There’s nothing quite like diamonds. Synonymous with love and luxury, they’re the gems of choice for engagement rings, along with other pieces of fine jewelry. However, diamonds aren’t all made equal. Far from it. There are multiple types, shapes, sizes, and categories to choose from.
One of the first decisions to make when buying a diamond ring is whether you want natural diamonds (earth-mined diamonds) or lab-grown diamonds instead. In this lab-grown vs. earth-mined diamonds guide, we’ll cover all the info you need to make the right choice.
Let’s kick off with a couple of definitions, beginning with mined or natural diamonds.
As the name suggests, a mined diamond is mined straight from the earth itself. These diamonds form naturally from carbon deposits, situated many miles (around 90 to 125, to be precise) under the Earth’s surface.
When those deposits are put under intense temperature and pressure, they form into diamonds. This process can take anywhere from months to literally millions of years, and changes in conditions can impact how the final diamond looks, so each one is truly unique.
Next, a lab-grown (or lab-created) diamond is just what it sounds like – a diamond made by scientists in a laboratory, rather than a natural diamond formed within the earth.
Thanks to state-of-the-art science, it’s possible for scientists to effectively recreate the kinds of conditions that cause naturally mined diamonds to form. They use methods like HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) or CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) to do this, turning a simple diamond seed (a tiny piece of diamond) into a full-sized one, suitable for use in the jewelry industry.
Just like a naturally mined diamond, a lab-grown diamond is formed of carbon. So, chemically speaking, there’s no difference between them whatsoever.
They certainly are.
There are a lot of misconceptions around lab diamonds, with many people mistakenly believing that synthetic diamonds are “fake” or “not real” compared to earth-mined diamonds.
But, in reality, lab diamonds are just as real as diamonds mined from the ground. They look the same, they feel the same, they have that same sparkle and shine, and the same chemical properties, too.
What’s more, while some people prefer natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds offer several unique benefits, which we’ll get to later.
First, let’s take a brief look at how a lab diamond, or synthetic diamond, is made before we get into the nitty-gritty of lab-grown diamonds vs. mined.
Lab-grown diamonds are created through advanced technological processes that mimic the natural conditions under which diamonds form. These methods allow for the production of diamonds in a controlled environment, ensuring the same brilliance and durability as mined diamonds. The two primary lab-grown diamond types are CVD diamonds and HPHT diamonds.
The CVD process involves taking a diamond seed or seed crystal and putting it in a little chamber. Hot gases then funnel into that chamber, heating up gradually and forming new layers of carbon upon the diamond seed, making it bigger and bigger into a usable diamond.
The other method used in the diamond industry is more akin to how diamonds form naturally. As the name says, this method involves the use of intense heat and temperature exerted on naturally occurring graphite to transform it into diamonds.
As mentioned earlier, the biggest difference between earth-mined and lab-grown diamonds is quite simply how they’re sourced. Mined ones form naturally from the earth, while lab diamonds are made in labs.
Aside from that, there aren’t many notable differences to speak of. In fact, if you had a lab diamond and a mined one and put them side-by-side, it would be impossible to tell which was which with the naked eye. Even when put through tests and checks, the two would appear almost identical, with the same hardness levels and durability.
There is, however, a minor difference in their chemical structure. Lab diamonds contain minuscule amounts of nitrogen, which is not present in naturally mined diamonds. So, when determining whether a diamond is natural or man-made, experts (like gemologists) can inspect it for nitrogen.
There’s also a difference in terms of the sort of prestige or cultural appreciation of each diamond type. Even though they look identical, and a lab-grown diamond can be just as shiny and beautiful as a natural one, mined diamonds tend to be viewed with greater regard and respect. This is partly because people simply feel that naturally-grown diamonds are, for one reason or another, more “authentic.”
Price-wise, too, lab-grown diamonds vs. mined differ. A diamond engagement ring with a lab diamond will typically cost less than one with a natural diamond of similar size and quality. Mined diamonds may also hold superior resale value.
There are both pros and cons to each type of diamond—earth-mined and lab-grown. Let’s take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of naturally-formed diamonds, mined from the ground.
Next, let’s explore the plus points and downsides of lab-created diamonds.
So, you’ve seen the arguments on both sides of the lab-grown diamonds vs. earth-mined diamonds debate. Now, which one should you choose?
Well, there’s no universal answer to that question, as it all depends on the individual. Some people will prefer natural diamonds, while others will find more value in a lab-grown diamond. It’s all about weighing up your own personal preferences to make the right call.
On the one hand, we have natural diamonds—the traditional choice. For many people, a natural diamond simply can’t be beat, and no lab-grown gem can ever truly compete with something sourced from the natural world. This is why naturally mined diamonds continue to be more expensive and more highly prized among consumers—they have that inimitable, intangible level of prestige. They’re also great at maintaining value or even rising in value as they age, depending on their quality and clarity.
Then, there are lab-grown diamonds. In almost every aspect, they’re equal to natural ones. They’re just as beautiful, as striking, as reflective and shimmering. Plus, they have the big benefit of being much more affordable. If you have a limited amount to spend, you’ll be able to get a bigger and better lab-grown diamond than a natural one, though it may not hold its value quite as well over time. Lab diamonds are also more ethical on the whole, and there’s little risk of them being sourced unethically.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to weigh up these individual factors to identify the right kind of diamond for your needs and situation. Think of your budget, your future intentions for the ring, and how much value you (or the person you’ll be giving it to) put on it being natural over lab-grown.
Hopefully, this guide has given you the info you need to make a more informed decision about which type of diamond ring to choose. But you may still have questions about the specific size, color, or quality of diamond to aim for, or how to get the most value for your money when buying diamond jewelry.
We’re here to help. Faithful Platform specializes in top-quality diamond pieces, like beautiful engagement rings and wedding bands. We can advise you on the right items to buy based on your budget and desires, and help you every step of the way with buying (or even designing) the ring of your dreams.
Get in touch with our team today to find out more.
Most people still choose natural diamonds for their traditional appeal and cultural significance. However, lab-grown diamonds are gaining popularity for their affordability and ethical advantages.
Yes, lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to earth-mined diamonds and can be just as brilliant and durable. They offer the same sparkle and quality, but typically at a lower price.
One downside is that lab-grown diamonds don’t hold their value as well as natural diamonds. They also require significant energy for their creation, which can impact sustainability.
In many cases, a jeweler can detect lab-grown diamonds using specialized equipment, as they may contain minute differences in their chemical structure. However, to the naked eye, lab and mined diamonds appear almost identical. They can also examine the diamond’s laser inscription on the girdle of the stone to see if it has the “LG” inscription required for all lab-grown diamonds.
No, most people can’t tell the difference between lab and mined diamonds without the help of professional tools. Both types have the same appearance and characteristics.
No, lab-grown diamonds don’t typically get cloudy. They maintain their clarity and brilliance as long as they are properly cared for, just like natural diamonds.
Yes, lab-grown diamonds are a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a stunning, high-quality gem at a fraction of the price of natural diamonds. They provide significant savings and ethical benefits while delivering the same brilliance and durability. For most shoppers who aren't planning to resell their engagement ring, lab-grown diamonds offer exceptional value and allow you to invest more in the beauty and size of the diamond you love (as well as invest more in your marriage).