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Joseph Yabroudi

DESIGN A CUSTOM DIAMOND RING: GO WITH NATURAL OR LAB-GROWN?

Updated: Jul 7

OK, here’s a million-dollar question for our readers: Are lab-grown diamonds truly authentic diamonds?

Simply put, yes, they are. Continue reading to understand why.

Lab-grown diamonds are created by replicating similar conditions to those of diamonds mined from the earth, but in a significantly shorter period of time.

If you're considering purchasing an engagement ring but are not well-acquainted with man-made diamonds, fret not, this blog will provide the answers! We will explain how they are formed, their authenticity compared to natural diamonds, both the advantages and disadvantages, and their actual value in the market.



 

Natural and lab-grown diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds: How are they manufactured?


A laboratory furnished with state-of-art equipment can mimic the same extreme conditions observed hundreds of miles down the Earth. There are two well-known systems already operating to generate unnatural diamonds. Let’s observe them closely:


1.High-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT)


HPHT lab diamonds are produced using a highly sophisticated cubic press or belt press. It all begins with a tiny diamond seed that’s set into carbon and carefully monitored while extreme heat and pressure are applied continuously.


2. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD)CVD lab diamonds blossom with pure carbon seeds set inside something a special growth chamber. The seeds are systematically facing intense pressure, heat, and liquid gas (over 2000°F), taking a crystallized isotropic 3D shape as they become larger with time.


Understanding misconceptions: Synthetic diamonds are not fakes

People tend to categorize lab-grown gemstones as synthetic diamonds, aiming to discredit them. From a consumer's point of view, the term "synthetic" can often be confusing or misunderstood, leading to the perception of them being "fake diamonds" or mere imitations. However, this is incorrect. Much like rough diamonds extracted from beneath the earth, lab-created stones possess the same strength, scoring a solid 10/10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness! Lab diamonds fall into a distinct category when compared to alternatives like white topaz or moissanite, which lack the same radiance and longevity from the start. The color and clarity characteristics of lab-grown diamonds exhibit similar inclusions as natural ones.


BENEFITS AND DRAWBACKS OF LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS

Lab-grown diamonds hold tremendous advantages such as being much more cost-effective and having a 100% traceable source.


ETHICALLY-SOURCED

Buyers who care about factors such as traceability and transparency, want to know the exact trajectory their gemstone took from sourcing to sale. In support of this, the Kimberley Process, which was established in 2003 with its main mission to eliminate conflict diamonds trading, significantly influenced the decision-making for both jewelers and consumers. (Psst, remember that movie with Leonardo DiCaprio).


Nonetheless, even if this process proved to be fruitful over the years, mined diamonds still carry cases of forced-minor labor, violations of human rights and poor working conditions. Let’s mention that such practices today, only represent 1% of total trades closed for mined diamonds, which is fairly low.


So if you want to be sure that the origin of your diamond is 100% traceable, a lab-grown can guarantee that.


WHAT ABOUT THE PRICING FACTOR?

On average, lab-grown diamonds are 20%–55% cheaper than natural diamonds. The reason is that they are being produced in a lab rather than being dug out from deep below the earth, which requires larger manpower and heavier machinery.


What does this indicate for diamond ring shoppers? It means that for the same cost invested in a natural diamond, you can afford a gem that’s more than 1/3 heavier.


One of the arguments of buying a lab-cultured diamond is that nobody can predict its value nor determine how well it will sustain it over time. Therefore, it is suggested that natural diamond buyers look at it as more of an investment due to its rarity factor.


ARE LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS A BETTER CHOICE WHEN COMPARED TO NATURALS?

A one-size-fits-all answer does not exist for such a question. This is completely individual to each buyer, depending on what they consider meaningful. Certain people will put the emphasis on the price factor for a lab-created diamond, while others will highlight the bioorganic exclusivity of rocking naturals.



Lab-grown Diamond ring

The spiritual attributes of natural diamonds are irreplaceable

Diamonds are purchased emotionally. People, in ancient times, adorned gods with them. For those who advocate for natural diamonds, there’s more to a diamond than its chemical structure. There’s a certain moving energy in the stone itself. Some say the moment you hold it in your hands, it speaks to you. Natural diamond conservatives say that energy received from them and their authentic traits as part of mother nature can never be recreated in a lab.


CONCLUSION


Lab diamonds are as extravagant as naturals, with their dazzling looks, manufacturing time efficiency, and the innovative science at the rear of their conception.


Buying an engagement ring with a stunning natural or lab-grown diamond is a completely personal choice. What elements you consider crucial may not reflect someone else’s. Is the source an important one for you? What about the environmental impact and local working conditions for miners?


Lastly, we believe lab-grown diamonds are ideal for budget-conscious and eco-friendly couples who wish to go for the best possible price/quality ratio when shopping for a diamond.


If you want to buy a diamond engagement ring online and are trying to figure out if a lab-grown would be the right thing for you, we would be thrilled to provide complete guidance. Jeweler Vision takes great pride in designing and manufacturing diamond engagement rings in Canada that’ll go beyond our customers’ expectations!




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