Since the fifteenth century in Europe, diamonds have been the classic choice for centre stone within engagement rings. In the past, mining offered the only method for obtaining diamonds. However, as time and technology progressed, lab grown diamonds have emerged as an additional option, revolutionizing the diamond industry. The process of creating lab grown diamonds involves mimicking the same environment of extreme heat and pressure as found within the earth.
As more people explore a lab diamond’s environmental and cost benefits, it has quickly become a popular choice for engagement rings. One of the benefits of working with a lab grown diamond is the reduced consumption of water necessary to create the diamond. For example, the process of mining a carat of diamond requires 126 gallons of water, while lab grown diamonds requires 18 gallons of water for the equivalent carat, making it a more sustainable choice with regard to water consumption. This and many other factors have contributed to the growing popularity of lab grown diamonds.
With the spotlight shining bright on lab grown diamonds, some misconceptions have developed regarding lab grown vs mined diamonds. It’s important that you learn to separate facts from myths when comparing lab and mined diamonds to make an informed decision.
Myth 1: Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Fake
Lab grown diamonds often face a widespread misconception that they are “fake” or lack authenticity. The good news is lab grown diamonds are just as genuine as their mined counterparts, with the only distinction being their origin.
While mined diamonds form naturally beneath the earth’s surface over billions of years, lab grown diamonds are created in high-tech laboratories using advanced technology replicating the same geological processes. These diamonds share identical chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical attributes with mined diamonds.
Myth 2: Lab Grown Diamonds are Inferior in Quality
The notion that lab grown diamonds are inferior in quality is a myth. Lab grown diamonds are identical to natural diamonds in chemical composition and physical properties. They are created using advanced technology that replicates the natural diamond-growing process, resulting in exceptional purity and clarity diamonds.
The high quality contributes to the popularity of lab grown diamonds in today’s modern world. When working with a reputable jeweller, they can help you get familiar with lab grown diamonds as well as their specifications (classified as the 4 C’s) just as they do with earth mined diamonds. A clear understanding of the 4Cs will help you understand that lab grown diamonds are not inferior in quality.
Myth 3: Lab Grown Diamonds are Unaffordable
A common misconception that has many people hesitating to choose lab grown diamonds is that these diamonds are unaffordable. The truth is, lab grown diamonds can be significantly more affordable than their mined counterparts.
Traditional diamond mining involves substantial exploration, excavation, and labour costs. However, lab grown diamonds bypass these expenses, making them a more budget-friendly option. So, if you want to treat yourself to a stunning diamond without breaking the bank, lab grown diamonds could be your ideal choice.
Myth 4: Lab-Grown Diamonds Lack Sentimental Value
A common misconception about lab diamonds is that they lack sentimental value. However, a diamond engagement ring often represents cherished memories, profound emotion and symbolic meanings of love, regardless of their earth mined or lab origins. So, when you choose a lab grown diamond for your engagement ring, you’re still creating memories that will last a lifetime.
