Lab diamonds are better. Better for people, better for the earth, and better for your wallet. It might seem like a bold statement, but it’s true, there are several benefits to choosing lab grown diamonds over their mined counterparts.
Ever wondered why lab grown diamonds are better than their mined counterparts? In this blog, we’ll dive deep into four of the main reasons why buying lab grown diamonds is the way to go. If you have always wondered why you should buy lab grown diamonds, our experts are here to help. You’ll learn how lab diamonds are made and where to buy them as well as why lab created diamonds are better for our planet and the people who live here.
What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?
By now you might be curious as to what lab diamonds are and how they’re made. Lab diamonds are real diamonds. They’re exactly the same as their mined counterparts down to their optical, physical, and chemical properties. Lab diamonds are just as strong as and sparkle just as brilliantly as a natural diamond, but there’s one difference between the two – lab diamonds are not associated with the unethical practices that are inherent with naturally mined diamonds.
How Are Lab Diamonds Made?
Lab diamonds are created in one of two ways – Chemical Vapor Deposition(CVD) or High Pressure High Temperature(HPHT).
Using the CVD method, a diamond seed crystal is inserted into a vacuum chamber where it is exposed to natural gas such as methane. The seed then breaks down into carbon atoms which accumulate on the crystal, eventually forming a diamond. Throughout the duration of the process, the diamond seed crystal is exposed to high pressures and high temperatures in order to mimic the process that natural diamonds experience within the earth’s crust.
The HPHT method is similar to the CVD method. First, a diamond seed is placed into a pure carbon source like diamond powder or graphite where it is then exposed to extreme pressure and temperatures. As the carbon begins to melt, a diamond forms around the carbon seed. From here, the substance is left to cool before it is cut, polished, and set.
How Are Lab Diamonds Made?
So, you know that lab diamonds are real diamonds, but did you know that there are also several benefits of choosing lab diamonds over natural diamonds? Below we’ll outline four major benefits of lab grown gems to help you decide if they’re the right fit for you and your diamond engagement ring or fine jewelry piece.
Lab Diamonds Cost Less
Let’s be honest, the number one thing on everyone’s mind when shopping for luxury items is price. Here’s the good news, lab grown diamonds are far more affordable than mined diamonds. In fact, a lab grown diamond can cost up to 80% less than a natural diamond of similar quality and carat weight. Those are huge savings.
With that in mind, many people love lab diamonds because they offer the ability to go bigger. When you’re saving up to 80% amping up your carat weight or going for your dream engagement ring setting becomes more attainable. Alternatively, keep it simple and use those savings towards the wedding, honeymoon, or home of your dreams.
Lab Diamonds Don’t Exploit Workers
From blood diamonds used to fuel conflict in war-torn countries to the inhumane working conditions endured by diamond miners, the diamond industry is infamous. And its bad behavior has not gone unnoticed by consumers.
The truth is, most shoppers don’t want the gemstone that they most associate with their love and devotion to their partner to have ties to human suffering. Luckily, there are more choices now than ever for shoppers looking for a lab created diamond or a diamond alternative.
Unlike a mined diamond, the origin of a lab grown stone is always known. You can easily trace a lab diamond back to its source. The same cannot always be said for naturally mined diamonds where the origin can be muddied or completely unknown.
You can rest easy knowing that your lab created diamond is conflict-free and that no human suffering went into its creation.
Lab Diamonds Are Better for the Environment
Diamond mines are massive. Seriously, Canada’s Diavik Diamond Mine is so huge that it can be seen from space. Considering this, it’s not hard to imagine how impressive mining’s environmental impact has been on our planet.
What’s more, diamond mining can have devastating effects on wildlife habitats, fragile ecosystems, and local communities. According to the US Geological Survey, “The average stone in an engagement ring is the product of the removal of 200 to 400 million times its volume of Earth.” Pair this with the toxic “tailing ponds” used to store waste rock and the result is a cesspool of contaminated liquids that seep into the groundwater, killing the creatures that depend on it to survive.
Diamond Nexus said the following about mining’s far-reaching impact on wildlife habitats, “The removal of millions of tons of rock, and the contamination of water supplies have far-reaching effects on wildlife habitats surrounding diamond mines. In Zimbabwe, waste from diamond mine tailing has polluted the Odzi and Save rivers, where animals who drink from the river lose their fur and die. In Namaqualand, a region in South Africa and Nambia, a full 65% of the coastline has been mined for diamonds. This coastline is home to coastal bird species and endemic flowers, animals, and insects.”
And if that isn’t shocking enough, in 2021 the Better Diamond Initiative found that the electricity used to mine diamonds could power 1 million U.S. households for an entire year.
Considering all this, it’s easy to see why lab created diamonds are the more eco-friendly choice. Lab diamonds are created in a controlled environment and cause little to no harm to the surrounding landscape.
Lab Diamonds Are Heirloom Quality
Here’s the thing about diamonds, companies like De Beers want you to believe that they’re valuable and rare. Unfortunately, that’s just not the case. Diamonds are unique in that they’re the hardest material found on earth. Other than that, there’s nothing special about them. The International Gem Society(IGS) puts it this way, “Diamonds actually number among the most common gems. Ask yourself this: “How many people do you know who own at least one diamond?” Now, ask this question about other gems, like rubies, sapphires, or emeralds.”
Diamonds aren’t a good investment, and you shouldn’t expect them to retain their monetary value. That being said, people still love diamonds for the sentimental value that they hold. Over time the diamond has become the worldwide symbol of lasting love and it remains one of the most coveted gems on the market.
Now, here’s the good news. A quality lab grown diamond is guaranteed to last a lifetime. Lab grown diamonds are strong and durable, meaning that they can be passed on from generation to generation and enjoyed for years to come.
Lab Diamonds Are Heirloom Quality
Thanks to increased popularity, buying the lab diamond of your dreams is easier than ever. And a quick search for online retailers or local brick-and-mortar jewelers is sure to yield endless results. To help narrow things down, take time to do your research to ensure that you’re buying from a reputable jeweler. Why not start your adventure by browsing 12FIFTEEN Diamonds’ wide selection of lab grown diamond engagement rings and fine jewelry today.