7 Reasons to Choose Real Diamonds vs. Lab-Created Diamonds
Are lab-grown diamonds real? The answer is that a lab-grown diamond is a real diamond. Compared to mined stones, they’re just as beautiful. They have the same chemical and physical properties, features, clarity, color, and size grades and are certified.
At the same time, there is a significant difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds. While synthetic diamonds have flooded the market over the past several years and are cheaper than mined stones, they lack the sentimentality, rarity, and long-term value of natural diamonds.
The topic of lab-created diamonds vs. real diamonds is hotly debated. The information about a better choice can be confusing if you’re preparing to propose, considering upgrading your partner’s engagement ring, or creating custom anniversary jewelry. To help, here are our recommendations for comparing lab-grown diamonds and real diamonds.
1. Mass-Produced, Lab-Grown Diamonds Will Not Hold Their Value
For several reasons, the value of lab-produced diamonds depreciates over time, negatively impacting their resale value. Why? A critical difference between lab and real diamonds is that only a finite number of natural diamonds are available. Their relative scarcity means they retain their value over time compared to synthetic gems.
Instead, the creation of lab-grown diamonds uses cutting-edge technology to mass-produce synthetic stones. Since labs can make increasing amounts of gems on demand, there will always be a high supply of synthetic diamonds and nothing to maintain their future value. With technology always improving and diamond labs streamlining their processes, it becomes less expensive to produce synthetic gems. This growing ease can also decrease the value of these stones on the secondhand market.
2. A Rare and Natural Diamond Is More Sentimental Than a Lab Diamond
There is something special and alluring about wearing a singular diamond. A natural, mined diamond has a rarity factor that makes it more appealing than a mass-produced lab diamond. Knowing that the Earth produced a diamond over millions of years makes a real gemstone feel more sentimental and valuable than an imitation created in a sterile laboratory.
3. The Allure of Natural Diamonds
Every woman loves to feel special, and given a choice between a lab-grown vs. a natural diamond, most women would choose a mined stone every time. Why? Because wearing jewelry with a rare and alluring gem makes them feel special and unique. They feel they are worth the extra effort to find and polish the stone.
While lab-grown diamonds are made with carbon, the same element as real diamonds, many wearers believe synthetic lab diamonds are not real. So, when deciding between a lab-produced vs. natural diamond for an engagement ring, earring set, or necklace, a naturally grown gem may make your partner feel more appreciated and valued than a lab-created stone will.
4. Compared to Natural Diamonds, Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Less Eco-Friendly
You may think that lab-created diamonds are more eco-friendly as there’s no need to mine for the gems vs. natural stones. However, no evidence suggests that synthetic diamonds are more environmentally friendly. In contrast, every laboratory requires enormous energy to run its machines. Some labs also use potentially harmful gases such as methane to extract carbon and create their diamonds.
5. The Value of Lab-Grown Diamonds Has Already Dropped Significantly
Are lab-grown diamonds cheaper? They are. Since more well-funded corporations have entered the diamond-making process and synthetic diamonds are more readily available, their price has dropped significantly.
Lab-grown diamonds once cost approximately 20% less than natural diamonds. However, you can now find one for about 40%-60% cheaper than a mined diamond of the same grade and carat. That means that lab-created diamonds are real and affordable. However, while you may save money initially, you could lose out on resale value and insurance, and it could cost more to replace the gem if required.
6. Lab-Grown Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds: Gemologists Can Always Tell the Difference
When you have your diamond appraised, you won’t be able to fool a professional gemologist or insurer. You can’t tell the difference between a lab-created diamond vs. a real diamond with the naked eye. Still, a skilled jeweler can always identify them. JPratt Design’s professional jewelers can distinguish stones through different inclusion patterns and structures when using special equipment.
7. No Trade Value in a Lab Diamond vs. a Natural Stone
Most jewelers and consumers won’t buy back a synthetic diamond when companies consistently make new ones. Lab-grown diamonds have no resale value since nothing special, distinct, or rare makes the gem valuable. There’s also no market cap limiting the number of lab-created diamonds. However, everyone knows there is a finite number of genuine diamonds.
Enjoy the Beauty and Value of a Natural Cut Diamond With JPratt Designs
At JPratt Designs, natural gems will always win the lab-grown diamond vs. natural diamonds debate. We understand the beauty and value of naturally mined gems and have more than 30 years of experience in the jewelry industry. We offer high-quality services, including creating custom pieces, jewelry appraisals, repairs, and diamond brokering.
Our knowledgeable and skilled team can guide you through the diamond selection and answer any questions about lab-created diamonds vs. real gems. Contact JPratt Designs to make an appointment for a comprehensive consultation.