at first glance.
Fraud
Fraud is a significant issue when it comes to Lab Diamonds versus natural diamonds. With the rising popularity of lab-grown diamonds, unscrupulous individuals are taking advantage of the situation to deceive unsuspecting buyers. These fraudsters may misrepresent lab-grown diamonds as natural ones, leading to financial loss and disappointment for buyers. It is crucial for consumers to be aware of the potential for fraud and take necessary precautions when purchasing diamonds.
One common way fraud occurs is through the mixing of lab and natural diamonds. Some unethical sellers may intentionally mix lab-grown diamonds with natural ones and sell them as all-natural. This deceitful practice not only cheats buyers out of their hard-earned money but also undermines the integrity of the diamond industry. It is essential for buyers to educate themselves about the differences between lab-grown and natural diamonds and to purchase from reputable sources.
Another fraudulent practice involves the use of misleading grading reports. Some sellers may provide inaccurate or exaggerated grading reports to make lab-grown diamonds appear more valuable than they actually are. This can lead buyers to pay a higher price for a diamond that is not worth the amount they paid. It is crucial for consumers to verify the authenticity of grading reports and to seek independent verification if necessary.
The bottom line is that fraud is a significant concern when it comes to manmade diamonds versus natural diamonds. Buyers must be vigilant and informed to avoid falling victim to fraudulent practices. By educating themselves, purchasing from reputable sources, and verifying grading reports, consumers can protect themselves from financial loss and ensure they are getting what they pay for.
Greenwashing Lab Grown Diamonds
Greenwashing is a deceptive marketing practice where companies falsely claim to be environmentally friendly. It applies to synthetic Diamonds when companies market them as a sustainable alternative to natural diamonds. However, the truth is that the production of synthetic Diamonds still has a significant environmental impact. While they may not involve mining, they require large amounts of energy and water, and the manufacturing process emits greenhouse gases. Therefore, it is important to be cautious and not fall for the greenwashing tactics used by some companies in the diamond industry.
What Would We Personally Choose?
What would we personally choose? That is not an uncommon question! We are in Texas and the lab diamonds is just starting to take hold. We wonder if this has anything to do with the engagement ring industry. In many online forums, industry insiders have even debated what it says about the LOVE one person has for another when purchasing a lab-grown diamond. We find that to be ridiculous! Never let anyone tell you that the cut or origin of a diamond represents the quantity or quality of your LOVE for someone. For many , a diamond, lab or not, is not in the budget. So does that mean someone doesn’t love their perspective spouse as much as those who can afford diamonds? Of course not.
Let’s constantly remind ourselves that we buy diamonds – when we ask someone to marry them – thanks to a very clever marketing trick. (De Beers’ A Diamond is Forever campaign) Although this makes for a wonderful marketing scheme, we don’t buy it. We always fall on the side of the consumer and their budget. It is never a good idea to go into debt for a piece of jewelry.
So, based on personal taste and years of jewelry searching experience, what would we choose? We lean towards natural diamonds.
Nobody actually needs jewelry. It isn’t necessary to survive. We can live a happy and meaningful life without it. However, it is a wonderful thing to see, create, buy or own jewelry. So in our opinion, when you buy it, you have to be very careful. So we would choose a trackable diamond when buying a larger size. With smaller diamonds, this isn’t as important. But for a larger diamond, we would go for the natural one if the budget allows.
One More Thing About Synthetic Diamonds
Our main issue with man made diamonds is that they are almost worthless once you walk out the jewelry store with one. Most diamonds buyers will not buy them back or even offer a trade in program. This could change once lab diamonds are more universally accepted. But until then, we would actually choose a moissanite over a lab diamond. They are just as sparkly, durable, and white as natural diamonds. And they cost a fraction of lab diamonds. So, if you have to sell the ring at some point, you aren’t out nearly as much as if you had bought a Lab Diamond.
Ultimately, the decision to choose a lab-grown natural or synthetic diamond is a personal decision and it is essential to consider all the factors involved. Lab diamonds offer many benefits, including being more eco-friendly, affordable, and ethically responsible. However, it is essential to consider the potential downsides and carefully research the options available before making a decision.
Give Us a Shot
Whether you are looking for natural or Lab Grown Diamonds doesn’t matter to us. We create custom jewelry. That is almost all we do. So, we don’t care if you want a lab diamond, a natural diamond, or even a CZ! We are here to create a setting for whatever type of stones is chosen. So, next time you are thinking about diamond (or any) jewelry, check us out.
Why buy a mass produced piece of jewelry that anyone can have? We can create something that matches your style and personality, which is far more rewarding. And many times, it will cost less than something comparable at the bog box jewelry stores. This is because the retail markup is insane and something we do not need or believe in.
You can view our portfolio of custom engagement rings or custom pendants to look for ideas. Or you can contact us with your own idea.
