Debunking The Common Myths About Lab-Created Diamonds

Photo by The Glorious Studio

When you begin your search for the perfect engagement ring, you will quickly come across lab-grown diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds, an alternative to natural diamonds mined from the earth, are shaking up the industry due to their sustainability and cheaper cost. 

In most cases, lab diamonds are priced 15% to 30% lower than mined diamonds. 

Many couples are going for lab-grown diamond engagement rings often due to the lower cost. As with any major investment, it’s vital that you have the right information to make an educated choice.

This article clarifies the myths surrounding lab-grown diamonds and how they compare to their natural counterparts. Keep reading: 

Myth 1: Lab-grown diamonds aren’t real diamonds

You should know that lab-grown diamonds are unquestionably real diamonds. Scientists grow them in lab conditions that mimic natural processes. 

This means that lab-grown diamonds have the same physical, atomical, and chemical properties as the mined diamonds. They only differ in their origin. 

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) considers engagement rings with lab and mined diamonds to be real. The FTC defines a diamond as “a mineral consisting of pure carbon that has been crystallized in the isometric system,” thus whether mined or made in the laboratory, diamonds share the same chemical composition and they are considered as real. 

Myth 2: Lab-grown diamonds change their color over time

You know that lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical composition as natural diamonds and are identical in every manner except origin. 

Due to this fact, you can be sure that high-quality lab diamond engagement rings will not change their look over time. Like natural diamonds, they will not fade, change color, or become hazy. 

While this is the case, you should note that when it comes to diamond color, both natural and lab-grown diamonds are valued based on how close they are to colorlessness; the less color, the greater the value. 

This means that when you are in the market, you will come across different diamonds that vary in hue. The cool thing is that this happens regardless of whether the diamond is made in a lab or mined from the earth.

Myth 3: Lab-grown diamond is harmful to the environment

Since lab-grown diamonds are made from energy, there is a perception that they harm the environment. 

While some companies use plenty of energy to make them, some use solar energy, making the process environmentally friendly. 

Even for companies that use plenty of energy to make amends, the process is still less harmful than traditional mining.

Every diamond mined requires the movement of several tons of dirt, the usage of fossil fuels, and so on. As you can tell, diamond mining is one of the most environmentally harmful activities imaginable.

If you are environmentally conscious and would love to conserve the environment, you should do your due diligence when purchasing and always ensure that you buy from a company keen on keeping the environment as clean as possible. 

Myth 4: Lab-grown diamonds are inferior in quality

Lab-created diamonds, like real diamonds, grow in the presence of carbon, heat, and high pressure. Lab-grown diamonds, like mined diamonds, exhibit natural, distinct variations in color and clarity. 

These distinguishing features are what make each diamond unique. The polished diamonds are evaluated on the same scale as mined diamonds, known as the 4C’s, and a certificate is issued indicating their specific cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.

Lab-grown diamonds are also known as sustainable diamonds, however they should not be mistaken with synthetic or simulated diamonds. 

Diamond substitutes, such as cubic zirconia, are not actual diamonds since they lack lab or natural diamonds’ optical and molecular qualities.

In summary, lab-grown diamonds aren’t in any way inferior to their earth-mined counterparts. 

Myth 5: Lab-grown diamond lacks the brilliance and sparkle found in mined diamond

Because lab-made diamonds are identical to naturally grown diamonds, they possess the same stunning visual characteristics and chemical composition that make them the hardest substance on the planet. In fact, looking at the two, you’d never tell they came from different places. 

Of the four Cs that determine diamond quality, cut is the most important factor in determining how well a diamond interacts with light. 

Cut relates to how effectively the stone is faceted, proportioned, and polished, and it applies to both natural and lab-grown diamonds.

To achieve the highest level of glitter, search for diamond shapes, settings, and ring styles that maximize shimmer and shine. You should note that this can be naturally mined or lab-manufactured diamond. 

You should always take your time to compare the different diamond pieces and always go for the highest quality ones with the right glitter that you are after. 

Parting shot

Lab-grown diamonds are a fascinating phenomenon in the jewelry industry, providing a new and unique way to manufacture and enjoy diamonds. 

While this is the case, they are surrounded by several myths and misconceptions, which can misinform and mislead customers. 

Thankfully, we have debunked some of the most frequent fallacies and disclosed the truth regarding lab-grown diamonds, allowing you to have a greater knowledge and respect for them.

Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds; they are environmentally friendly and are vital in supplementing the mined diamond. 

It’s not a doubt that lab-grown diamonds are an impressive and valuable addition to the diamond industry, and they need to be recognized and respected. 

When buying the pieces, you should take your time and ensure you buy from a reputable store. This way, you are sure that you are buying high-quality units that will give you the peace of mind you are after. 

If you are conscious of the environment, as mentioned above, you should get to know how the diamonds are made. You should buy only from a company that uses green energy to make the diamonds. 

No two diamonds are made the same, so you should be ultra-cautious when making the purchase and always ensure that you buy from a company with a known reputation for making only high-quality units.