Pros and Cons of Lab-Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds

Whether you are shopping for an engagement ring, an elegant tennis bracelet, or a memorable pendant for someone special, you are likely to find yourself choosing between a lab-grown and a natural diamond.

Both options can make gorgeous jewelry pieces,  - and, at Luxury Diamonds, we carry both to match any style, preference, and budget. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of lab-grown diamonds vs natural diamonds to help you find just the right option.

What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Despite a popular misconception, lab-grown diamonds are not the same as imitation diamonds like moissanite or cubic zirconia. On the contrary, lab-grown, or man-made, diamonds are still diamonds, albeit artificially produced in a lab. Aside from their origin, lab-grown diamonds are completely identical to natural diamonds in appearance, chemical composition, and physical properties.

In other words, lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds inside-out, except that they have been grown in a lab.

How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made?

Man-made diamonds are created using diamond seeds obtained from pre-existing diamonds. The production process mimics the formation of naturally occurring diamonds, which form deep within the earth’s crust under heat and pressure over billions of years.

The good news is that lab-made diamonds don’t take as long to produce, - instead, they can be formed in a lab in only a matter of weeks.

Pros of Buying Lab-Grown Diamonds

Sparkly, budget-friendly, and sustainable, lab-grown diamonds continue to rise in popularity, and not without a reason. Here are some key pros of buying lab-grown diamonds vs natural diamonds.

• They are real diamonds. While there are more affordable stones that mimic diamonds, only lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical composition as natural ones. This means that man-made diamonds have the durability, opacity, and unparalleled sparkle of a natural stone.
• They are more affordable. Producing man-made diamonds in a lab is easier than discovering and mining natural ones. As a result, lab-grown diamonds can cost up to 30 to 50 percent less as compared to natural ones of the same size and clarity.
• They are sustainable. Lab-made diamonds are eco-friendly and conflict-free, as opposed to natural diamonds, which impact landscapes, environments, and communities.
• They come in a variety of options. Thanks to the ever-growing popularity of lab-made diamonds, you will see more jewelry options using this type of stone. At Luxury Diamonds, we carry a rich selection of jewelry embellished with stunning lab-grown diamonds, including earrings, tennis bracelets, engagement rings, pendants, and necklaces.

Cons of Buying Lab-Grown Diamonds

The only real disadvantage of buying a lab-grown diamond is that, unlike the natural alternative, man-made stones depreciate over time. More and more lab-grown diamonds are produced every day, and greater supply means lower value. As such, while you may pay less right now, you will not recover your investment should you decide to trade in your jewelry piece in the future.

Final Word: Should You Buy Lab-Grown or Natural Diamonds?

At the end of the day, you will have to weigh the pros and cons of lab-grown diamonds vs natural diamonds to determine which works best for you. If your budget is limited or you prefer to get more bang for your buck, lab-made diamonds offer an excellent alternative to natural ones. On the other hand, if you are searching for a meaningful piece that will appreciate over time, consider purchasing a natural diamond instead.

At Luxury Diamonds, we can help you make the right decision. Get in touch with us today to book a consultation.