Lab-created diamonds are gems that have been artificially produced. They are not mined from the Earth like natural diamonds are. Instead, they are made in a laboratory using high-tech processes.
There are two main methods of producing lab-grown diamonds: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).
The HPHT method mimics the conditions of natural diamond formation within the Earth. This involves subjecting pure carbon to extreme pressures and temperatures until it crystallizes into a diamond structure.
In the CVD process, scientists inject a gas — typically methane — into a chamber and strike it with microwaves. This breaks down the molecules and causes carbon atoms to stick to a diamond seed crystal.
Despite being lab-created, these diamonds possess the same physical properties and appearance as their natural counterparts. So, it is no wonder that they are becoming increasingly popular.
However, there are both advantages and disadvantages of lab-created diamonds, as we shall see.
Three Advantages
Let’s begin by looking at three advantages of lab-grown diamonds.
1. Lab-Created Diamonds Are More Affordable Than Natural Diamonds
Lab-created diamonds shine brightly when it comes to cost-effectiveness. On average, they are around 20 to 30% less expensive than their Earth-mined counterparts.
This price difference can ease the financial burden, especially for people planning purchases such as engagement rings.
The lower price does not mean that you are compromising on quality either. With lab-grown diamonds, you still get a real diamond. It has just been created under controlled conditions rather than being extracted from the ground.
2. The Quality of Lab-Created Diamonds Is Consistent
Another advantage of lab-created diamonds has to do with quality control and consistency.
In a laboratory environment, scientists can regulate and monitor every step of the diamond-making process. This level of control ensures a consistently high-quality output, free from the unpredictable aspects found with natural diamond mining.
Furthermore, because lab-made diamonds are formed with advanced technology, they often exhibit fewer imperfections compared to those grown in nature.
So, if you value precision and consistency in your gem’s cut and clarity, lab-grown diamonds might be an excellent choice for you.
3. Lab-Created Diamonds Are More Eco-friendly Than Natural Diamonds
Vendors of lab-created diamonds often mention that one benefit is their sustainability and eco-friendliness. After all, lab-grown diamonds are not mined.
It is true that lab-grown diamonds are more eco-friendly options in comparison to natural diamonds.
However, are lab-created diamonds actually eco-friendly when not compared to naturally-formed diamonds? It is a complex question, but ultimately, lab-created diamonds are not very eco-friendly because the production involves large amounts of nonrenewable energy.
Having said that, they are still better for the environment than extracting natural diamonds.
Three Disadvantages
There are some disadvantages of lab-created diamonds. Here are three of the key ones.
1. Lab-Created Diamonds Have a Lower Resale Value
One disadvantage that lab-created diamonds have compared to mine is their lower resale value.
As they are easier and less costly to produce, they are not as rare or valued highly in the marketplace.
So, if you are considering buying a diamond as an investment, you may find it does not appreciate over time in the same way a mined diamond might.
2. There Is a Limited Size Range with Lab-Created Diamonds
While advancements have been made, one ongoing difficulty with lab-grown diamonds lies in achieving larger carat sizes.
Larger diamond growth can take longer and be more complex to achieve consistently within laboratory conditions. In contrast, nature creates a variety of sizes without this limitation.
So, if you want large stones, lab-grown diamonds might not be the best choice.
3. Lab-Created Diamonds Could Have Less Romantic Appeal
For centuries, natural diamonds have been treasured due to their romantic allure. After all, they have been formed over millions of years under intense heat and pressure in the Earth’s mantle.
Although lab-created diamonds hold identical physical properties, for some people they lack the natural history that is imbued with mystery and romance.