Everything You Need to Know About Natural (Earth- Mined) Diamonds vs. Lab Grown (Synthetic) Diamonds for Engagement Rings
Whether you’re embarking on the exciting journey of finding the perfect diamond for an engagement ring as research for yourself or your significant other, you’ll begin to realize the process can be quite daunting, due to the abundance of options. It is no secret that finding the best diamond that is the most suitable for you or your partner can be a substantial amount of pressure! Especially as the diamond market continues to change and man-made diamonds become increasingly popular, the decision to purchase a real diamond vs. a custom engineered diamond can be tricky. Luckily, Steadman’s Fine Jewelry experts have done the research for you to help you decide whether purchasing a natural diamond or a synthetic diamond, best known as a “lab grown diamond” is the best option for you.
What is a lab grown diamond?
According to an article from the Miadonna stone guide diamond education platform “lab created diamonds are pure crystallized carbon diamonds grown in a controlled laboratory environment. They have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as an earth-mined diamond.” In fact, they are graded on the same scale as earth-mined diamonds with the only distinction being where they were curated or and how they were made. One of the biggest conceptions about lab grown diamonds and what proponents of cultured diamonds (another word for lab grown diamonds) want you to understand is that although they are a man-made diamonds, they are very much considered to be real diamonds. Therefore, they should not be mistaken with or confused for a cubic zirconia, that take on diamond– like properties but contain no real diamond classifications and are substantially less expensive.(To find out more about the distinct comparisons between earth mined diamonds and lab created diamonds click here.)
What is the significance of natural diamond?
A real or authentic diamond, previously referred to as an earth- mined diamond, is considered to be the most exceptional and valuable stones in the world. To get technical with it, a “diamond is a rare, naturally-occurring mineral composed of carbon. Each carbon atom in a diamond is surrounded by four other carbon atoms and connected to them by strong covalent bonds,” according to an article on diamond composition by Hobart M. King, from geology.com. It is important to emphasize that the previously shared composition traits of a diamond represent the strongest known chemical bond. Hence, the significance and symbolism that a diamond represents in the lasting bond of an engagement or marriage. Due to its strong composition, a diamond is also extremely long lasting, paralleling the future of a lasting relationship, while also possessing unique properties that make it the world’s most valuable and popular gemstone.
What is the cost difference between an earth mined diamond and a synthetic diamond?
As you can see from Figure 1 above, a synthetic diamond price in comparison to a real diamond price is about 30% less. Deciding what is most important to you in terms of diamond size, diamond value, diamond authenticity, and diamond origin is going to be where you will want to start. If you value a larger diamond size and appearance, but you want to stay within a reasonable budget, a lab grown diamond may be the best way to achieve this desire. However, if you consider diamond rarity and value of a diamond over time to be the most important, an earth mined diamond is the way to go. Since lab grown diamonds are becoming increasingly popular for engagement rings, the accessibility will actually cause the value of the diamond to decrease over time.
The Final Verdict?
In terms of overall appearance and clarity, the same results can be achieved in a synthetic diamond that is found in a true diamond. In fact, it is actually easier to achieve the “perfect diamond” by purchasing a man-made diamond since it can be curated to your desired results in a matter of weeks. However, in our opinion there is something extremely special about knowing your diamond is not artificial or mass produced, consequently being the only version of that diamond that exists in the world. Much like the uniqueness and individuality of yourself or your partner, you want the diamond engagement ring that is worn for the rest of their lives to possess the same unique qualities.
According to Stephanie Gottlieb, fellow fine jewelry designer in NYC, comparing natural diamonds to lab created diamonds is “like comparing a homemade pie with something that was frozen and zapped in the microwave.” We can’t help but concur with this statement!
Want help with finding the best place to buy diamonds for an engagement ring? Click here.
