When shopping for a diamond engagement ring or a diamond wedding band, most couples are faced with the dilemma of choosing between lab diamonds and natural diamonds. With sustainability, ethical sourcing, and affordability on top of people’s minds, lab-grown diamonds have become a great option for those seeking an alternative to mined diamonds.
What is a Lab-Grown Diamond?
A lab-grown diamond is exactly what it sounds like: a diamond that’s been created in a controlled laboratory setting. Scientists use advanced techniques like chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or high pressure high temperature (HPHT) to grow these diamonds.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?
Absolutely! Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They have the same sparkle, hardness, and overall beauty as natural diamonds. Both natural and lab-grown diamonds have the same physical and chemical properties. The only difference is the way they were formed. Natural diamonds are formed over millions of years under the Earth’s surface, while lab-grown diamonds are created in a matter of weeks in a lab.
Understanding the 4Cs
When it comes to quality, both lab-grown and natural diamonds are graded using the same 4Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) applies the same rigorous standards to both types of diamonds, ensuring you get a beautiful and high-quality stone whether it’s from underneath the Earth or grown in a lab.
Which diamond should you choose?
If you’re wondering how to pick out an engagement ring for her and can’t decide between a lab-grown and a natural diamond, it will ultimately depend on her personal preferences and values. Lab-grown diamonds are often less expensive than natural diamonds, so you might get that oval engagement ring in a topnotch quality cut or that near-flawless cushion-cut engagement ring if you choose the lab-grown route. Another thing to consider is that lab-grown diamonds are typically considered more sustainable and ethically sourced since they don’t involve mining. On the other hand, some people prefer natural diamonds for their history and the millions of years it took for them to form.
If you’re planning to have a custom engagement ring, lab-grown diamonds offer more flexibility than mined ones. Because they are created in a controlled environment, it’s easier to produce diamonds in a wide range of colors, sizes, and shapes. This means you might have more options to choose from if you’re looking for a unique or specific type of diamond. Natural diamonds are limited by what can be found in nature.
In the end, both lab-grown and natural diamonds offer stunning beauty and durability. Your choice should reflect what matters most to you. Whether you go for a lab-grown diamond or a natural one, you’re sure to end up with a dazzling gem that you’ll cherish forever.
Whatever you prefer, we’re here to help you make the right choice. Come visit our Houston showroom to explore our collection of stunning diamond engagement rings and diamond jewelry today, and our GIA specialist will help you find the one that speaks to you.
