With their lower prices and less environmental impact, lab-created diamonds have become the go-to for a more sustainable engagement ring.
While it’s positive that they don’t impact the environment as much as mined diamonds, the process also requires energy. This can have a substantial environmental impact if the energy source is dirty.
They’re More Affordable
Lab-created diamonds are a great option if you’re looking to save money on your diamond jewelry purchase. They can cost as much as 50% less than naturally mined diamonds.
Aside from being less expensive, they look just like natural ones. They even have the same inclusions and luster and can emit fluorescence.
But lab created diamonds will hold their value less than a natural ones, so if you’re shopping for an investment piece, it’s best to stick with a traditionally mined diamond.
It’s also worth noting that many diamond grading agencies still grade lab-grown diamonds using the same scales as naturally-mined ones.
In addition, they’re also more environmentally friendly than their mined counterparts. While mining is energy-intensive, lab-growing uses renewable energy, which results in lower carbon emissions.
While a lab-grown diamond isn’t a perfect solution, it’s an excellent option for those who want to maximize their budget without sacrificing quality or style. And for those who want to make a more ethical purchase, many brands offer lab-created diamonds sourced from ethical mines, ensuring fair wages and no human rights violations.
They’re More Available
Lab-created diamonds are less expensive and more readily available than naturally mined diamonds. This is due to economies of scale and innovation.
They are also more durable and eco-friendly. They consume less water and emit significantly lower amounts of carbon dioxide than their mined counterparts.
These benefits make lab-created diamonds appealing to consumers looking to support environmentally-conscious companies and businesses while wearing beautiful jewelry. As a result, we’ve seen the popularity of lab-created diamonds grow dramatically in recent years.
When shopping for a lab-created diamond, the first step is to decide what shape and size you want for your center stone. We suggest starting with a round cut and narrowing the specs to fit your budget and style preferences.
They’re More Durable
The difference between a lab-created diamond and a naturally mined one is that the former was grown inside a lab rather than deep in the earth. This allows them to be far more durable than natural diamonds.
Creating a lab-created diamond involves using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. In this process, a tiny diamond seed is placed in a chamber filled with carbon-rich gases heated to the right temperature.
When the gas is heated, it creates layers of carbon on the seed crystal. This carbon adheres to the seed crystal, slowly forming a square diamond.
As a result, the diamonds are ten times harder than mined diamonds. They also have a higher purity rating.
They’re more durable than glass and other synthetic diamond alternatives, often prone to chipping with wear.
However, they’re not a replacement for a natural diamond. If resale value is essential, consider still opting for a natural diamond.
They’re More Eco-Friendly
Lab-created diamonds are gaining popularity in the consumer market because of their eco-friendly attributes. They are considered a sustainable alternative to natural diamonds, and they’re quickly becoming the choice for price-conscious young consumers concerned about the environment and the mined diamond industry.
However, there are some pitfalls to be aware of when choosing a lab-created diamond. First, it needs to be clarified which energy source was used to create the diamond.
Electricity is a huge part of the production process, and it’s often produced using fossil fuels, which have a negative impact on the environment. This is why choosing a lab-created diamond that uses renewable energy instead of fossil fuels is essential.
Another thing to consider is the chemicals and minerals used in production. If the chemicals and metals are relatively abundant, they will have a much smaller impact on the environment than those that are rare or hard to find.
There’s no denying that lab-created diamonds are more eco-friendly than naturally mined ones, but you must be careful when choosing the right one. The best way to do that is to only buy from a jeweler willing to be transparent about the origin of your gem and its sustainability.
They’re More Socially Responsible
As a result of rising awareness of the adverse effects of diamond mining, consumers are becoming more interested in how their purchases are sourced. They want to know that their products are being made with a minimum impact on the environment and that their purchases support fair labor practices.
Lab-created diamonds are a great way to get the most out of your jewelry purchase without compromising ethics. Skilled, fairly compensated workers create them in a laboratory under controlled conditions.
They’re also not associated with the same social and environmental risks as natural diamonds. This makes them a more responsible and ethical choice for consumers concerned about their purchasing decisions’ impact on the environment and society.
The diamond industry has taken a heavy toll on the environment. In addition to land erosion and deforestation, mining requires significant amounts of water, chemicals, and energy. Plus, diamond mining releases carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
