What are the differences and similarities between mined diamonds and lab-grown diamonds?
Let’s start with the differences.
- Lab-grown diamonds are grown in approximately a month, or less in some cases, whereas mined diamonds are usually formed over billions of years in nature. Lab-grown diamonds have been shown to be more environmentally friendly and ethical as they are grown in a smaller carbon footprint high-tech environment. Although mining practices have substantially improved and are far less invasive than previously, it still takes much more energy, material, and movement of the earth to mine diamonds, often in developing countries with inconsistent labour policies.
- Lab-grown diamonds are absolutely conflict free. Mined diamonds have been given a bad rap in this regard in the media but there are still small isolated pockets of diamonds which are sourced in conflicted areas.
- Lab-grown diamonds are grown either under extreme pressure and heat (HPHT method), or a special process known as CVD method (chemical vapor disposition), whereas mined diamonds are grown only one way in nature, deep underground through natural pressure and heat.
- When considering the 4 C’s, quality controls during the lab-growing process seem to generally create many high-quality clarity and colour graded diamonds. Therefore, the price differential between mid-grades and higher graded lab diamonds is generally much less than equivalent higher grades of mined diamonds which generally rise dramatically in cost, therefore appealing to those who may want the highest quality diamond at an even more affordable price.
- A lab-grown diamond typically has the words “lab-grown” (or LG or Laboratory-Grown) etched microscopically on the girdle, or the outermost edge of the diamond. A lab-grown diamond also glows under a certain specific light frequency, not found in nature. This is a test relied upon to differentiate between lab and mined diamonds because, even to the trained gemologist's eye, it is often impossible to differentiate between the two.
- Finally, the biggest difference between lab-grown and mined diamonds is price. Recent advances in technology and production have caused for lab-grown diamonds to be available often at 60% discount, or more, as compared to mined diamonds. Many consumers are increasingly considering lab-grown diamonds because, if all other things are equal, this substantial price differential is increasingly difficult to ignore. An interesting fact about this is approximately 1 in 93 million mined diamonds of 1 carat or more is of jewellery quality, whereas the lab process allows for larger high-quality stones to be created more regularly. This helps explain why there is an increased price differential between the two as sizes increase.
Now for the similarities.
- A diamond is a diamond, is a diamond. What this means is that mined, and lab-diamonds are physically, chemically and optically identical. Both are pure crystalized carbon. They are also both the same hardness, a perfect 10 on the international standard MOHS hardness scale. This means that a diamond is the hardest material on Earth, so a diamond is truly forever, regardless of its origin. It is therefore perfectly acceptable to mix and match lab grown with mined diamonds. In many instances, rings are often made with mined shoulder and/or halo diamonds and then set with a lab-created center diamond because there are no visible, longevity, or durability differences. This is acceptable and standard practice even when purchasing such renowned and illustrious brands such as Tacori and Verragio.
- On the standardized GIA created 4C diamond grading scale, both lab-created and mined diamonds have the same incidences and types of inclusions (Clarity), body colour or lack thereof (Colour), polish/symmetry/cut grades (Cut), and variety of sizes (Carat Weight). Diamond certificates from accredited laboratories including GIA and IGI are relatively equally available for both lab-grown and mined diamonds. As a case in point regarding the increasing acceptability and prevalence of lab grown diamonds, until recently, GIA resisted grading lab grown diamonds entirely for the longest time, only grading mined diamonds. Because they finally recognized that a diamond is a diamond, regardless of origin, GIA recently relented and now regularly grades and provides certificates for both lab grown diamonds and mined diamonds.
- Previously, the majority of fancy cuts were more readily available as mined diamonds. Now, both lab-grown and mined diamonds are increasingly available in virtually any size and shape. Fancy cuts such as oval, cushion, emerald, radiant, princess, marquise, and other shapes can be found in all sizes of both lab-grown diamonds as well as mined diamonds.
When purchasing a diamond, the choice between a lab grown and mined diamond is a very personal decision. Although sales of lab-grown diamonds are the fastest growing category in the diamond industry in North America, many still feel that real is rare and they are most comfortable with a mined diamond. Others are influenced by the advantageous environmental and ethical aspects of lab grown diamonds. Some are also happy to budget less or purchase a substantially larger higher quality diamond for considerably less. Either way, this is a very personal decision and the choice is yours in this ever-changing world.
At Rodan Jewellers, we offer a full trade-up policy for any diamond, whether it be mined or lab-created. This provides an on-going opportunity to purchase now and retain the right and option to upgrade later, with a credit of the full purchase price. This allows many to choose a lab-grown diamond for their initial purchase and protect their value, while reserving the right to consider a larger diamond or mined diamond down the road.
You can always be sure that you will receive the most accurate and professional advice and information at Rodan Jewellers from GIA trained diamond graders so that you can make the best and most informed decisions for which options of origin and diamond grades are most important for you. Our trained gemologists are on hand to answer all your questions and to make choosing the diamond and ring of your dreams the most enjoyable and rewarding experience.
