What are Lab-Created Diamonds?
While a natural diamond is formed over a long period of time from high pressure and temperature in the ground, a lab diamond, also called a created diamond or synthetic diamond, is a diamond that is created in a lab through one of two processes. The two processes are CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition), and HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature). It doesn’t matter too much which of these two processes are used because the diamonds they create are nearly identical. It’s important to note that a lab diamond shares the same substance as a natural diamond, meaning that they are chemically the same, and have all the same properties like hardness. One way that HTHP and CVD diamonds are different is how much nitrogen is present and how it can appear in a diamond. However, only a trained gemologist would be able to tell them apart using special equipment.
Why People Choose Lab-Created Diamonds
There are many reasons someone might choose to buy a lab-created diamond over a natural diamond. Starting off, lab-created diamonds are always conflict-free, meaning the profits are not used to fund wars. Since lab diamonds come from a lab, it is extremely easy to track every step of the buying process to ensure they do not support hostility. Another great reason to buy a lab diamond is because they are more environmentally friendly. Mining for natural diamonds is extremely destructive for the environment. Even though lab diamond creation uses lots of electricity, it has nowhere near the environmental impact. Lastly, I think one of the most enticing reasons someone will choose a lab diamond is the price. Lab diamonds on average are one-third the cost of a similarly graded natural diamond so your money goes a lot farther.
Why People Choose Natural Diamonds
At this point, lab diamonds are probably sounding pretty good but let's talk about why some people prefer natural diamonds. A lot of people see diamonds as an investment and choose to buy natural diamonds because they have a higher resale value. Another reason to go natural is many people just plain prefer it. For some, it’s a big selling point that the diamond was created naturally in the earth. Natural diamonds are also a finite resource. This makes them far more rare than lab diamonds.
At the end of the day, you can’t choose wrong. Whether you decide on a natural diamond or a lab diamond, you will still be the owner of a beautiful stone. If you are buying for someone else or shopping around for an engagement ring, it's important to put out feelers to see what kind they would prefer. While some people don't care whether they have a lab or natural diamond, some have a preference. If you have any questions or need help picking out your next piece of jewelry, remember that the Lola Ade team is only an email away!