Lab-grown diamonds are becoming more popular, especially as people look for sustainable and ethical options in jewellery. But there’s still a lot of confusion surrounding them. Are they real? Do they last? Here, we’re debunking five common myths about lab-grown diamonds to help you make an informed choice when shopping for diamond jewellery.
Lab-Grown Diamonds Aren’t “Real” Diamonds
This is one of the biggest myths. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds—chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. They’re created using either high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes, both of which follow the natural conditions that form diamonds within the earth. The Federal Trade Commission recognizes them as genuine diamonds, reinforcing that there’s no difference in hardness, sparkle, or chemical makeup between lab-grown and mined diamonds.
Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Cheap
While lab-grown diamonds generally cost less than mined diamonds—often 30% to 60% less—they aren’t exactly “cheap.” The reduced price stems from the lack of mining costs and fewer middlemen, not from lower quality. A one-carat lab-grown diamond can still cost thousands of dollars, and its value is directly tied to the four Cs: cut, clarity, carat, and color. With lab-grown diamonds, you can often get a larger or higher quality diamond for the same budget, but they’re certainly not “budget” stones.
Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Always Flawless
Just like mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds can have imperfections, such as inclusions or tiny surface blemishes. While scientists can control some conditions in the lab, they can’t eliminate all variables that impact a diamond’s clarity. Many lab-grown diamonds actually have fewer flaws than their mined counterparts due to the controlled environment, but it’s a myth that they’re all flawless. High-quality lab-grown diamonds, like those used in lab-grown diamond jewellery, undergo the same grading process as mined ones and are assessed based on the 4Cs.
You Can Tell Lab-Grown Diamonds Apart from Mined Diamonds
Visually, there’s no way to distinguish lab-grown diamonds from mined diamonds without special equipment. Both types of diamonds have the same shine, brilliance, and optical properties. Only testing machines can identify the origin of a diamond with any certainty, and most people, even jewelers, cannot tell the difference just by looking. In fact, lab-grown diamonds offer all the shine of mined diamonds at a more affordable price, which makes them an appealing choice for engagement rings and other diamond jewellery.
Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Harmful to the Environment
Lab-grown diamonds are generally considered more eco-friendly than mined diamonds. Mining can lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and significant carbon emissions, often harming ecosystems in the process. Creating diamonds in a lab does require energy, but many facilities are adopting renewable energy sources to minimize their carbon footprint. Lab-grown diamonds are also free from the ethical concerns linked to “blood diamonds” or conflict diamonds, making them an attractive option for those prioritizing sustainability and ethics.
In conclusion, lab-grown diamonds are an ethical, affordable, and sustainable option for diamond lovers. With the same sparkle and beauty as mined diamonds, they’re an excellent choice for those looking to invest in lab-grown diamond jewellery without the environmental or ethical concerns of traditional mining.
FAQs
Q1: What is a lab-grown diamond?
A lab-grown diamond is a diamond that is produced in a controlled laboratory setting using processes like HPHT or CVD. It is chemically, physically, and optically the same as a mined diamond.
Q2: How durable are lab-grown diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are as durable as mined diamonds, both scoring a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning they can last a lifetime.
Q3: Can lab-grown diamonds be used for engagement rings?
Absolutely! Many people choose lab-grown diamonds for engagement rings because they offer the same beauty and brilliance as mined diamonds at a more accessible price.
Q4: Does lab-grown diamond jewellery retain its value?
Lab-grown diamonds are typically valued based on their quality and the 4Cs. However, like mined diamonds, they may not retain or appreciate in value over time, especially as they’re relatively new to the market.
