The number one question we get is “Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?” (also called man-made)
The answer is a very simple yes.
The only thing that makes a lab-grown diamond different from a natural is diamond is its origin. A laboratory diamond is “grown” inside a lab using cutting-edge technology that replicates the natural diamond growing process. The result is a diamond that is chemically, physically, and optically identical to those grown beneath the Earth’s surface.
“Lab grown diamonds are not fakes. They’re not cubic zirconias. They have all the same physical and chemical properties of a mined diamond.” Stephen Morisseau, a spokesman for the Gemological Institute of America, a nonprofit organization that oversees the international diamond grading system. Source
Sometimes, lab grown diamonds are referred to as synthetic diamonds. While not technically inaccurate, term “synthetic” may be the reason people believe lab grown diamonds are “fake.” It is important to know that there’s a big difference between lab grown diamonds and diamond simulants, such as cubic zirconia and moissanite. These simulants are not made of the carbon crystals, and do not possess the same brilliance or durability as diamonds. For that reason, simulants sell at much lower prices than lab created diamonds.
Lab grown diamonds are, in fact, the real deal.
Are Lab Diamonds Eco-friendly and Sustainable?
Yes, it is sustainable to grow diamonds with abundantly available carbon and renewable energy. Growing diamonds is definitely energy intensive; It requires approximately 250 kilowatt hours of electricity to grow a 1 carat diamond. That same amount of electricity could power the average US household for 9 days or allow you to drive a Tesla Model S approximately 700 miles.
Are Lab grown less expensive?
Lab diamonds usually cost about 30% less than natural diamonds of comparable size and quality. But these lab diamonds are every bit as luxurious as their earth-mined counterparts, since their dazzling beauty and durability are the same.
So, which should you choose?
This decision is, of course, up to you. Don’t let yourself be pressured or guilt tripped into buying a diamond that you don’t love. There are plenty of people out there who will tell you that it’s morally wrong or unethical to buy a natural, earth-mined diamond, and visa-versa. Hopefully, by now you know that this is (to use a technical term): bologna.
The key is to decide what is most important for you in a diamond (peace of mind, romance, price, how you feel about the purchase, etc.). Now that you understand the true benefits and disadvantages of lab grown diamonds, you can make the decision that’s right for you. Whatever diamond you decide on, Malloves Jewelers has you covered with a selection of natural and lab grown diamonds, beautiful jewelry to set them in, honest and upfront descriptions of every product, and a proven track record of incredible prices.
The decision is yours and yours alone. We encourage our customers to become informed about both earth-mined diamonds and lab-grown diamonds and then make their decision. At Malloves, we love them both!
