Natural vs Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Rings: What is The Difference?
With advances in technology and increased awareness about the ethics of mining, lab-created diamonds are becoming more and more accessible. But are they right for you?
Most people are not aware of lab-grown diamonds, but it’s quickly becoming a trend and not only is it a more ethical option, but it’s more affordable too.
In the choice between natural vs lab-grown diamond engagement rings, what's the difference? Keep reading to find out.
Sustainability
You may have heard of many reasons not to buy lab diamond engagement rings. One of the most popular beliefs, but totally false, is that they are not as natural or authentic as mined diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are created from the same material as natural diamonds. The main difference is in the environment.
A naturally-formed diamond is created through the effects of extremely high pressure on carbon, deep within the earth. Lab diamonds are just as real, as they are also formed from carbon under extreme pressure. However, this is replicated in a controlled environment, in a lab.
That means that a lab diamond is every bit as real as a naturally sourced diamond. It is, however, more sustainable and eco-friendly than mining the earth for natural diamonds. While the mining industry creates many jobs, it can also cause some harm to the environment.
Price
One cannot put a price on happiness. But that doesn’t mean that you need to break your budget to propose to the one you love. The truth is, lab-grown diamonds are always going to be more affordable. And that means that you can focus on other expenses for your upcoming nuptials, like your Wedding Packages.
The reasons are quite simple. They can be produced in less time than it takes for diamonds to form, naturally. Less labor is involved than in complicated mining operations. But there is one factor that has a tremendous impact on the price of natural diamonds, and that is scarcity.
In any business, there is a price difference between natural resources and lab-created resources. Or to put it more simply, between scarcity (or rarity) versus abundance. Due to the shortage of natural diamonds as opposed to lab diamonds, the ‘natural thing’ will cost more. Scarcity drives up prices, in any industry.
Uniqueness
Naturally mined diamonds are all unique. Each will have unique inclusions that make it special, and thus more valuable should you ever wish to sell it. However, in the case of an engagement ring, it's unlikely that you’re planning to resell it. That is why this factor should not be all that relevant to your decision.
Lab-created diamonds may not have the naturally flawed beauty of mined diamonds, yet they have a flawless beauty that is just as beautiful. If you prefer a naturally sourced diamond, you will purchase something unique. But if you opt for a lab diamond, rest assured it is still a tribute to your unique love.
What is more beautiful? The tiny flecks and imperfections in a natural diamond, or the smile on your life partner’s face? We are sure you will agree; the latter trumps the unique beauty of any rock, any day.
Ethics
One of the best arguments for the use of lab-grown diamonds vs natural diamonds, is, of course, ethics. Since the issue of conflict diamonds was thrust into the spotlight, diamond producers and suppliers have had to rethink the way they do business.
While most diamonds available on the market today are guaranteed conflict-free, there is always the small possibility that you could unknowingly purchase one of these. The best way to reduce this risk is to buy only from sources that adhere to the Kimberley Process coalition. The Kimberley Process is a commitment to remove conflict diamonds from the global supply chain.
The risk may be reduced through the Kimberley Process, but it is not entirely eradicated. Disreputable dealers may still try to sell these unethically obtained gems.
Some reputable ones may even do so, unknowingly. This is why you have to exercise extreme caution when buying from unknown sources.
Romantic Appeal
To be fair, there is a certain appeal to the thought of presenting your loved one with a gem mined from the Earth. Lab creations simply do not have that air of romance about them, although perhaps, in time, this will change.
And yet, they cannot be distinguished from each other by the layperson. An expert gemologist would certainly know how to tell the difference. Naturally sourced diamonds contain traces of nitrogen, picked up through natural processes as they form. Lab diamonds do not.
So if you are buying an engagement ring online, and come across lab-grown diamonds, don’t be too hasty to dismiss them as an option. All that anyone else, including your fiance, will see is a beautiful diamond and a testament to your undying love.
