Diamonds are a symbol of love, but are these beautiful gems worth the high environmental and ethical costs? Despite their high price tags, lab-grown diamonds are more and more common in jewelry retailers.
They are made from carbon, the same material natural diamonds are comprised of. While they do have a lower resale value than mined lab grown diamonds Brisbane, they are still real and worth purchasing.
1. They’re More Affordable
Many consumers are avoiding traditional diamonds altogether. With their lower prices and guaranteed ethical sourcing, lab diamonds are a great alternative.
In fact, a lab grown diamond is actually more affordable than a natural diamond of the same quality. This is largely due to the reduced costs of production. Labor and energy expenses are significantly less for lab grown diamonds, so they can be sold at a fraction of the price.
Also, because they’re crafted without the environmental impacts of mining, they are considered more sustainable than their mined counterparts. While natural diamonds may be more durable than their lab-created counterparts, both rates a 10 on the Mohs scale and are difficult to chip. This is true for both HPHT and CVD produced diamonds.
2. They’re Eco-Friendly
Many millennials are conscious of their purchasing decisions, making sustainable choices a priority. Lab diamonds, which are a viable alternative to mined stones, meet this demand and are considered more eco-friendly than their natural counterparts.
This is partly because CVD diamonds and HPHT synthetic diamonds are derived from carbon, which makes them completely nitrogen-free, unlike natural diamonds. However, the Federal Trade Commission’s Green Guides discourage “broad, unqualified general environmental benefit claims,” so you should check that your lab diamond source is invested in reducing its energy footprint.
In contrast, mining diamonds has a major impact on the environment. The industry uses a lot of energy and has to disturb large tracts of land, leading to soil erosion and greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, diamond mining can fund rebel groups in war-torn countries.
3. They’re More Durable
While resale value isn’t the biggest consideration for everyone when purchasing diamond jewelry, some people may be worried about how durable their gem will be. Luckily, lab diamonds are just as durable as their naturally earth-mined counterparts.
They’re made from carbon, which is the same material natural diamonds are comprised of, and they rate a 10 on the Mohs scale. While they can’t be chipped like a real diamond, they can still get scratched over time and need to be protected.
Another plus is that reputable online retailers, like James Allen, offer a large variety of lab diamonds in every color and size imaginable. This means that no matter your preference, you can find a diamond to suit your budget. And who doesn’t want that?
4. They’re More Versatile
While it is important to note that lab diamonds will not have the same resale value as natural diamonds, they are an excellent alternative for those who want a high-quality, affordable option. The majority of lab diamonds look identical to natural diamonds to the naked eye, and only professional gemologists can tell them apart with magnification equipment.
This is why many people are opting for lab-created diamonds in their engagement rings and other pieces of jewelry. However, it is crucial to choose a trusted seller with a large inventory of lab-created diamonds like James Allen to avoid being ripped off by retailers who sell fakes. You can shop with confidence at our online jeweler. All of our lab grown diamonds are GIA certified and come with a certificate of authenticity.
5. They’re More Affordable
If resale value isn’t important, a lab diamond can save you money. This is because a natural diamond has a rarity factor that drives its resale value up, while a lab grown diamond does not have this advantage.
Lab diamonds are made in a factory setting by either HPHT or CVD, which replicate the exact conditions under which a diamond forms in nature. The end result is a diamond that is chemically, physically, and optically identical to one that was formed beneath the earth.
It’s impossible to tell the difference between a real and lab diamond with your naked eye, even as a trained gemologist. However, simulants like cubic zirconia and moissanite are easy to identify with specific equipment. This is because they are softer and have a rainbow sparkle that can be seen when light hits them.
6. They’re More Sustainable
Diamond mining is a destructive industry, but it also employs millions of people in some of the world’s poorest countries. While some environmental activists have urged these workers to switch careers, it’s difficult for them to do so when they are in need of income.
Lab-created diamonds are marketed as being more eco-friendly than natural ones. However, this is a difficult claim to substantiate. Some lab companies, such as the Leonardo DiCaprio backed Diamond Foundry in the US, make broad general environmental claims without evidence to back them up.
What’s more, some of the biggest diamond producers in Africa are responsible for the worst environmental damage in recent years. But, it’s unfair to blame all the problems in the diamond industry on these companies alone.
7. They’re More Eco-Friendly
Many people choose lab diamonds because they believe they are more environmentally-friendly than natural diamonds. The biggest reason given for this is that mining natural diamonds can cause environmental damage, including water pollution, air pollution, and even deforestation.
However, it’s important to note that the lab grown diamonds Sydney production of lab diamonds also requires a significant amount of energy. While this energy usage is different for each factory, it’s hard to say if lab diamonds are truly more sustainable than natural ones.
Conclusion
In addition, many companies have been warned by the Federal Trade Commission for making unsubstantiated claims that their diamonds are more eco-friendly than others. As a result, it’s critical to understand the differences between natural, lab, and conflict free diamonds before making your purchase.
