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

How do you know which one is right for you? Let’s break it down so you can make an informed choice that suits your style, values, and budget.

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

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Picking out a diamond can feel like a big decision, especially when you're trying to choose between a lab diamond and a natural diamond. Both have their own charm, and both can make stunning pieces of jewelry. But how do you know which one is right for you? Let’s break it down so you can make an informed choice that suits your style, values, and budget.

 

What Are Natural Diamonds?

First, let’s consider natural diamonds. These are the original, or what many people would consider the real diamonds These are the natural diamonds and they are formed about 100 miles beneath the surface of the earth. They exist after billions of years of pressure and heat being applied on them. Isn’t it quite wonderful how it all happens?

Natural diamonds are actually carbon that has been crystallized under high pressure. This is what makes them so hard and so bright, or rather what gives them their incredible hardness and brilliance. Every piece of natural diamond is different from another because it’s shaped by the natural conditions it was formed under. When you pick a natural diamond it means that you are picking a stone that may have taken millions, sometimes billions of years to form. Wow, that is a lot of history in one little stone.

Since they are rare, and it takes millions of years for them to be formed, natural diamonds may be relatively costly. For most individuals, the history of a natural diamond and its history in the world is the most valuable aspect of the diamond.

 

What Are Lab Diamonds?

Now, let’s talk about lab diamonds. These are sometimes referred to as lab grown or artificial diamonds but do not let the term artificial mislead you. Lab grown diamonds are not fakes – they are real diamonds! They are synthetically produced and consist of carbon crystals similar to those of natural diamonds and possess the same chemical and physical characteristics.

Lab diamonds are grown in a controlled environment which replicates the conditions of formation of diamonds. There are two main methods to create them: These are the High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both methods give you diamonds that look like those that are taken directly from the ground.

What is special about lab diamonds is that as they are created in a laboratory, they can be made with fewer flaws and of higher uniformity. Besides, they are normally significantly cheaper than natural diamonds. Therefore, you have the same brilliance and durability of the product but at a much lower cost. Here at Lyra Jewels, we have a great variety of affordable lab grown diamonds that are as good as mined ones.

 

Key Differences Between Lab and Natural Diamonds

Now that we know what natural and lab diamonds are let us look at the real differences between the two.

Appearance: In as much as the physical appearance is concerned, there is a very slight difference between the lab grown and the natural diamonds. They are the same in terms of the brilliance, sparkle and fire. In fact, one would require a special microscope to distinguish between the two!
Origin: The main difference is their origin. Natural diamonds are synthesized in the earth’s crust and it takes billions of years for the formation of these diamonds. Lab diamonds, however, are grown in a laboratory and can take only a few weeks to be produced.
Chemical Composition: Lab and natural diamonds are both formed of carbon atoms in a crystalline lattice. This means they are equally tough and strong, or just as hard and as rigid as each other. So, when it comes to everyday wear and tear, there is no difference between them.

 

Environmental Concerns Surrounding Natural Diamond Mining

So, it is time to discuss environmental factors of the process. However, it can be said that natural diamonds have some drawbacks, one of which is the extraction of these stones. The extraction of diamonds requires the use of massive equipment that has the potential of polluting the environment in a big way.

Some of the social impacts associated with mining include the destruction of natural habitats, soil erosion, and water pollution. It can also interfere with local fauna and flora as well as with the communities living in the area. And let’s not forget about the carbon emissions. The mining equipment often used in diamond mining releases a lot of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which are known to cause climate change. This is actually something that you should consider if you are concerned about your impact on the environment when opting for natural or lab diamonds.

 

Benefits of Choosing Lab Diamonds

There are plenty of benefits to choosing a lab diamond, especially if you are concerned with the cost and the source of the diamond.

Affordability: One of the biggest advantages of lab diamonds is the price. They are normally 20-40% cheaper than natural diamonds of the same cut, color, and size. This means that for your given budget, you can be able to acquire a larger or even a higher quality stone.
Ethical Sourcing: Lab diamonds don’t come with the same ethical concerns that sometimes surround natural diamonds. There is no need to be concerned with issues such as conflict diamonds or human rights violations when you opt for a lab grown diamond. All the lab diamonds sold at Lyra Jewels are sourced in an ethical manner hence you do not have to worry.
Environmental Sustainability: Lab diamonds are much more environmentally friendly as opposed to natural diamonds. They do not involve mining hence no destruction of habitats or emissions of carbon from the use of machinery. Therefore, if sustainability is something that you consider, then lab diamonds are ideal for you.

 

Conclusion

So, there you have it! The choice between lab diamonds and natural diamonds comes down to your personal preferences, budget, and values. Both have their own unique appeal and offer stunning options for any occasion.

If you love the idea of owning a piece of Earth’s history, then a natural diamond might be right for you. But if you’re looking for a more affordable, ethical, and sustainable option, lab diamonds are definitely worth considering.

At Lyra Jewels, we’re here to help you find the perfect diamond for your needs, whether it’s a natural or lab-created one. Whatever you choose, you can be sure that you’re getting a beautiful, high-quality stone that will last a lifetime.

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