If you’re interested in diamonds and jewelry, you probably would love to learn about the differences between mined and lab grown diamonds on the market. What are the pricing differences? Is one type of diamond more sustainable than the other? And can you visually tell the difference between mined and lab grown diamonds?
We’ve compiled some helpful information detailing why lab grown diamonds are so much less expensive than the mined variety, which version is more sustainable, and much more. If that sounds interesting to you, feel free to continue reading. We’re about to break down everything you might want to know about the differences between mined and lab grown diamonds.
Why are Lab Grown Diamonds So Inexpensive?
Most people know that lab grown diamonds are significantly less expensive, but not everyone knows why. Many tend to assume that they cost so much less because they are lab grown, making them far easier to find and less rare than traditional diamonds. However, a lot of the cost tied to traditional diamonds is related to the costs of mining.
According to Forbes, lab grown diamonds cost anywhere from 40 to 50 percent less than mined diamonds. Apparently, this dramatic difference in cost is the result of a lab grown diamond’s creation process. In particular, because lab grown diamonds don’t need to be mined out of the earth, they are far less expensive than their more classic counterpart. Cutting out the process of mining makes it far easier to afford the costs related to diamond collection and grading.
Which Diamonds are More Sustainable?
Generally, it’s believed that lab grown diamonds are far more sustainable than mined diamonds, and this has to do with the heavily involved and destructive processes required to collect the more traditional variety. Rather than requiring extra labor, the destruction of natural land and diamond mines, and being a time sink, lab grown diamonds can be made within the confines of a lab with far more reliability than would typically be expected of mined stones.
If you value sustainability in regards to the environment, lab grown diamonds may be the better choice for you. Not only is this a more budget-friendly option, but it also prioritizes the well-being of the planet and the longevity of human society. Additionally, if you plan on proposing to a partner who values sustainability, you may want to keep this in mind while you’re shopping for engagement rings.
Is There a Visual Difference Between Lab Grown Diamonds and Mined Diamonds?
Visually, it’s very difficult to tell the difference between a lab grown and mined diamond, especially with the naked eye. This is the case even for gem and diamond experts, called qualified gemologists. While you might be able to notice a difference under a microscope, even this can be pretty difficult. Therefore, in many ways, there are no immediately obvious visual differences between mined and lab grown diamonds.
How are Lab Grown Diamonds Processed?
Lab grown diamonds are processed in the exact same way as their mined counterparts. In particular, they are both cut and polished using the same machinery and other processes. Additionally, they are inspected and graded along the same scale as mined diamonds. This means that lab grown diamonds and mined diamonds are likely to look extremely similar to each other if they receive the same grade. The same set of standards are followed very closely, including cut, color, clarity, and carat, also called the 4Cs.
Do Lab Grown Diamonds Count as Real Diamonds?
According to most gemologists and scientists, lab grown diamonds are considered real diamonds. This is because lab grown diamonds are structured in the same way and comprised of the same materials, so they are scientifically classified as diamonds in the same way.
Additionally, lab grown diamonds are not necessarily expected to be perfect. This is because lab grown diamonds and mined diamonds both grow over time, and the structures are extremely similar. The biggest difference, however, is that lab grown diamonds take a few months to grow and mined diamonds take several hundred years in order to build. Therefore, most of the time, lab grown diamonds aren’t perfect. Lab grown diamonds and mined diamonds are most likely to come with imperfections, giving them another significant similarity in common.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in diamonds, you may have been surprised at the number of similarities between lab grown diamonds and mined diamonds. Lab grown diamonds are visually almost indistinguishable from the mined variety, they are both graded in the same way, and they are extremely structurally similar.
Lab grown diamonds mainly differ from traditional diamonds because mining is removed from the overall equation. This causes the cost to be significantly lower, as well as it allows the innovative stone to be incredibly sustainable for the environment. If either of these things matter to you, we highly recommend choosing lab grown diamonds for your engagement ring or next jewelry piece.