Lab-grown diamonds have created a buzz in the town, making it one of the trending choices among couples for engagement and wedding purposes. Natural diamonds are expensive and sometimes an average person can’t afford it. But that shouldn’t stop you from getting the best ring for your better half! It is difficult to point out the differences between the two as their physical properties and appearances are the same. However, there are a few things by which you can make out the difference between the two. Both the diamonds have their perks and benefits, but at the end of the day; it depends on the buyer’s opinion as to which one they want to purchase. This guide will elaborate on the intricate details about both of these diamonds to make it easier for you to choose. If you have a strict budget, the best option is to buy lab diamond rings.
What is a lab diamond?
Lab diamond is the same as a natural diamond but the only difference is that the lab diamonds are created in labs and they are not obtained from the nature. As far as physical appearance is concerned, there is no such difference. They have the same clarity, shine, color, and are available in different shapes. Both of them are sturdy and strong. The main element in both of these diamonds is carbon. Despite the physical resemblance, there are certain chemical differences between the two. There is a lack of nitrogen in lab diamonds, whereas you can find some amount of nitrogen in the natural ones. This is one of the remarkable ways by which the gemologist differentiates between the two. There are two distinguishing features between the natural and the lab-grown diamonds- fluorescence and laser inscription.
Differences between lab diamond, moissanite and Cubic Zirconia (CZ):
The buyers need to know the difference between the three as people tend to confuse them while buying. Moissanite and CZ are not similar to lab diamonds. They have a shiny appearance but Moissanite and CZ are a different chemical substance.
Lab diamond vs. Moissanite
Moissanite can be considered the best alternative for real diamonds. Moissanite is created by scientists and can be rarely found in nature. Moissanite is harder than Cubic Zirconia, but it is softer than diamonds. There are color variations between CZ, Lab diamonds, and Moissanite- Moissanite has a shinier appearance and sparkles like a firework. It is glossier and shinier than the other two. Anyone who is looking for a budget-friendly option can choose lab diamonds and moissanite.
Lab diamonds VS. Cubic Zirconia
The similarity between CZ and diamond is that both of them are lab-made gems. Also, you cannot find CZ naturally but they are available in multiple color choices. Also, CZ has a greater shimmering appearance than a diamond but the latter has a greater light reflection. As far as strength and sturdiness are concerned, CZ is nowhere near to diamonds. Because of this particular feature, a diamond can withstand daily wear and tear and it can stay intact for at least 50 years. However, CZ is softer and they are prone to scuffs and scratches.
Differences between Natural diamonds and Lab diamonds:
Though the physical and chemical properties are similar between natural and lab diamonds, there are greater disparities in value, price, sustainability, and rarity. We will take up each of them to illustrate the differences.
- Appearance– As far as the look and appearance are concerned; it’s hard to point out any difference. They look similar and both of them can be either colorless or near-colorless. Both of them are available in the same size and shapes- rectangular, oval, round, emerald, pear, cushion to name a few. The only difference is that the lab diamond with lower eminence can have internal marks that are at times visible to the naked eye.
- Cost– The best thing about lab diamonds is that it is less expensive than the normal ones. The cost of natural diamonds is more because they are gifted by Mother Nature. It is not easy to get. Whereas, lab diamonds are the newest trend and their accessibility is much more than the normal ones. However, if you compare the latest price between a natural and a lab-grown diamond, the price of a lab diamond is 40-50% less than that of a naturally grown diamond. For example, a round-shaped lab diamond with VS2 clarity and 6.63*6.68*4.14mm with an excellent cut will be $3776, whereas a naturally grown diamond with the same specifications will cost around $7713.
- Value– The value of the lab diamonds may change depending on the demand of the customers and technological advancements. For example, if the couples in the future learn the advantages of lab diamonds, they will appreciate and create a demand for it. On the other hand, the value can decrease as it is a new introduction in the jewelry market and technological advancements can reduce its price, thus minimizing the importance of the lab diamonds sold earlier. However, due to cost-effectiveness, superior quality, and wide accessibility, there is a higher demand for a lab-created diamond.
- Sustainability– One of the brilliant aspects or features of a lab diamond is that it is sustainable and environment-friendly. When natural resources are obtained through mining, it creates a pressure on the animals and the soil. A large portion of the topsoil gets removed and the local animals lose their lives in the process. Natural diamonds contain impurities but lab-grown diamonds do not. The lab-made diamonds are created under favorable environmental conditions and the scientists use two methods for its creation- CVD and HTHP method.
There are various reasons why couples prefer lab diamonds. Two major reasons include cost-effectiveness and sustainability. As it is hard to differentiate between the two, couples do not find the reason to pay more for a thing that is almost identical in appearance and quality. However, lab-grown diamonds are of better quality than the natural ones.
