One of the most popular questions we have been getting asked is what's better between lab grown diamonds and earth mined (natural) diamonds. I don't believe there is a straightforward answer to this question. It's important to understand pros and cons of both to allow for you to make that decision for yourself.
Let's start with understanding what diamonds are. A diamond is a carbon that crystallizes in a high temperature, high pressure environment over the course of 1 to 3.3 billion years about 100 miles beneath the earth’s surface. Diamonds are the hardest material on earth: 58 times harder than anything else in nature.
Lab grown diamond is a carbon that has been crystallized in a man made setting through technology that mimics high temperature, high pressure environment in span of 6 to 10 weeks. They are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds, but their origin and production process distinguish them.
Benefits of Lab-Grown Diamonds
Affordability: Lab-grown diamonds are significantly more affordable than natural diamonds due to their controlled production process and lower production costs. Price differentiation of lab and natural can be upwards of 10x - 20x difference in price based on specifications.
Ethical Sourcing: Lab-grown diamonds eliminate the need to mine for natural diamonds, which can have environmental and social impacts.
Drawbacks of Lab-Grown Diamonds
Market Perception: Some consumers may still prefer natural diamonds due to their historical and cultural significance.
Resale Value: Lab-grown diamonds may have a lower resale value compared to natural diamonds.
Benefits of Natural Diamonds
Rarity: Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth, making them a rare and exclusive gemstone.
Historical and Cultural Significance: Diamonds have been used as a symbol of love and commitment for centuries, giving them a unique cultural and historical significance.
Resale Value: Natural diamonds typically have a higher resale value compared to lab-grown diamonds.
Drawbacks of Natural Diamonds
High Cost
Ethical Sourcing: Some consumers are concerned about the ethical sourcing aspect of natural diamonds. In response to ethical sourcing, the diamond industry has made strides in promoting responsible sourcing and sustainability. The Kimberley Process (KP) is an international certification system that was created in 2003 to ensure the legitimacy of the diamond trade. At Fashion Island Jewelers, we guarantee that all natural diamonds that are sold are conflict-free.
In conclusion, the choice between lab-grown and natural diamonds depends on individual preferences, priorities, and budgets.