What’s the difference between lab diamonds vs real diamonds? While the two are physically identical, lab-grown diamonds are significantly more expensive. So which is better? We’ll discuss the differences in cost, durability, and grading in this article. Hopefully, this comparison will help you make a decision.
Less expensive
There are a number of factors that make lab diamonds less expensive than natural diamonds. These factors include cost, size, and quality. If you’re looking for the best value for your money, lab diamonds are often a good option. If you’re on a budget, lab diamonds can save you a lot of money. In addition, lab-grown diamonds are usually larger, shinier, and sparklier than natural diamonds.
The cut of a lab diamond determines how much it sparkles. Ideal and excellent cuts usually command the highest prices. Since lab diamonds have fewer inclusions, they are easier to cut. Lab diamonds can also be certified. The cost of a certified lab diamond is about 10%-15% more than a non-certified diamond. Some lab diamonds are GIA-certified, but the majority are IGI or GCAL-certified. While most lab diamonds are inexpensive, diamond certification can add hundreds of dollars to the cost.
Another factor contributing to the lower cost of lab diamonds is their greater supply. In contrast, the supply of natural diamonds is limited. As a result, their prices rise and fall over time. This means that a lab-grown diamond purchased today for $1,000 could be worth less than half the price in two or three years.
More durable
When you compare the two types of diamonds, you’ll notice a huge difference: lab-grown diamonds are 10 times more durable. These stones are also much more eco-friendly. They use less electricity per carat than natural diamonds, which is great news for our planet. For example, a lab-grown diamond uses 250 million joules of electricity compared to 538 million joules for a mined diamond.
The process used to grow lab-grown diamonds is very similar to the process used to create a natural diamond. Both diamonds are formed through the same process – the formation of diamond crystals from carbon atoms. The difference between a natural diamond and a lab-grown diamond lies in the manufacturing process.
Another difference between real and lab diamonds has to do with the strength of the diamond. While mined diamonds are stronger than lab-grown ones, lab-grown diamonds are still not invincible. They can be damaged by heat and aren’t as durable as real diamonds.
More sustainable
If you’re considering a diamond for your engagement ring, you’ll want to know the difference between real and lab-grown diamonds. Creating diamonds in a lab is a greener option, and has many advantages, including lower carbon emissions. However, there are a few concerns. While mined diamonds are often criticized for their lack of sustainability, lab-grown diamonds are considered to be more environmentally friendly.
While lab grown diamonds don’t have the same traceable origins as natural diamonds, they are a better alternative if you want a sustainable diamond. They are also cheaper. In fact, lab-grown diamonds cost as little as $300-$500 per carat compared to the thousands of dollars a natural diamond would cost.
Lab-grown diamonds are produced by scientists using common elements that are found in nature. They begin by crushing natural graphite, and then use high pressure and high temperature to turn it into a diamond.
Graded differently
For more than a decade, GIA has been issuing grading reports for lab diamonds. However, the organization announced in March 2019 that it would change the name of the reports to reflect the differences between them and those for natural diamonds. For example, GIA reports for lab diamonds will use different terms for clarity and color than those for natural diamonds. Additionally, the grading scale used for the lab diamonds will use abbreviated measurements, and the reports for both types of diamonds will have slightly different grading scales.
Although there are differences between lab diamonds vs real diamonds, the chemical, physical, and optical properties of both are identical. This means that a lab diamond’s sparkle will be comparable to a natural diamond’s, and its clarity and color will be virtually identical to a natural diamond’s. Lab-grown diamonds are also just as hard as natural diamonds. Because of this, even certified gemologists cannot tell the difference between a lab-grown diamond and a natural diamond by sight.
Conclusion
Lab-grown diamonds are made from carbon or zirconium dioxide, and are porous. They are also priced higher than natural diamonds and have higher resale value. They are even used to create engagement rings, and while mined diamonds have long adorned most engagement rings, lab-grown diamonds are a far better choice for a ring.
