Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds: What’s the Real Difference?

Buying an engagement ring can be a culminating, once-in-a-lifetime experience. As you begin your search for the perfect symbol of your love, you have some important choices to make. Among the first on that list may be considering lab-grown vs. natural diamonds. Before you make up your mind, it’s important to understand the difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds. We’ve gathered the facts conveniently in one place to help make that decision easier for you. 

Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real?

One of the first questions that probably pops into your mind when you hear the term lab-grown diamonds is are they real? The answer is yes! Lab-grown diamonds are absolutely real. Lab-grown diamonds have the exact same chemical composition and makeup as their natural counterparts. These eco-friendly alternatives are measured in carats and graded on their clarity, cut, and color, the same as mined diamonds. The only difference between lab-grown vs. natural diamonds is their origin. A lab-grown diamond engagement ring has the same durability, brilliance, and sparkle as a natural one but without all of the negative impacts of mining!

How Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Made

Scientists use high-tech growth chambers and carbon seed crystals to replicate the same growth process that occurs for natural diamonds underground. What takes the earth millions of years to create can be replicated in a lab over the course of a few months. Then, the rough crystals are cut and polished the same way that their natural counterparts are.

Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds: The Price

One of the most attractive differences between lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds is the price. Lab-grown diamonds cost significantly less than mined diamonds. The main reason mined diamonds are so much more expensive is that mining operations are very expensive to run, and big diamond producers control the number of diamonds in the market at any given time. Hundreds of tons of earth are displaced to source a single diamond! When considering lab-grown vs. natural diamonds, it’s compelling to realize that by purchasing a lab-grown diamond engagement ring, you can get a bigger, higher-quality diamond for the same price. And by saving money on the engagement ring, you can also afford more elaborate wedding bands if you want them.

The Ugly Truth About Diamond Mining

Diamond mining comes with a dark history and dangerous present full of harmful humanitarian and environmental implications, such as:

• Funding of conflict and war
• Dangerous working conditions
• Child labor
• Low wages
• Soil erosion from mining
• Deforestation
• Damaged ecosystems
• Harm to indigenous peoples
• High fossil fuel consumption and emissions

It’s hard to value something that comes at such a heavy price. 

Ethical Diamond Jewelry

The question of lab-grown vs. natural diamonds goes far beyond picking a pretty ring. An engagement ring is something to be cherished and passed down for generations to come. The question is, what kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? At Taylor Custom Rings, we want to help you choose or create a ring that reflects your generous love and that you will be proud to wear, treasure, and pass down to future generations. We’re passionate about helping our clients find the perfect ring to tell their stories. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions you might have or to get started designing your own lab-grown diamond ring.