Lab Grown vs. Natural Diamonds: Which One Should You Choose?

Diamonds have always been a mark of luxury, commitment and love. Whether you want to buy a diamond engagement rings, a timeless diamond ring, or an elegant jewelry diamond ring, one decision remains big: to choose a natural or a lab grown diamond?

Both options are unique, but you need to understand the difference to make the right choice. Here's where we can help!

In this article, we will explore both lab grown and natural diamonds. While comparing every aspect from the origin to the qualities, even touching on the topic of the modern diamond that is the moissanite diamond, so that you can make the right and a well researched decision!

What Exactly Are Lab Grown and Natural Diamonds?

Natural Diamonds

• They form deep within the Earth over billions of years under pressure and heat. They predate dinosaurs.
• They are extracted from the Earth's crust, mostly in areas such as Africa, Russia, and Canada. They are mined.
• No two natural diamonds are alike because of their geological creation process.

Lab Grown Diamonds

• Manufactured in advanced high-tech labs with technology that replicates the natural diamond creation process.
• Chemically, physically, and optically, the same as natural diamonds.
• Made in weeks, not billions of years.

Key Differences Between Lab Grown Vs Natural Diamonds

Advantages of Lab Grown Diamonds

Ethical and Sustainable

• Lab grown diamonds require no mining which reduces the impact they have on the environment and making it a more environmentally friendly option.
• Prevents ethical issues such as conflict diamonds (which are also referred to as "blood diamonds").
• Creates up to 85% less carbon emissions than mined diamonds.

Affordable Luxury

• Lab-created diamonds are generally 30–40% less expensive than comparable natural diamonds.
• This makes it more affordable for consumers to purchase larger or higher-quality stones within their price range.

Customizable

• Found in a great many shapes, sizes, and even hues (e.g., pink or blue lab grown diamonds).
• Perfect for special designs such as custom diamond wedding rings or color diamond stone rings.

Indistinguishable from Natural Diamonds

• Lab grown and natural diamonds are indistinguishable by the human eye.
• Even gemologists require special equipment to distinguish them.
  

Pros and Cons

Choosing the Right Diamond for You

When deciding between lab grown and natural diamonds, there are many factors as to what diamond you should buy. It is not just about the diamond's characteristics but also about the occasion and the budget for buying the diamond. Here we have mentioned a few of the factors that you should be considering.

Purpose

• For sentimental or heirloom pieces like lab diamond engagement rings, natural diamonds may hold more emotional value, as traditionally they are what people have preferred through decades.
• For trendy or everyday wear like customizable jewelry diamond rings, lab grown options offer versatility without breaking the bank.

Budget

• If cost is a concern, lab created diamond rings provide excellent value. You can have a bigger diamond for a way less price.
• For those willing to invest in rarity and tradition, natural diamonds are always a good choice.

Ethical Concerns

• If sustainability is important to you, lab grown diamonds are the clear winner because of their making and ethical values.

Resale Value

• Buyers looking for long-term investment potential might lean toward natural diamonds due to their higher resale value. If you want to know more about diamonds as an investment, then check out our blog: The Timeless Appeal of Diamond Rings: Why They’re the Perfect Investment.

Consumer Trends: What Do Buyers Prefer?

Consumer preferences in the diamond market are undergoing a significant shift, with lab grown diamonds gaining immense popularity. Recent statistics highlight this trend:

• Millennial Preferences: Over 70% of millennials prefer lab grown diamonds, primarily due to their ethical and environmental benefits. This demographic values sustainability and affordability, making lab grown diamonds an attractive choice.
• Market Growth: The global market for lab grown diamonds is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.78%, reaching $56.94 billion by 2032. This rapid growth reflects a broader acceptance of lab grown diamonds as a mainstream alternative to natural diamonds.
• Sales Increase: In 2023, lab grown diamond sales surged by 47%, indicating a significant increase in consumer awareness and preference for these diamonds.

Factors Influencing Consumer Choice

Several factors contribute to the rising popularity of lab grown diamonds:

1. Ethical and Environmental Concerns: Consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental and ethical implications of traditional diamond mining. Lab grown diamonds offer a conflict-free and eco-friendly alternative.
2. Affordability and Customization: Lab grown diamonds are generally more affordable than natural diamonds, allowing buyers to opt for larger or higher-quality stones. Additionally, they offer customization options, which appeal to consumers seeking unique jewelry pieces.
3. Online Purchases: The shift towards online shopping has also boosted lab grown diamond sales. Consumers appreciate the convenience of comparing prices and options online, with 60% of lab-grown diamond purchases made online in 2023.

Future Outlook

As consumer awareness and acceptance of lab grown diamonds continue to grow, they are poised to become a dominant force in the jewelry market. With their ethical, sustainable, and affordable appeal, lab grown diamonds are no longer just an alternative but a preferred choice for many buyers. This trend is expected to continue, driven by technological advancements and shifting consumer values.

Conclusion

Choosing between lab grown and natural diamonds ultimately depends on your priorities. If you value sustainability, affordability, and modern innovation, then lab grown diamond rings are an excellent choice. On the other hand, if rarity, tradition, and long-term value matter more to you, natural diamonds remain unmatched.

No matter your decision—whether it’s a stunning natural diamond engagement ring or an ethically sourced, lab-created diamond ring—you’re investing in something timeless that symbolizes love and commitment. If you need more help in choosing your diamond ring, check out our article, The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Diamond Ring: What You Must Know. And if you're open to alternatives like moissanite for unique designs, there’s no shortage of dazzling options to suit your style!

FAQ's

1. Is it worth buying a lab grown diamond?

Ans: Yes, buying a lab grown diamond is a good option. They are more affordable and budget-friendly, and you could get a bigger diamond at a lower price. They are real diamonds and have the same chemical composition as the mined diamonds. They are also ethically sourced and are a more environmentally friendly option.   

2. What are the disadvantages of lab grown diamonds?

Ans:

• Depreciating Value: Lab diamonds do not have much resale value since they can be produced in large quantities, as opposed to natural diamonds.
• Sentimental Perception: Some buyers think of them as less "genuine" or sentimental than natural diamonds.
• Lack of Rarity: Lab diamonds are not rare because they can be produced in bulk.

3. Can people tell the difference between lab grown and natural diamonds?

Ans: No, people cannot tell the difference between a lab grown diamond and a natural diamond. Even gemologists need to have special equipment to differentiate better between a lab grown and a natural diamond.

4. Do lab grown diamonds sparkle more than natural diamonds?

Ans: Lab grown diamonds don't necessarily sparkle more than natural diamonds. Their sparkle is a function of their cut quality, not their source. Both can sparkle the same if they are well-cut.

5. Are lab grown diamonds environmentally friendly?

Ans: Yes, lab grown diamonds are more environmentally friendly as they avoid the destructive mining process and produce significantly fewer carbon emissions compared to natural diamond extraction.