Diamonds have long been linked to luxury, elegance, and beauty. They often symbolize significant moments in people’s lives.
As consumers become more conscious of their choices, the discussion about lab grown diamonds vs. natural diamonds has gained traction. With more people exploring lab grown options, it's important to understand the key differences, benefits, and considerations when deciding between the two.
If you're looking to buy a diamond, this guide will help you make an informed decision. You'll get a clear view of the differences and find out which one suits your style, budget, and values. The increasing popularity of lab grown diamonds reflects the changing preferences of today’s conscious consumers.
Resale Value: Natural Diamonds Hold More Value
One area where natural diamonds have an advantage is their resale value. Because natural diamonds are rare and have been historically seen as valuable, they tend to retain their value better than lab grown diamonds.
Lab grown diamonds do not have the same resale value because they are more abundant and less rare. However, many buyers are not purchasing diamonds for investment purposes but rather for personal enjoyment. If you are buying a diamond for engagement or other sentimental reasons, the resale value may not be a significant factor.
While natural diamonds have long been seen as valuable assets that hold or even increase in worth, lab grown diamonds are not currently viewed the same way in terms of resale potential. However, this difference does not diminish their beauty or appeal to those who want a stunning diamond at a fraction of the price.
Appearance: Can You Tell the Difference?
To the naked eye, there is absolutely no difference in the appearance of lab grown diamonds vs. natural diamonds. Both types of diamonds have the same brilliance, sparkle, and color.
The only way to tell them apart is with specialized equipment used by gemologists. Even then, lab grown diamonds will still appear the same to most people. This makes lab grown diamonds a great option for those looking to purchase a stunning stone without paying the premium for a natural diamond.
As far as looks go, both types of diamonds shine just as bright. Lab grown diamonds are virtually indistinguishable from natural diamonds. This allows you to enjoy all the beauty and elegance of a diamond while staying within your budget.
Furthermore, with lab grown diamonds, you can often get a larger diamond with better clarity for the same price as a smaller natural diamond.
Quality: Do They Differ?
When it comes to quality, there is no noticeable difference between lab grown diamonds vs. natural diamonds. Both types of diamonds are chemically identical, composed of pure carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice. The factors that affect a diamond’s quality, such as the 4Cs (carat, cut, color, and clarity), apply to both lab grown and natural diamonds.
While natural diamonds may have tiny imperfections or inclusions, so can lab grown diamonds. However, lab grown diamonds tend to be purer, with fewer imperfections, as they are made in a controlled environment.
Because of this, lab grown diamonds can be produced with higher clarity and fewer visible flaws. They are an attractive choice for buyers who want the pristine beauty of a high-quality diamond without paying the premium for a natural stone.
Even under magnification, the differences are nearly impossible to see. Therefore, most consumers won’t notice any visual distinction between the two types of diamonds.