Pros & Cons of Lab-Grown Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds are growing in popularity for use in engagement rings and other jewellery items. While they might have some celebrity fans – including Penelope Cruz, Meghan Markle and Lady Gaga – not everyone is convinced about their credentials.

Misinformation and misunderstandings about lab grown diamonds are still very common, with many people likening them to things like quartz or crystal.

However, it’s important to remember that a lab grown diamond is structurally and chemically identical to a mined diamond. The only difference is that it takes weeks to make a lab grown diamond, while mined diamonds were formed billions of years ago.

If you’re on the fence about lab-grown versus mined diamonds, read on to learn more about the pros and cons of manufactured diamonds.

Pros of lab-grown diamonds

Since scientists have discovered how to replicate the conditions required to form a diamond, we now have access to a virtually endless supply of them. This means that lab-grown diamonds are much more affordable than mined ones, and can be produced in a large variety of shapes, sizes and colours. Here are just some of the reasons you might prefer a lab-grown diamond.

They are cheaper

Lab grown diamonds can cost up to 60% less than mined diamonds of the same quality. If you’re purchasing an engagement ring, you might be more interested in saving money for the wedding, the honeymoon, or other milestone events. You can also get a larger stone for your money, making extravagant diamonds more accessible to more people.

They are superior quality

Most lab-grown diamonds are made using the latest technology, and the best materials to ensure they have a high clarity grade. This means you won’t have to compromise by choosing a diamond with lots of inclusions, as these can impact the “fire” or sparkle of your diamond.

They are more ethical and sustainable

Unlike mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds don’t involve the environmental damage and human rights abuses often associated with diamond mining. In some parts of the world, diamond mining is linked to conflict, war and child labour.

They also require far less fossil fuels to produce, so they have a much smaller carbon footprint. If you want to make a sustainable and ethical choice, a lab-grown diamond is a superior choice.

Cons of lab-grown diamonds

While lab-grown diamonds have many advantages, they also come with some drawbacks. Here are a few things to consider before buying a lab grown diamond:

Some people think they aren’t as special

Some people believe that lab-grown diamonds are not as special or valuable as mined diamonds. Despite the fact that they are structurally and chemically identical, they don’t have the same rarity or age as mined diamonds.

If something becomes more widely available, it becomes less valuable, and there is the fear that diamonds could cease to be a symbol of love and devotion if they become more prevalent.

They don’t retain their value

Lab-grown diamonds don’t retain their value as well as mined diamonds. This means that if you ever decide to sell your lab-grown diamond, you may not get back what you paid for it. If you want a diamond that will hold its value over time, then a mined diamond might be more suitable.

The rarity of the diamond is what gives it its value, so it’s easy to see why a lab grown diamond would struggle to compete with something that took billions of years to create.

They aren’t as rare and unique

Lab-grown diamonds are created in a laboratory and may not be as one-of-a-kind or unique as a mined diamond. It’s impossible to guarantee that your lab grown diamond will be completely unique, so if you’re looking for something truly special, then a mined diamond might be the best option.

Inclusions and marks in the diamond can actually be useful, as they help to protect you against fraud and theft. The inclusions in your diamond will be marked on the Diamond Certification, and this can be used to identify your diamond if it is ever stolen. It also helps to ensure you are buying a real diamond by making it easier to identify.

Conclusion

When deciding whether to purchase a lab grown diamond or a mined one, it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons. Ultimately, you will need to decide on what factors are most important when choosing your diamond – price, quality, sustainability or rarity.

It’s also important to find out as much information as possible about each type of diamond before making a purchase. Both mined and lab grown diamonds can offer the beauty, sparkle and brilliance you want for your special occasion, so take time to research both options before making a decision.

If you are purchasing an engagement ring, you should also think about what is important to your partner.