Lab-Grown Diamonds
Let's talk about the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds.
Natural vs. Lab-Grown
By now, most of you have heard about lab-grown diamonds. Their popularity has soared in recent years. We get it—lab-grown diamonds are appealing. They’re less expensive, have the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds, and are nearly impossible to detect any difference to the naked eye. But there are differences. Some (like the actual value) are big. Buying a diamond is a very personal choice; ultimately, the perfect diamond for you depends on what matters most to you.
It’s our job to educate you on the differences, especially because there is so much misinformation out there. The one thing you need to remember: There is no wrong decision!
The essential questions and answers.
Lab-grown diamonds are an exciting topic, and we get lots of questions about them—so we thought we’d share some of the most common ones here! Of course, if there’s something specific you’d like to know, we’re always happy to help. You can contact us or stop by the store to chat.
We’d love to show you the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds in person and let you compare them side by side. Whether you’re just curious or ready to find the perfect diamond, we’re here to guide you every step of the way!
Q: Are lab-grown diamonds “fake” or “real”?
This is the biggest question you might have! Lab-grown diamonds share the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds formed deep within the Earth by Mother Nature. So, what’s different? The key difference lies in their origins. Lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment that replicates the natural diamond-forming process, which usually takes billions of years, but can be in just a few weeks.
Because of these differing formation methods, lab-grown diamonds have unique growth characteristics distinguishing them from natural diamonds. According to the Natural Diamond Council and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), lab-grown diamonds cannot be classified as "real" gemstones because they are not formed in the Earth. While they look and perform like natural diamonds, they lack the geological origins that make a natural diamond an authentic gemstone.
Q: Are lab-grown diamonds really eco-friendly?
This is a question we hear all the time, and the answer might surprise you. While lab-grown diamonds are often marketed as a more eco-friendly option, the reality is more complex. In fact, natural diamonds produce three times fewer carbon emissions per carat compared to lab-grown diamonds. Plus, natural diamond producers recycle an impressive 83% of the water used during the mining process.
Lab-grown diamonds require a tremendous amount of energy to recreate the intense heat and pressure of the natural diamond-forming process in just a few weeks. They also use significant water to cool the reactors. So, while lab-grown diamonds are often portrayed as the “greener” choice, their eco-friendly claims are not as strong. In fact, the FTC has cautioned against making such claims without proper substantiation.
Q: Are lab-grown diamonds more socially conscious than natural diamonds?
Not necessarily. The natural diamond industry plays a significant role in supporting the livelihoods of over 10 million people worldwide. Each year, it contributes $16 billion in economic benefits, with 80% of that value staying within local communities. These funds help improve infrastructure, healthcare, and education in regions where diamonds are mined. Without the natural diamond industry, many communities would face significant challenges.
On the flip side, the wealth generated from the sale of lab-grown diamonds primarily benefits investors and corporate owners, with far less impact on local communities. Want to learn more about how the diamond industry helps communities around the world? Visit Diamonds Do Good to explore the positive impact natural diamonds have.
Q: Are lab-grown diamonds identical to natural diamonds?
Not exactly. While lab-grown diamonds share the same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds, they’re created through an artificial process in industrial microwave reactors, primarily in factories located in China, India, and Singapore. These diamonds are produced in just a couple of weeks, unlike the millions of years it takes for natural diamonds to form deep within the Earth.
Because of their production method, lab-grown diamonds often have distinct growth features that can be detected by a professional jeweler (like us!). These subtle yet tell-tale signs make it possible to differentiate lab-grown diamonds from their natural counterparts.
Q: What makes natural and lab-grown diamonds different?
The difference lies in how they’re formed. This answer can get pretty technical, but we will try and keep it as simple as possible for you! Natural diamonds are created deep within the Earth’s mantle, where intense heat and pressure over billions of years transform pure carbon into dazzling gems. These diamonds are brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions, making each one a rare and ancient treasure. In fact, they’re literally the oldest thing you’ll ever own, having taken billions of years to make! And since there haven’t been significant new diamond discoveries in over 30 years, natural diamonds are even rarer than ever.
Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, are created in a matter of weeks under highly controlled conditions that mimic the Earth’s natural environment. They share the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties as natural diamonds, but they are grown in labs rather than forming naturally over billions of years.
Q: What should I know about the value of natural vs. lab-grown diamonds?
Natural diamonds derive their value from their rarity. Over the past 35 years, they have appreciated by an average of 3% per year, making them a solid choice for long-term value. Depending on size and quality, natural diamonds generally hold their resale value and can often be traded in for the purchase of a larger diamond in the future. While the market for natural diamonds can fluctuate due to factors like global economic conditions or mining output, they remain a reliable and enduring investment in your relationship.
Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, are significantly less expensive—typically costing 70–90% less than natural diamonds. That’s a big difference! However, because they’re not rare and their prices have dropped by as much as 75% in recent years, they generally do not retain their value over time. It’s important to know that lab-grown diamonds have little to no resale value and will not qualify for your typical trade-in.
In the end, this is what’s important.
At Wimmer’s Diamonds, we’re passionate about all of the diamonds we sell. After all, “Diamonds” are part of our name! We believe that your buying experience and decision is a personal one. Whether it's natural or lab-grown, rest assured we’re here to guide you in finding the perfect diamond for you. You can be confident in whatever you choose. That’s why it’s so important to work with a credentialed jeweler you can trust. Make an appointment, or feel free to stop by!
