Natural vs. Lab Grown Diamonds FAQ
We have expanded our jewellery range to include both Lab Grown Diamonds and Natural Diamonds in order to meet the demands of our customers and to keep up with the changes in the marketplace.
Widely known as ‘Lab Grown Diamonds’, these are not the same as ‘Natural Diamonds’ that have been mined from the earth. Lab Grown Diamonds are man made in a machine using CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) or HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) technology. Though chemically a Lab Grown Diamond is the same as Natural Diamond, they are not really the same in the sense that one is extremely old and the other is produced very quickly, and we are careful how we choose to market each of them. The diamond industry wants this distinction to be clear to consumers.
Both diamond types require the same cutting and polishing process to turn the raw crystal into the beautiful variety of cuts that we see today.
Both types are beautiful!
ARE LAB GROWN DIAMONDS THE SAME TO LOOK AT?
Both Lab Grown and Natural Diamonds use exactly the same grading system and we refer to the main characteristics of both using the well known terminology of the 4Cs
Cut | Colour | Clarity | Carat
If you’re looking at two graded diamonds that have the same grading (eg. 1.0 carat, round brilliant cut, colour E and clarity VS1), they will look the same.
Diamonds over a certain size are widely available with a certificate that lists every detail of the diamond being purchased by the client. Both options are available to provide confidence to our clients.
LAB GROWN OR NATURAL DIAMOND? WHICH ONE SHOULD I CHOOSE?
Whilst we advocate that genuine diamond is a Natural Diamond, we would be foolish to ignore the alternative found in Lab Grown stones especially as clients become more aware of them and are becoming more intentional about purchasing them.
There are several things we want all of our clients to be aware of. Transparency in our industry is of paramount importance and so we feel it is only right to comment on some of the mixed messaging that is out there on this topic.
COST – Price Difference between Lab Grown and Natural Diamonds
A Lab Grown Diamond is substantially cheaper than a Natural Mined Diamond. Natural diamonds have a limited supply whereas laboratories can produce an unlimited supply of the other which continues to drive prices downwards. For this reason you can purchase a larger Lab Grown stone than the Natural Diamond for the same money. This is great news if you have a limited budget and it’s all about the diamond size! When part of an item of jewellery, these items are often still highly priced as the costs of gold, labour, hallmarking, artistry etc are all still the same and good quality costs more. One can however expect there to be a noticeable difference in cost for two similar designs with the same diamond size/quality equivalent especially as the diamond sizes increase beyond 1 carat.
FUTURE VALUE
As a consumer, you should not view a Lab Grown Diamond as an investment as you are unlikely to see much of a return for your money on the diamond in the future. A Natural Diamond on the other hand could have some future value and somehow retains something special having been formed in the earth rather than above ground in a factory somewhere.
ETHICS
The diamond industry has been under huge scrutiny over the years and for good reason. Since the United Nations stepped in and the global diamond industry and governments worked together to introduce the Kimberley Process in 2003, things have been far more controlled. To say that Natural Diamonds are bad and Lab Grown stones are more ethical is not really accurate as a blanket statement if all aspects are considered. Well known mining companies are working at great lengths to mine responsibly with some even investing hugely within communities in the country where their mining operations are located. We purchase both Natural and Synthetic stones from reliable and legitimate trusted sources with certification wherever possible. We know who we deal with.
ENVIRONMENTAL
A lot is made of the environmental benefits of Lab Grown over Natural Diamonds because one is grown by man and the other is mined. To state that mining companies are not responsibly reducing their carbon footprint and that a machine is somehow less impactful is surely inaccurate. Both industries have a carbon footprint and an environmental impact that requires consideration. Lab Grown Diamonds require significant amounts of energy in order to grow the crystals and there are many other parts of the process before it becomes a finished product. It is true that some companies growing these diamonds have amazing green credentials, but not all.
What about Wholestone Jewellery’s Diamonds?
At Wholestone Jewellery we are very selective on who we work with from concept to completion. We choose to purchase diamonds for our jewellery that come from legitimate sources and long-term industry contacts. Our chosen sources for Lab Grown Diamonds have very good credentials when it comes to clean energy and investment in local communities where these factories are located, allowing us to sell our jewellery or loose stones to you with absolute confidence.
What’s your choice?
If you’re looking for a piece of jewellery with either type, we can help.
If you’re looking for the biggest diamond for your budget, we can help.
Perhaps it’s less about size, and more about something more special for someone very important to you, perhaps for a once in a lifetime event? In this instance, perhaps investing in a Natural Diamond would be your preference.
The choice is yours!