Lab Diamond vs Natural Diamond: An In-Depth Comparison

When it comes to jewellery, diamonds are an excellent choice due to their timeless beauty and value. Whether you are interested in the pieces in our collection or prefer a custom-made piece, our guide offers valuable insights into the unique qualities of both diamonds. Understanding the differences between natural diamonds vs. lab diamondsis essential to make an informed choice.

Understanding Natural Diamonds and Lab Diamonds

Natural Diamonds

• Creation Process

Natural diamonds are nature’s masterpieces, formed billions of years beneath the Earth’s surface. These exquisite gemstones undergo intense pressure and heat before they are unearthed through mining. Thus, they’re a testament to geological history, possessing a unique charm that continues to captivate us today.

• Physical Properties

Diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring material, famed for their exceptional sparkle. Each natural diamond carries its own distinct characteristics, with subtle inclusions and colour variations that tell the story of its ancient origins.

• Market Perceptions

Natural diamonds are treasured not just for their rarity but for the fascinating story of their creation. More than just rare gems, they represent life’s most precious moments—love, commitment, and lasting memories.

Formed over billions of years, each diamond carries its own unique story. When set into jewellery, it becomes a part of your life, weaving into the chapters of your life and adding to your personal narrative.

Each piece reflects your moments, memories, and legacy, becoming a keepsake to be passed down through generations as a treasured heirloom.

Lab Diamonds

• Creation Process

Lab-grown diamonds, as the name implies, are synthetic gems created in laboratories that recreate the extreme heat and pressure of the Earth’s formation process. According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), a lab grown diamond is made in a laboratory, sharing virtually all their natural counterparts’ chemical, optical, and physical characteristics, classifying them as synthetic.

This refined process creates diamonds that are visually and structurally identical to natural diamonds, offering an alternative that combines timeless beauty and modern innovation.

Two main techniques create lab-grown diamonds: high pressure, high temperature (HPHT) and chemical vapour deposition (CVD). HPHT replicates the intense conditions of the Earth’s mantle, while the latter forms diamond layers inside a vacuum chamber.

Together, these methods produce stunning gems ready to adorn your jewellery. However, producing one polished carat of lab-grown diamond emits an average of 511 kg of greenhouse gases—over three times that of a mined diamond, raising concerns about its sustainability.

• Physical Properties

Lab diamonds boast the same physical properties as natural diamonds. These gemstones are graded on the same criteria—the four Cs: carat, cut, colour, and clarity. Since they are composed of pure carbon, they share some of the brilliance and hardness that natural diamonds are renowned for.

• Market Perceptions

Lab grown diamonds have surged in popularity, largely due to their attractive and ever-decreasing price point. Unlike natural diamonds, they aren’t affected by supply limitations or high mining costs, making them more accessible.

However, this lower price point also means a reduced long-term value compared to their naturally mined counterparts, which lacks the same rarity and investment appeal over time.

Advantages of Natural Diamonds

Natural diamonds are symbols of luxury, holding a special place in the hearts of discerning jewellery enthusiasts.

Value

Natural diamonds are sought after, as the rarity and complex processes they undergo often increase their value over time. When you invest in natural diamonds, they become long-term assets. Their timeless appeal and value make them a popular choice for engagement rings, heirlooms, and investment pieces that you can confidently pass on to your loved ones, knowing they will last.

Technological Advancements

Modern mining techniques minimise environmental disruption, while advanced sorting and grading have further improved their quality. The artistry involved in cutting and polishing diamonds has also evolved. State-of-the-art equipment and techniques create more precise cuts that elevate the diamond’s brilliance and natural beauty.

Environmental Impact

The geological history of natural diamonds contributes to their allure. While diamond mining does have environmental impacts, the industry has taken significant strides to adopt more sustainable practices like land restoration and water management.

In Australia, all diamonds must meet the Kimberley Process (KP) standards, a globally recognised certification that prevents conflict diamonds from entering the market, ensuring ethical sourcing and promoting responsible industry practices.

The KP requires strict documentation and transparency throughout the supply chain, making sure that every diamond sold is traceable and free from associations with exploitative practices.

Benefits of Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds are an alternative to natural diamonds, providing a comparable option with the same physical and chemical properties.

Ethical Sourcing Guarantee

Lab-grown diamonds are a guaranteed ethically sourced option, created in controlled laboratory settings with transparent and traceable origins. This process ensures conflict-free diamonds without the complexities associated with traditional sourcing.

Cost

Lab grown diamonds offer great value for money. This cost-effectiveness makes luxury accessible, though natural diamonds remain the preferred choice for many due to their unique origin and rarity.

Technological Advancements

The HPHT and CVD techniques have been refined to produce lab-grown diamonds that closely resemble natural ones. Due to the controlled lab setting, diamonds that don’t meet the desired standards can be easily filtered out, making it simple to find high-quality stones.

This process results in a wide availability of diamonds with fewer visible inclusions, offering a high-grade option that’s readily accessible. This approach allows discerning buyers to access a consistent supply of high-quality diamonds with impressive clarity and appearance.

How to Choose Between Lab Diamonds and Natural Diamonds

When deciding between lab grown vs. natural diamonds, consider these factors to find the perfect gemstone for your needs.

Budget

At Garen Jewellery, regardless of budget, we believe that a natural stone is always a better investment. Natural diamonds carry enduring value, making them a stunning and lasting investment.

Many clients start with a stone that fits their current budget and later upgrade to a larger diamond. The original piece can be kept as an heirloom, passed down through generations, or transformed into a solitaire pendant to wear close to the heart.

Lab-grown diamonds may be more affordable, but they don’t offer the same long-term value. For lasting investment and enduring beauty, natural diamonds are the preferred choice.

Purpose

Natural diamonds are valued for their timeless appeal, making them the top choice for engagement rings, heirlooms, and everyday wear. Known for their durability, brilliance, and lasting value, they symbolise tradition and luxury, making them meaningful investments that can be passed down through generations.

Meanwhile, lab-grown diamonds are an affordable alternative, offering the look of a diamond without the rarity or long-term value.

Personal Values

Lab-grown diamonds may be more accessible and visually identical to natural diamonds, but they often come with a higher environmental impact. For those who value the unique history and rarity of natural diamonds but are mindful of ethics, selecting stones certified by the Kimberley Process (KP) offers confidence.

The KP is a globally recognised certification that ensures diamonds are conflict-free and promotes responsible practices in the diamond industry. By buying from certified jewellers, you can enjoy the timeless beauty of natural diamonds while supporting ethical sourcing.

Choosing lab diamonds vs. natural diamondsdepends on your purpose, and personal values. Additionally, make sure you purchase from a reputable jeweller, such as Garen Jewellery to ensure you receive a high-quality piece that meets your expectations and standards.

Browse our carefully crafted selection of diamond rings, necklaces and pendants, earrings, bracelets, and diamond jewellery tailored to appeal to the refined preferences of men.

FAQs

What are the main differences in appearance between lab diamonds and natural diamonds?

Appearance-wise, the main differences between lab diamonds vs. natural diamondsare indistinguishable to the naked eye. Both types share similar brilliance, clarity, and colour.

However, lab diamonds may contain unique internal growth patterns, which are only detectable under specialised equipment. Natural diamonds, on the other hand, have natural and unique inclusions that can impact their value.

Are lab diamonds as durable as natural diamonds?

Yes, lab diamonds are as durable as natural diamonds and share the same physical properties. However, natural diamonds remain a preferred option due to their inherent rarity and the assurance of long-term value that has been proven over centuries.

How do the costs of lab grown and natural diamonds compare?

Lab-grown diamonds are less expensive than natural diamonds. This is largely due to their production in high-capacity factories, processing thousands of stones each week. This infinite supply has driven prices down sharply, with no signs of stabilisation in sight.

In contrast, natural diamonds are rare and finite, adding to their value. Many choose them as symbols of commitment or as investments in something truly scarce. Their rarity makes them perfect for expressing a deep connection, offering a gift that embodies high value and exclusivity.

What should I consider when deciding between a lab diamond and a natural diamond for an engagement ring?

Natural diamonds have a rich history and timeless appeal. They symbolise tradition and rarity, bringing a sense of legacy and meaningfully embodying commitment. In Australia, all diamonds are certified under the Kimberley Process to ensure they’re conflict-free.

While lab-grown diamonds share a similar appearance to natural diamonds, they provide a contemporary choice that caters to those seeking a more accessible option, yet without the same historical significance or rarity.

How do environmental impacts differ between lab grown and natural diamonds?

The environmental impact of lab-grown diamonds is often misunderstood. Their production is energy-intensive, involving high-pressure, high-temperature methods and chemical vapour deposition. This process releases about 511 kg of greenhouse gases per polished carat—over three times that of mined diamonds.

Meanwhile, the natural diamond industry has made progress in adopting sustainable practices like land restoration and water management, along with the Kimberley Process. While both options have environmental impacts, lab-grown diamonds are not necessarily the greener choice.

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