Lab Grown Diamond vs Mined Diamond
Are you looking to shop for some diamond jewelry but have a tight budget? Well, no worries. Over the years, lab-grown diamonds have become increasingly popular due to their price and similarities to mined diamonds. Now, what is the difference between the two? How do you even distinguish between them? In this article, find all there is to know about Lab Grown Diamond vs Mined Diamond and make an informed decision.
Brief Introduction – Lab Grown Diamond vs Mined Diamond
Getting a lab-grown diamond or a real mined diamond is a personal choice. However, if you follow sustainability and are looking for something blingy on a budget, then lab-grown diamonds are a great choice. Let us look at both of them briefly.
Lab Grown Diamond
As the name suggests, these diamonds are man-made in a laboratory using high temperatures. These lab-grown diamonds are grown in the same way that real diamonds grow. They start as carbon atoms that fuse together to form a solid structure. These “diamonds” are cut and polished for maximum brilliance. They are also available in a variety of colors and shapes.
Mined Diamonds
A mined diamond is one that is formed and found naturally deep below the earth’s surface. It is formed when carbon deposits are exposed to unusually high temperatures such as volcanic eruptions and other natural calamities. Natural diamonds contain a small amount of nitrogen in them. This is how gemologists identify the difference between a lab-grown diamond vs mined diamond.
Difference Between Lab Grown Diamond and Mined Diamond
The difference between a lab-grown diamond and a mined diamond is not visible to the naked eye. But both of them have their unique properties. Here is a table summarising their differences:
|
Basis |
Lab Grown Diamond |
Mined Diamond |
|
Origin |
Lab Grown Diamonds are grown in a laboratory in a controlled environment. |
Mined and excavated from the earth’s crust. |
|
Composition |
Pure Carbon |
Pure Carbon and some very little nitrogen. |
|
Brilliance |
High |
High |
|
Fire |
Very High |
Very High |
|
Colors |
Lab-grown diamonds are available in many different colors and sizes. |
Different colored mined diamonds are available but rare to find. |
|
Clarity |
These diamonds can have different levels of clarity but are usually without any flaws. |
Mined diamonds are prone to have some flaws and inclusions. |
|
Hardness |
10 on the Mohs Scale of hardness |
10 on the Mohs Scale of hardness. |
|
Affordability |
Lab-grown diamonds are 80% more affordable than real diamonds. |
Mined diamonds are expensive. |
|
Grades and certification |
Graded and tested using the same criteria as natural diamonds. |
Graded using the same criteria as lab-grown diamonds. |
|
Availability |
Widely available in the market. |
Mined diamonds are not that extensively available in the markets. |
|
Popularity |
Quite popular due to its affordable price and environmentally-conscious approach. |
Popular because of its rarity and status. |
|
Formation |
Each lab-grown diamond is unique but lacks the unprecedented history of natural diamonds. |
Every mined diamond is unique as it is formed under different geological conditions. |
Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes, lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. These man-made diamonds have the same physical and chemical properties. Both are made up of carbon, the only difference is the process of creation.
Although lab-grown diamonds are made in a laboratory, they have the same brilliance, hardness, and shine as real diamonds.
Why Lab Grown Diamonds Are Better Than Mined Diamonds?
Apart from the sustainability factor, Lab-grown diamonds are much cheaper than mined diamonds. This means that you can purchase more than one piece of jewelry with the same budget you intended to buy a diamond.
When it comes to appearance, there is little to no difference between the two. One cannot detect anything with the naked eye. As man-made diamonds are grown in a controlled environment, it abolishes issues like “Blood diamonds” and reduces the strain on the earth.
As mentioned above, lab-grown diamonds are graded and certified using the same princess as natural diamonds. Every grown diamond is sent to the lab, tested, and GIA-certified after using the 4C’s method. The only way to tell the difference between them is to read their grading report.
Resale Value of Lab-Grown Diamond vs Mined Diamond
Lab-grown diamonds have a lower resale value when compared to mined diamonds. This is because of the fact that they lack the rarity factor of real diamonds. Due to their higher availability and lower production cost, these diamonds have a lower resale value.
On the other hand, mined diamonds are incredibly rare which is a part of their appeal. They take billions of years to form under the earth’s crust. Mining diamonds is very dangerous and requires heavy-duty equipment which increases their price. This makes them hold their worth over time.
If you are primarily not focused on the resale value of the diamond, then a lab-grown diamond is a great alternative to consider.
Conclusion
The decision to buy a lab-grown diamond or a mined diamond depends completely on your preference and budget. Owning a mined diamond has its own charm and status. However, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option, then lab-grown diamonds can be a great alternative.
Because in the end, a lab-grown diamond is indistinguishable from a mined diamond is about all the ways. This makes it an ethical and more affordable option for the buyers.
Overall, neither diamond is “better” than the other. We hope after reading this detailed comparison of a lab grown diamond vs mined diamond, you make a sound choice.