A diamond that is mined naturally will likely hold its value longer. That means that if you choose to sell it later, you’ll get more of the money back from it.
In recent years, scientists have perfected lab grown diamonds. They are now able to mimic the extreme pressure and temperature man made diamonds Perth that formed organic diamonds beneath the earth over billions of years.
1. They Are More Affordable
For those with more discerning tastes and an eco-conscious mindset, man made diamonds are the way to go. They are less expensive than their mined counterparts and can be just as beautiful when cut to the proper proportions. Moreover, they are often conflict free and may be more sustainable than their natural counterparts given the lack of environmental impact involved in manufacturing them.
Compared to the billions of years it takes for a diamond to form naturally, lab grown diamonds can be created much faster. The process involves collecting carbon in solid form and heating it to mold it into the desired shape.
Some major jewelry retailers are also promoting lab grown diamonds to their customers as a green alternative. This is especially true for Millennials and Gen Z consumers who are looking to reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining a luxurious lifestyle.
2. They Are Conflict Free
It’s no secret that natural diamond mining comes with some ethical concerns. The mining industry has a history of human rights abuses and environmental destruction. This is particularly true in Africa, which provides 65% of the world’s diamonds. Some of these mines use child labor, and the trade in illegally-sourced “conflict” diamonds can fund armed rebellions in war-torn regions.
This is why many people choose to buy lab grown diamonds. Unlike traditional diamonds, man made diamonds have a clear, traceable source. They also have the same physical properties as natural diamonds and don’t cause any of the same environmental damage.
Plus, man made diamonds are just as beautiful and durable as mined diamonds. They’re composed of carbon, so they have the same chemical and structural properties as their natural counterparts. The difference is that lab grown diamonds are more affordable and have a cleaner reputation.
3. They Are More Sustainable
Throughout the diamond mining process, chemicals from the earth get released into the air, polluting the environment and creating a range of environmental issues. These effects include smog, climate change, and water pollution. Luckily, lab diamonds produce a fraction of the harmful chemicals and require much less energy to make than their natural counterparts, making them a more sustainable choice for consumers.
The process to create lab diamonds starts with a ‘diamond seed’ or ‘diamond crystal’, which is made of pure carbon. This can then be grown under high temperatures and pressure to form a real diamond. A few of the most popular lab diamond brands use a process called chemical vapor deposition (CVD), which involves layering carbon atoms together to make a new diamond seed.
This process has helped some major jewelry retailers, including Pandora (PANDO) and the jewelry chain Signet (which owns Zales and Kay Jewelers), shift to using only lab diamonds for their jewellery. It’s possible this move will lead to other big jewelry companies following suit, making man-made diamonds more mainstream.
4. They Are Better for the Environment
Many lab diamond companies are promoting their products as being more environmentally-friendly than natural diamonds. They are claiming that lab diamonds emit a fraction of the carbon dioxide of mined diamonds. However, this claim is not backed by any evidence.
Mining natural diamonds requires large amounts of energy to extract them from the earth. It also causes extensive damage to the environment and wildlife. It takes an average of 250 tonnes of soil to extract one carat of diamonds and this process creates a lot of waste. Additionally, mined diamonds can fund armed conflicts in war-torn countries.
It is important to note that lab created diamonds are different from the synthetic diamonds or diamond simulants (cubic zirconia and moissanite), which look similar but are composed of different materials. While it is difficult to distinguish a diamond from a man made diamond with the naked eye, trained gemologists can tell the difference between the two.
5. They Are More Versatile
Buying a diamond is a big emotional and financial investment. If you’re financially secure enough to afford a mined diamond then go for it, but for those who want something with the same beauty and meaning without dipping into their emergency funds, man made is the way to go.
Despite being made in the lab, man-made diamonds look just like their natural counterparts. Industry experts and leading scientific publications like Science Focus say that if you put a real and a lab-grown diamond side by side, it would be nearly impossible to tell the difference between the two.
This versatility is also why many jewelers are now offering a selection of lab grown diamonds alongside their traditional ranges. Parisian brand Jem, for example, uses only lab-grown diamonds from their partner Diamond Foundry in designs that range from octagonal rings with square cut stones to graphic pave linking rings and modern solitaire styles.
6. They Are More Durable
It’s time to reword the old saying: “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but man made diamonds sparkle just as bright.” Manmade diamonds are becoming a popular choice for engagement rings and wedding bands, with sales increasing dramatically over the past year.
There are two processes that can lab diamonds vs real diamonds produce jewelry-quality lab grown diamonds: HPHT and CVD. HPHT mimics the way natural diamonds grow by subjecting carbon to high pressure and temperature. CVD, on the other hand, uses microwaves to heat and excite a diamond seed crystal.
Conclusion
Both processes are used to create laboratory grown diamonds that are identical to those found in nature in their chemical, crystal structure and optical properties. However, lab grown diamonds aren’t as rare and don’t carry the same resale value of naturally mined stones.
