7 Reasons to Choose Real Diamonds vs. Lab-Created Diamonds
The topic of lab-created diamonds vs. real diamonds remains hotly debated, and the information about which is a better choice can be confusing. While synthetic diamonds have flooded the market over the past several years and provided a cheaper alternative to mined diamonds, they lack the sentimentality, rarity, and value of natural diamonds in the long run.
If you’re preparing to propose, thinking about upgrading your wife’s engagement ring or creating custom anniversary jewelry, consider why we recommend avoiding diamonds grown in a lab and opting for investing in an authentic natural cut diamond.
A Mass Produced Diamond Will Never Hold its Value
For several reasons, the value of lab-produced diamonds depreciates over time, negatively impacting its resale value. There’s only a finite number of natural diamonds available, so they will retain their value over time, which is not the case with synthetic gems. As we described in our previous post about lab-grown diamonds, artificial gem labs use cutting-edge technology to mass produce synthetic diamonds.
Since labs can make more and more stones on demand, there will always be a high supply of synthetic diamonds and nothing to maintain their future value. Technology is always improving, and as diamond labs streamline their processes, it becomes less expensive to produce synthetic gems, which can also decrease the value of these stones on the secondhand market.
Rare and Natural Diamonds Will Have More Sentimentality
There is something special and alluring about wearing a singular diamond. A naturally mined diamond has a rarity factor that makes it more appealing than a mass-produced imitation. Knowing that the earth produced a diamond over millions of years makes a real gemstone feel more sentimental and valuable than one whipped up in a sterile laboratory.
Women Love the Allure of a Natural Diamond
Every woman loves to feel special, and given a choice between a lab-grown or mined diamond, most women would choose a natural stone every time. Why? Because wearing jewelry with a rare and alluring gem makes them feel special and unique — as if they are worth the extra effort it takes to find and polish the stone.
While lab-created diamonds are made with carbon, the same element as a mined diamond, most women believe synthetic gems are not real. An engagement ring, earring, or necklace with a naturally grown gem will make your fiancé or wife feel more appreciated and valued than a lab-created stone.
Lab-Created Diamonds Are Not Eco-Friendly
You may think that lab-created diamonds are more eco-friendly, as there is no need to mine for the gems. However, no evidence suggests synthetic diamonds are more environmentally friendly, as every laboratory still requires enormous energy to run its machines. Some labs also use potentially harmful gasses such as methane to extract carbon and create their diamonds.
The Value of Lab-Created Diamonds Has Already Dropped Significantly
Since more well-funded corporations have entered the diamond-making process and synthetic diamonds are more readily available, the price of these gems 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. While you may save money initially, you could lose out on resale value and insurance, plus it could cost more to replace the gem in the future.
Gemologists Can Always Tell the Difference
When you get your diamond appraised, you won’t be able to fool a professional gemologist or your insurance. You may be unable to tell the difference between a natural diamond and a lab-created one with the naked eye, but a professional jeweler can always distinguish between the two gems. Our professional jewelers can tell the two types apart using special equipment due to the different inclusion patterns and structures.
No Trade Value in Synthetic Diamonds
Most jewelers and consumers won’t buy back a lab-created diamond when companies are always making new ones. There is no resale value in lab-grown diamonds since there is nothing special, distinct, or rare about the gem that can make it valuable. There is 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 Diamond with JPratt Designs
At JPratt Designs, natural gems will always win the synthetic vs. real 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 process and answer any questions you may have about lab-created diamonds vs. real gems. Contact JPratt Designs to make an appointment for a comprehensive consultation.