Lab-grown vs. natural diamonds: Which is best?

Diamonds are a lady's dearest companion - and a man's most important decision when it comes to getting married! However, demand for ethically obtained jewels has recently grown, leading to increased interest in lab-grown precious stones. As per reports, up to 75% of jewel mines in Africa are connected to local armies, gangs or abusive systems, so it’s not a surprise that concerns have been raised about the ethics of the precious stone mining industry. By buying lab-created jewels, purchasers can get all the radiance and sparkle they want from a precious stone which being assured  their gemstone is conflict-free

However, it might surprise you to hear that lab-made diamonds are not an new idea developed to meet the interest for ethically obtained gems. They were first created in 1954 by General Electric and became well known during the 1970s.

So, what are lab-created diamonds, and how do they measure up to regular precious stones?

What are lab-created diamonds?

Lab-created diamonds are made in a lab, obviously, using  a progression of innovative cycles to reproduce the circumstances under which regular jewels are created. High strain, intensity and carbon produce diamonds with an indistinguishable substance compared to those shaped normally over centuries - but in a fraction of the time (7-10 days for a 1-carat jewel). Isn’t science amazing?!

Along these lines, lab-developed diamonds offer a similar glimmer, shine and fire to what you would anticipate from a normal jewel. To the bare or undeveloped eye, a lab-created jewel and its natural counterpart are unclear. Indeed, even a specialist requires expert hardware to detect the distinction.

Are lab-created diamonds cheaper than regular jewels?

Take a wild guess! Of course, the natural version is more expensive than the lab-produced version of an equivalent quality and size.  

Are lab-created diamonds impeccable?

It makes sense that lab-developed precious stones would be perfect. However, because they are made in the same circumstances as a natural stone, they may have the same flaws, making them just as unique and beautiful. They are real jewels, after all, just made in different conditions, and they are assessed, reviewed and verified with the same demanding guidelines.

Is cubic zirconia a lab-created diamond?

That is a HARD No. Cubic zirconia is an artificial mineral made of zirconium dioxide. It ertainly can look like a diamond, but unlike a lab diamond, it doesn’t have the same substance and properties as a natural stone. Manufactured jewels don't show the same shimmer, glimmer and fire as precious stones and can ordinarily be recognized apart from lab-developed and regular jewels by an expert eye.

Will a lab-created diamond keep going up in value like a natural stone?

This is a great question. All things considered, assuming you're searching for an investment piece, it's actually worth noting that the difference between the resale worth of lab-developed jewels is more extensive than that of the first price tag. However, in the event that you're purchasing a precious stone just for its looks, you'll get more for your money by picking lab-made over natural.

Are lab-created diamonds the best way to guarantee ethically made stones?

Certainly not! The push for ethical precious stones is anything but another trend. In 2003, the Kimberley Process was created as a global drive to tackle the issue of danger in the diamond market. The joint drive has more than 50 members, including Canada. Canada likewise has its own rigid checking process which surpasses the prerequisites of the Kimberley Process. Canadian diamonds are completely checked by an administration framework to ensure they are 100 percent Canadian in the beginning - that implies mined, cut, and cleaned in Canada. So, you can still get a natural diamond that has been guaranteed as conflict-free.

All in all, would it be advisable for me to pick a regular diamond or lab-created?

At the end of the day it’s up to your own discretion. Of course, there’s no question that a classic diamond shaped over many years and harvested from the earth carries with it a certain specialness. Natural diamonds are a joy to receive and own, with the knowledge that something shaped by the earth is in your possession, and will last your whole life and beyond.

Of course, a lab-grown diamond will have a similar lifespan but may not bring with it the same feeling. If that feeling is really important to you, follow your heart, but if ethical jewels are your biggest priority, go with the lab version.

After all, unless you’re an expert with the right tools, nobody will be able to tell whether your diamond is lab-grown or natural. For the beautiful shimmer and sparkle of a diamond, both jewels will do.

If the cost is also an important factor for you, a lab-grown diamond is probably the best bet. You may even be able to get a bigger, nicer diamond, getting more bling for your buck!

Whichever you pick, there is no question that you are purchasing a legacy. This piece of jewelry will be passed down from generation to generation. Each piece of precious gems recounts its own story. When you decide to pass on your own jewels, you continue your story in the lives of your young ones. Think of this when you choose your diamond, and pick the one whose legacy you want to carry on as a representation of you and your loved ones.