When you’re shopping for diamond jewelry, you want the best quality possible. If you have just started your journey to find the perfect engagement ring, you may have heard the term “lab-grown diamonds.”
If you’re not familiar with this term; it may be confusing as ” lab-grown” might make you think these diamonds aren’t real or they aren’t as pure as natural diamonds. However, The Diamond Room experts are here to assure you that lab-grown diamonds are the exact same as natural diamonds, and they offer many additional benefits. Here are some common questions we get asked about lab-grown diamonds and why they have become extremely popular in the fine jewelry industry.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are physically, chemically, and optically identical to natural diamonds. The only difference is where the diamonds are formed. Natural diamonds develop in the earth’s crust over millions of years and are harvested through mining techniques, cut and shaped, then sold. Lab grown diamonds, however, are formed in a lab. They are created with high-pressure synthesis processes using pressure and heat to mimic the natural diamond formation process. Once formed, they are cut and shaped like a mined diamond.
Lab-grown diamonds are 100% real and should not be confused with diamond simulants like moissanite or cubic zirconia. These look like diamonds but are not and can be easily distinguished from natural diamonds with the naked eye. They have a completely different chemical makeup than diamonds, whereas lab-grown diamonds are exactly the same as natural diamonds.
Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Look Different From Natural Diamonds?
Short answer: Not at all. You’ve probably seen lab-grown diamonds in stores and on your friends’ jewelry hundreds of times and never even known. In fact, even experts cannot tell the difference! Lab grown diamonds are visually identical to natural diamonds.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds As High Quality as Natural Diamonds?
Since lab-grown diamonds are physically the same as natural diamonds, they are just as valuable as diamonds found in mines. Because they are formed in a highly-controlled environment and not exposed to the elements, some natural diamonds are actually better than natural ones, with fewer defects and an appearance that will not become cloudy over time. Lab-grown diamonds also become certified through the exact same process as natural diamonds and can be insured as well.
Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Hold Value?
Typically, lab-grown diamonds are valued at 30-60% less than mined diamonds. This has nothing to do with the quality of the diamond; the added value of natural diamonds comes from the extremely expensive mining techniques used to harvest them. Since lab grown diamonds are created in labs, they are much easier to obtain; therefore, when you choose a lab grown diamond, your budget will stretch much further, allowing you a bigger stone.
Will Lab-Grown Diamonds Change Color?
Just like mined diamonds, lab grown diamonds will not change color unless they are exposed to extreme heat, pressure, or irradiation. But if you’re looking for a colored diamond, those can be created in labs too. Colors form when small amounts of trace elements are present during the growth phase. Through this process, lab grown diamonds can be made in a variety of colors, including pink, blue, green, red, and yellow.
Are There More Benefits to Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Aside from a smaller price tag and stunning appearance, lab-grown diamonds are also more environmentally-friendly than mined diamonds. Since they don’t require harvesting, they don’t disturb nature with heavy mining machinery. Lab grown diamonds also have a unique advantage in that they have trackable origins; you can research the reputation of the diamond’s creator to ensure they are a trustworthy source.
If you are ready to find your next piece of jewelry, whether it’s an engagement ring, wedding ring, or a stunning necklace, The Diamond Room has the perfect lab grown diamond for you. Our experts can answer any questions you have about lab grown diamonds, but we think when you see these sparkling beauties in person, you’ll fall head over heels for their gorgeous appearance. Contact us today to set up an appointment and see them for yourself!
More from GIA on lab grown diamonds here: https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/laboratory-grown-diamond/
