Today we’re talking about a growing trend in the jewelry industry that has been around for many years, but has only been gaining attention most recently; lab-grown diamonds.
These diamonds (which are real diamonds, by the way) are not only visually stunning but also come with a ton of advantages in comparison to their mined, natural counterparts.
I’ve recently fallen in love with lab grown diamonds because they give people like me – who love big diamonds – a chance to have earrings, a bracelet or a diamond ring with larger diamonds that I wouldn’t normally be able to afford. And why shouldn’t we all rock a 3 carat diamond, right? After purchasing a gorgeous pair of F colour, VS1 1.87 diamond studs for my 40th birthday, I realized I’d never overpay for diamonds again!
In this post, I’ll be exploring lab grown diamonds in detail, including what they are and why they are an excellent choice for jewelry lovers who prioritize ethics, sustainability and cost-effective beauty.
*this post contains affiliate links*
What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds, also known as cultured or synthetic diamonds, are created through advanced technology in a controlled laboratory. These stones have the same physical, chemical and visual properties as naturally made diamonds, but are grown within a few weeks inside of a lab.
The Science Behind Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds are made using two primary methods: High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).
Both processes involve replicating the extreme heat and pressure conditions found deep within the Earth’s mantle where natural diamonds are formed. By copying these conditions, manufacturers can create lab grown diamonds in a matter of weeks or months, as opposed to the millions of years it takes for natural diamonds to form.
Lab grown diamonds can be referred to as lab created diamonds, grown diamonds, synthetic diamonds, man-made diamonds, cultivated diamonds, or cultured diamonds.
Stay away from diamond simulants, which are not the same as a lab grown diamonds, but are stones made to look like diamonds and are not real. Cubic zirconia is an example of a diamond simulant. Moissanite is also a gemstone that looks like diamond but isn’t diamond, but is often labelled as a lab grown diamond until you look closer at the stone’s details on some sites.
6 Advantages of Lab Grown Diamonds
1. Ethical Sourcing
One of the biggest advantages of lab grown diamonds is their ethical superiority. They are conflict-free and do not contribute to the environmental and social concerns associated with traditional diamond mining (if you’ve ever seen the movie “Blood Diamond”, you’ll understand why conflict-free is best).
By choosing lab grown diamonds, you can be sure that your jewelry is free from the ethical issues associated with the diamond industry.
2. Environmental Sustainability
Lab grown diamonds have a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to mined diamonds. The mining process, which involves excavation and land disturbance, can cause environmental damage.
By opting for lab grown diamonds, you support a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to jewelry production.
3. Exceptional Quality and Beauty
Lab grown diamonds exhibit the same remarkable brilliance, clarity and durability as natural diamonds. They also go under the same grading process as mined diamonds and are available in a wide range of sizes, cuts and colors.
Being grown in a lab, manufacturers have control over the diamonds being created and are able to offer diamonds in better colour and cut qualities. Just be sure to find a reputable retailer who ensures their diamonds are free from brown, green or orange tints, as not all lab grown diamonds are created the same. For example, Vrai lab grown diamonds are known for having a light brown tint to some of their stones.
4. Cost-Effective (translation – you get a larger diamond!)
My most favourite benefit – lab grown diamonds are typically more affordable than their mined counterparts. Due to the controlled production process, lab grown diamonds can offer better value for your money, allowing you to choose a larger or higher-quality stone within your budget.
You can also get fancy coloured lab grown diamonds that are much cheaper than their natural counterparts. So if you’ve dreamed of having a fancy yellow, pink or blue diamond at a lower price, lab grown diamonds are your best option.
5. Traceability and Certification
Lab grown diamonds come with certifications from reputable gemological laboratories, ensuring their authenticity and quality. These certifications provide peace of mind, assuring you that your diamond meets the highest industry standards.
Lab grown diamonds can also be insured just like natural mined diamonds. Later in this post, I provide a list of reputable and well known gemological laboratories that provide lab grown diamond grading reports for some peace of mind.
The Ultimate Guide To Engagement Ring Styles
Find the engagement ring style that best suits your personality in this full engagement ring shopping guide. This article also helps you consider band styles and setting options to best present and secure your gemstones.
6. Creative Freedom
Lab grown diamonds offer unique opportunities for customization and creativity. Their availability in various colours and sizes allows designers to experiment and create truly one-of-a-kind pieces.
Whether you seek a traditional or avant-garde design, lab grown diamonds provide endless possibilities for expressing your individual style.
Reputable Gemological Laboratories That Grade Lab Grown Diamonds
- Gemological Institute of America (GIA): The GIA is one of the most well-known and respected gemological laboratories globally. They offer grading reports for lab grown diamonds, providing detailed information about the diamond’s characteristics, including cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
- International Gemological Institute (IGI): The IGI is an independent gemological institute that offers grading and certification services for lab grown diamonds. Their reports provide information on the diamond’s quality, including the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight).
- American Gemological Laboratories (AGL): AGL is a respected gemological laboratory that provides certification for lab-grown diamonds. Their reports offer comprehensive details about the diamond’s attributes, ensuring transparency and authenticity.
- International Gemological Laboratory (IGL): The IGL is an independent gemological laboratory that offers certification services for lab grown diamonds. They provide grading reports that assess the quality and characteristics of the diamonds.
- GCAL (Gem Certification and Assurance Lab): GCAL is a gemological laboratory that offers certification for both natural and lab grown diamonds. Their reports provide detailed information on the diamond’s quality and origin.
- HRD Antwerp: HRD Antwerp is a renowned diamond grading and certification institute. They offer grading reports for lab-grown diamonds, providing accurate and reliable information about the diamond’s characteristics.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds A Good Investment?
Diamond lovers looking for a mining-free alternative or a larger stone within a smaller budget may prefer man-made diamonds over natural diamonds, which are pricier.
However, many jewelers will argue that lab grown diamonds may not have the best resale value; as more lab grown diamond retailers enter the market, the price of lab grown diamonds can be driven down due to higher supply.
In comparison, natural mined diamonds are expected to hold their value and possibly appreciate over time. In addition, there are always people who will feel that a natural diamond is superior to a lab grown diamond due to the rarity of natural diamonds.
If you are looking for a great diamond at a great price and aren’t interested in resale value, a man-made diamond is a great option. If you are buying a diamond for investment purposes, a natural mined diamond would be a better choice.
Reputable Laboratory Grown Diamond Retailers
Ready to do some shopping? Below is a list of lab grown diamond retailers to get your shopping started.
But remember – do your research! Learn about the company you are buying from and read up on customer reviews before purchasing! I also love shopping for lab grown diamonds on Etsy.com, but be sure to read the post details and ensure you are getting lab grown diamonds and not moissanite (many vendors say it’s a diamond until you read the item description).
Buy it on Etsy.com (click here!)
Laboratory grown diamonds offer the perfect combination of ethical sourcing, environmental sustainability, exceptional quality and value for money.
By choosing lab grown diamonds, you can cover yourself with stunning jewelry while making a positive impact on the world and saving a few pennies.
For all these reasons, consider a laboratory grown diamond for your engagement or your next diamond-focused jewelry project!
