Diamond necklaces have long been treasured additions to any jewelry collection. In fact, the global diamond market was valued at $100.4 billion in 2022, with projections indicating a rise to $155.5 billion by 2032, growing at a steady 4.5% annual rate from 2023. This highlights the increasing demand for these precious gemstones in the world of luxury and fashion.
But choosing between a lab-created and a mined one can be a nuanced decision. Each type of diamond—whether lab-created or mined—offers distinct advantages and drawbacks. It’s essential to evaluate these aspects carefully before purchasing to ensure lasting satisfaction and prevent future regrets.
In this post, we’ll explore the key differences between lab-grown and mined diamonds to help you determine which one aligns best with your preferences and budget.
We know – resisting the urge to indulge in a diamond necklace is not easy. But before you give in to that intense temptation, wait and survey that piece of jewelry closely. More than anything, tick off these 4Cs of diamond shopping to make sure you make the right pick:
Examine the cut of the diamond – check for any asymmetry in its shape and size. Any defect in the diamond’s cut means the gem doesn’t refract light properly and lacks high brilliance and fire.
The trademark of a superior-quality diamond is its colorless beauty. So, while shopping for it, go for the one that’s pale or has the least presence of hue in it.
Diamonds with inclusions are a big no-no. They look dull under the light and fail to let out a brilliant luster. So, make it a point to go for the ones that are flawless, without any blemishes or inclusions.
Finally, carat refers to a diamond’s size. There’s no such thing as the “right carat weight” – it’s a very personal choice and solely depends on how big of a diamond you want.
Telling apart a lab-grown diamond from a mined diamond is very difficult unless you always have a microscope on you. However, there are a few basic yet fundamental differences and signs that might hint at their origin:
As the name suggests, lab-grown diamonds are artificially created in a lab after a consistent toil of 10 weeks. A tiny diamond seed is exposed to a high temperature to produce diamond crystals. This method is called the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), and it’s the most popular technique for lab-creating diamonds.
On the other hand, mined diamonds are the ones that occur naturally. Such diamonds are extracted from the depths of the Earth and then go through a series of processes to finally become marketable.
Lab-grown diamonds mimic the qualities of a true diamond in a lot of ways. Their hardness, brilliance, fire, and durability are just as incredible as that of a mined diamond. However, they are more ethically sourced and fully conflict-free.
Mined diamonds score exceptionally on the quality meter. The superior-quality ones are sturdy, shiny, and incredibly flawless. Despite this, such diamonds are widely infamous for being unethical and unsustainable.
Lab-grown diamonds go easy on the pocket. Thanks to artificial production, there are no mining and sourcing costs involved. This means you can get the same size at half the cost while enjoying the brilliance and quality comparable to their mined counterparts.
In contrast, mined or natural diamonds carry a heftier price tag. This is attributed to the extensive mining processes involved and the inherent rarity of these naturally formed gems, factors that contribute to their premium valuation.
If you’re wavering between a mined and a lab-grown diamond necklace, and budget is a concern, here are five persuasive reasons to opt for the lab-grown option:
Don’t let the price tag deceive you – lab-grown diamonds are fantastic in every way! From looks to quality, they excel in every aspect. In fact, if you take proper care of them, they will easily last you an eternity. So, spend wisely – save the extra bucks to splurge on something else later.
A diamond necklace is versatile, and that’s no secret. Yet, we avoid wearing it too often for fear of ruining it. But that’s not the case with lab-grown diamonds. They are highly durable and, of course, super versatile. So whether it’s an office party or a wedding invite, feel free to pair your favorite lab-grown diamond necklace with any outfit without a fret.
Lab-grown diamonds are immaculate, internally and externally. Being produced in a controlled atmosphere, such diamonds have no significant environmental implications.
They leave no carbon footprint and cause no land disruption or pollution. Moreover, their ethical sourcing makes them conflict-free and “Earth-friendly.” What could be more sustainable than this?
One of the biggest pros associated with lab-grown diamonds is their certification. Unlike mined diamonds, lab-grown ones come with a quality certificate from a reputed gemological laboratory. This helps trace their true origin and gives valuable insights into their quality. So, purchasing a lab-grown diamond necklace means getting nothing precisely what you paid for.
Whether you’re planning to buy a diamond necklace or a ring, the certification of lab-grown diamonds offers unmatched transparency.
Believe it or not, in 2022, more than a third of all studded engagement rings sold in the US were lab-created. That’s how much lab-grown diamond jewelry pieces have soared in popularity in recent years. And why not? Talk of any design, style, or occasion – lab-grown diamond necklaces beautifully fit every need. Fashion on a budget? Totally!
Diamonds exude timeless beauty. But while purchasing them, it’s important to consider both their origin and impact. Whether you lean towards the allure of a mined diamond or the modern appeal of a lab-grown one, always make an informed decision.
If you are on the lookout for chic and classy necklace designs that enhance your aura, visit our collection at La Joya. Browse our top-quality, lab-grown diamond jewelry collection, and make your pick now!
On the surface, lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds look very similar. The actual difference lies in their formation. While lab-grown diamonds are developed artificially in a lab, mined ones occur naturally inside the Earth.
It’s difficult to distinguish between a lab-grown diamond and a natural diamond with the naked eye. Gemological testing is the best resort for determining whether a diamond is lab-grown or natural.
Lab-grown diamonds are produced in a controlled environment. This means there’s no mining cost involved in their manufacturing. Thus, they tend to be more affordable than mined diamonds.
Yes, lab-grown diamonds are a much more sustainable pick than mined diamonds. As these diamonds are produced inside a lab, they have fewer adverse environmental impacts.
With proper care, a lab-grown diamond can last you just as long as a natural one does. Typically, these diamonds look impeccable for at least ten years.
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