What differs between Natural Diamonds from Lab-Grown Diamonds?

These days, buying an engagement ring can be extremely stressful. Choosing a single design is difficult because to the wide range of stones, shapes, and styles available. Additionally, there is another thing to think about when shopping if you want to wear a diamond sparkler: Which would you prefer: a lab-grown diamond or one that has been mined?

In the end, it could be challenging to come up with a solution if you don't know what makes the two different. What distinguishes naturally occurring diamonds from lab-grown diamonds, and is one superior to the other?

The short answer is that, from the perspective of the typical consumer, there isn't much of a difference between these two rocks because they are chemically, geologically, and optically identical. That being said, there are some differences between lab-grown and mined stones, mostly in terms of where and how they are produced. "The differences are not in the physical make-up of the stone but in the source," says Maria Doulton, an expert in exquisite jewelry. "What matters is how you feel about that."

The Differences Between Lab-Grown and Natural Diamonds

The production process and environmental impact of lab-grown and natural diamonds are the main distinctions between them.  "Technically, they have the same chemical composition, but one is made in the earth and the other sterile factory setting," jeweler Ashley Zhang adds.  But these stones also have additional distinguishing features, which the experts describe below.

How They're Made

The majority of naturally occurring diamonds on the market today were created in the planet's mantle layer, which is located far below the surface. The element carbon underwent atomic rearrangement and took on the solid form of a diamond as a result of billions of years of extreme heat and pressure. Deep-source volcanic eruptions brought these valuable rocks closer to the Earth's surface through kimberlite pipelines in regions of the world where the temperatures and conditions were ideal for their formation. "Diamonds are shattered in the process, producing more small pieces than big," says Doulton. The precious stones are then extracted from these enormous, deep craters.

Conversely, lab-grown diamonds are exactly that—diamonds produced in a laboratory. These kinds of stones are made using two techniques: chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and high-pressure high temperature (HPHT). Both techniques use pure carbon, tremendous heat, and severe pressure to produce the diamond's crystalline structure. However, this is the most crucial part: A lab-created diamond is chemically identical to a real diamond since it is still pure carbon. At TheMinimalCarbon you can find all types of diamonds. That too with the company's certificate.

Price

The scarcity of natural diamonds contributes to their high cost. "They depend on complex and expensive mining operations, and there are no guarantees about what is going to come out of the earth," claims Doulton. The work and energy required to mine and polish the stones, as well as the strategic and somewhat questionable origins, control, and advertising behind the diamond market itself, are other factors that add to their cost.

On the other hand, because lab diamonds are not governed by the same supply chains as real diamonds, they will often cost up to 50% less than a genuine stone of comparable grade.

Value

It's crucial to realize that a stone's monetary "value" is determined by the market and the price a buyer is prepared to pay. No stone has intrinsic value of its own, regardless of how rare or perfect it is. A lab-grown diamond will be worth less than a natural diamond of comparable gradation if it is shown to be lab-grown, just as the stone's original purchase price would have been lower.

Meaning: Buying your diamond engagement ring is crucial because it represents your love and dedication to your lover, not because it can be utilized as money. However, an appraiser won't reduce the value of your stone simply because it was created in a lab. Instead, they will just assign a different value to it.

Additionally, the technology for lab-grown diamonds is still developing, which may cause their value to fluctuate. Their price will probably decrease if they become more affordable and easy to create, which will lower their worth. Additionally, if future generations continue to disregard the diamond as a symbol of marriage and love, there may be less demand for both real and lab-created diamonds, which would lower its value.

Sturdiness

The chemical composition of lab-grown diamonds is identical to that of natural diamonds. According to jeweler Sarah Ortega, "both kinds of diamonds have the same hardness and physical characteristics because they are composed of carbon atoms arranged in the same crystal structure." "On the Mohs hardness scale, both natural and lab-grown diamonds have a score of 10, making them the hardest material on the planet. Because you wear it every day, they are the ideal stone for an engagement ring. Both varieties of diamonds are equally resistant to wear, chipping, and scratches. Remember that diamonds are not unbreakable, but they are made to last a lifetime with the right maintenance.

Clarity 

Lab-grown stones are graded by the International Gemological Institute and the Gemological Institute of America using the same criteria and procedures as their natural counterparts.  This is significant because there are no distinctions between lab-grown and natural diamonds in terms of the 4Cs—cut, clarity, color, and carat—if these standard-bearing organizations are using the same scales to evaluate both types of diamonds.

Lab-grown diamonds will also acquire the inclusions or "flaws" that impact a stone's brilliance and clarity grade because they are produced rather than manufactured. Lab-grown diamonds have clarity grades ranging from Flawless (F1) to Included 3 (I3), just like natural diamonds.  Zhang cautions that "most natural diamonds will be graded by the Gemological Institute of America and most lab-grown diamonds will be graded by the International Gemological Institute."

Color

The same is true here: When it comes to color, a premium lab-grown diamond will be rated on the same scale as a natural one. A lab-grown diamond and a natural diamond are identical in appearance, and most couples look for stones of both types that are almost colorless and graded between G and J. True colorless diamonds, which range in grade from D to F, are extremely rare and therefore quite costly.

Things to Think About When Buying

The ethical and environmental implications of bringing natural diamonds to market may be the best argument in favor of buying lab-grown diamonds. Millennials and Gen Z consumers are increasingly concerned with making sure their money supports businesses that share their values as their own.

Nevertheless, lab-grown diamonds do have certain disadvantages. "The reality is that most lab-grown diamonds still require large amounts of energy to power the high-temperature machines in which they are grown," according to Doulton. "But there is no arguing that they have a clear chain of custody to market."

Improvements are being made on both sides of the diamond industry as it continues to change to meet consumer demands. Doulton points out that the U.K. lab-grown diamond brand SkyDiamond is carbon negative and praises Canadian sources, like the Diavik Diamond Mine and other Canadamark program partners, for being completely traceable sources of naturally occurring diamonds.