Should You Buy Lab Grown Diamonds?  

There is a long history of people associating diamonds with love, devotion, and even showing off one's riches. While the market has mainly been focused on natural diamonds, there has been quite some attention towards lab grown diamonds and for good reason. These diamonds appeal to many consumers given their low price when compared to natural diamonds as well as being ethically sourced.  

Understanding Lab Grown Diamonds  

As the name suggests, lab grown diamonds are made in a lab which gives them the title of synthetic or cultured diamonds. However, they undergo the advanced processes of being polished in controlled environments. The conditions used to create lab grown diamonds mimic the formational conditions of natural diamonds. They have identical chemical, physical, and optical properties to diamonds that are mined, hence practically indistinguishable.  

There are two primary methods used to create lab-grown diamonds: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both methods produce high-quality diamonds that are graded and certified by gemological laboratories just like natural diamonds.  

The Benefits of Choosing Lab Grown Diamonds  

For such diamonds, the most valuable benefit is affordability when set against natural diamonds. On a relative scale, lab grown diamonds are usually sold for 30-40% less than natural diamonds. This allows buyers to get a diamond that is bigger, or of higher quality without going over budget.

Lab Grown Diamonds Are A Sustainable Choice

Unlike natural diamonds which are mined from the earth and may involve bear unethical labor practices, lab grown diamonds offer a conflict-free alternative. There is no environmental degradation associated with lab-grown diamonds and no environmental damage contributes to human rights concerns associated with traditional diamond mining.  

Quality and purity

Lab grown diamonds are tend to have less inclusions and impurities than their natural counterparts. This is because they are created in a controlled setting, reducing the chances of natural flaws or irregularities.  

Variety and Availability

As lab-grown diamonds are produced in labs, they are readily available in a wide range of cuts, colors, carat sizes, and shapes. Buyers are not limited by the scarcity of specific stones, as is the case with some natural stones.

Before Buying Consider:

Resale Value  

One of the biggest drawbacks of lab-grown diamonds is the lack of value they maintain after being sold. Natural diamonds appreciate in value over time while lab-grown depreciate far quicker in comparison. Thus, a diamond intended for selling later is better off being natural.

Market Perception 

Even when diamonds that are lab-grown become increasingly popular, there will always be a segment of people who still appreciate the look and feel of natural diamonds. In this case, the length of sentimental value attached to a diamond will directly influence the chances of a person buying a mined stone.

Consumer Awareness

Some buyers have a perception of diamonds being created in a lab as something unnatural which makes them skeptical. Steps have been taken to ensure that skeptical buyers have access to the more credible and trustworthy options which include gemological institutions such as GIA and IGI that offer certification.

An ethical, inexpensive, and high quality diamond all become available through lab-grown diamonds and as a result, buyers do not have to think a lot when it comes to purchasing one. The only thing buyers need to ask themselves is what is more important to them personal values or fine jewelry.