Nowadays, when everyone aspires to have an abundant and carefree existence, this recently developed sector uses technology to produce lab-grown diamonds, which are brilliant stones. As everyone knows, diamonds are a symbol of unity and the abundance of genuine love. In a similar vein, businesses such as Everyday Diamonds have given middle-class individuals the opportunity to feel confident in themselves.
In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds. We’ll be discussing the mentioned categories: manufacturing process, purity, aesthetics, and cost. The natural diamond industry has answered it, creating stringent supply chain security and working with governments to legally define diamonds. It’s all in the name of protecting consumer's rights and providing them confidence in their purchases. Here, we explain all the ways the industry differentiates between natural and lab-grown diamonds.
What are Natural Diamonds?
“When you buy a piece of diamond jewellery, the most important thing to remember is to not rush the process,” says Kristina Buckley Kayel of the Natural Diamond Council. “ Make the time to conduct thorough research and be sure you understand exactly what you are purchasing and where it is coming from. The personality of a natural diamond is as unique and uncommon as the wearer.
Natural diamonds formed in the interiors of the earth “It's a crystalline form of carbon that’s formed by the extreme heat and pressure of the earth,” says Kayel. The stones are known for their durability, rarity, and sparkle. Natural diamonds are the form of carbon & which is the reason, the hardest naturally occurring substance, and formed deep within the earth 1 to 3 billion years ago. The oldest thing you will ever touch is a natural diamond.
Reasons to Buy Natural Diamonds
The decision to choose a natural diamond or a lab-grown diamond will ultimately be an individual one. It's a matter of choice and preferences of a person who wants to buy it. In the spirit of laying all the facts on the table, here are five arguments for keeping it natural when it comes to diamonds.
Key features of natural diamonds are-
- Earthly origins
- Its rarity and value
- Diamond symbolises pure love
- Its impact on the environment
- Sustainability
What are Lab-grown Diamonds?
The term "lab-grown diamond" refers to diamonds that are grown in laboratory environments using technological processes that make the same conditions under which diamonds naturally form when they form in the mantle, beneath the Earth's crust. Lab-grown diamonds are also known as "man-made diamonds," "cultured diamonds," and "lab-created diamonds." The diamonds that were generated in the lab are made of real carbon atoms organised in the typical diamond crystal form. They have the same optical and chemical properties as real diamonds because they are composed of the same substance.
Why are lab-grown diamonds becoming increasingly popular?
There are many reasons the lab-grown diamonds are gaining sudden limelight, primarily due to an increase in awareness around human rights and threats faced by planet Earth. The lab-grown gives us alternatives and is more environmentally friendly and sustainable. Also, the production cost is less as compared to its alternatives. Though there is an initial cost in setting up the laboratory and other essentials, the production cost is less than the real diamonds.
Differences Between lab-grown and Natural Diamonds
There is a key difference between natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds as to how they are created and their environmental impact. Although both are manufactured in a sterile manufacturing environment, one is formed in the earth's interior, even if they technically have the same chemical composition. Jeweller Ashley Zhang further explains, however, that some other characteristics differentiate natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds based on their attributes.
1. Based on Certifications & Rarity
Did you know that only 2% of naturally mined diamonds are pure? For instance, the Kohinoor and diamonds from Golconda fall into the category of high-purity diamonds certified as Type IIA. A prestigious licensing agency like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is in charge of certifying diamonds. Everyday diamonds make their name in lab-grown diamonds and also provide better quality at reasonable prices.
2. Based on Price
It's a matter of discussion that diamonds are so pricey because of their rarity. Alternatively, lab diamonds are going to be less expensive than natural diamonds-sometimes up to 50% less than a natural diamond of similar grade- because they are not managed by the same supply chain.
3. Based on Value
It's important to understand that the monetary “value” of a stone is what a customer wants to pay as this shows the demand side of the market. No matter how rare or flawless a stone is, it has an inherent value of its own. If a lab-grown diamond is presented and known to be lab-grown, it will be valued less than a natural diamond of similar gradation, because the initial pricing of that stone would be less. J
4. Based on Durability
Lab-grown diamonds are made of carbon, the same material natural diamonds are composed of. As a result, both stones are equally durable; at a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, they are both still the hardest materials on earth and are resistant to chipping and breakage.
5. Based on Clarity
Lab-grown diamonds will also acquire the inclusions or "flaws" that impact a stone's lustre and clarity grade since they are produced, not created. "Most natural diamonds will be graded by the Gemological Institute of America, and most lab-grown diamonds will be graded by the International Gemological Institute."
Conclusion
It's important to note that lab-grown diamonds are somehow flawless alternatives. The market gives various opportunities to produce these diamonds. One who can buy also take advantage of the GIA certification report, which provides a offering details on significant attributes like cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. When deciding on the cost and quality of the diamond, the report might provide useful information.
Although lab-grown diamonds are an appealing alternative, purchasers should proceed with caution and make sure they are fully aware of the precise processes involved in their development.
