Lab Grown Diamonds vs. Naturally Mined Diamonds: Which is Right for You?
Ahhhh yes…. The age old battle of the 21 century… Naturally Mined vs Lab Grown…. Go into certain jewelry stores asking about lab diamonds and you’re likely to get that stereotypical arrogant laugh and a “we don't do that here honey” response. Here at JBC Gems, we believe that personal choice reigns supreme at the end of the day, and that your priorities and what you would like are paramount to our opinions, because for us, seeing you smile getting exactly what you want is all we care about. We also know that figuring out what type of diamond fits your lifetstyle and values can be sort of challenging… So we decided to break it down for you. At a top level, before even considering doing a deep dive to find that perfect diamond, know that when it comes to choosing a diamond, there are two main options: lab grown diamonds and naturally mined diamonds. Both types of diamonds have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Let’s jump in and find out more:Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds are created in a laboratory using one of two processes, High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). These two processes mimic the natural formation of diamonds. They are chemically and physically identical to naturally mined diamonds, and they are becoming increasingly popular due to their affordability, ethical sourcing, and environmental friendliness.Advantages of Lab Grown Diamonds
Affordability: Lab grown diamonds are typically much more affordable than naturally mined diamonds. This is because they do not require the same mining and polishing processes, which can be expensive. For example, a 1-carat lab grown diamond can cost as little as $1,000, while a 1-carat naturally mined diamond can cost upwards of $10,000.Ethically sourced: Lab grown diamonds are ethically sourced, meaning that they are not mined in conflict zones or by using child labor. The diamond industry has a long history of human rights abuses, and lab grown diamonds offer a way to avoid these problems.
Environmentally friendly: Lab grown diamonds are environmentally friendly, as they do not require the same open pit mining processes that can damage the environment. The diamond industry is a major contributor to climate change, and lab grown diamonds offer a way to reduce our environmental impact.
Customizable: Lab grown diamonds can be customized to meet your specific needs, such as size, shape, and color. This means that you can find the perfect diamond for your engagement ring, wedding band, or other jewelry.
Naturally Mined Diamonds
Naturally mined diamonds are formed deep within the earth over millions of years. They are prized for their beauty, rarity, and investment potential.Advantages of Naturally Mined Diamonds
History: Naturally mined diamonds have a long and rich history, which some people find appealing. Diamonds have been used for jewelry and other decorative purposes for centuries, and they are often seen as a symbol of love, wealth, and status.Rarity: Naturally mined diamonds are rarer than lab grown diamonds, which some people see as a sign of their value. This is because the natural diamond supply is limited (on purpose, but we will save that story for another post), and it is becoming increasingly difficult to find new diamonds.
Beauty: Naturally mined diamonds are considered by some to be more beautiful than lab grown diamonds, due to their unique imperfections. Naturally mined diamonds can have a variety of colors and inclusions, which can add to their beauty.
Investment potential: Some people believe that naturally mined diamonds have the potential to appreciate in value over time, making them a good investment. However, it is important to note that the value of diamonds can fluctuate, so it is not a guaranteed investment. Note: Here at JBC Gems, We DO NOT recommend investing in retail diamonds, and we recommend that you second guess any jeweler that attempts to sell using this as the basis for your investment. Natural diamonds do hold their value better than Lab diamonds, but we do not consider any diamond to be “investment grade”. We consider this an unethical practice, but due to its widespread belief, we have listed it here.
Which is Right for You?
The best type of diamond for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for an affordable, ethically sourced, and environmentally friendly diamond, then a lab grown diamond may be the right choice for you. If you are looking for a diamond with a long and rich history, or if you believe that naturally mined diamonds are more beautiful than lab grown diamonds, then a naturally mined diamond may be the right choice for you.Ultimately, the decision of whether to choose a lab grown diamond or a naturally mined diamond is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer. Do your research and choose the diamond that is right for you.