Lab diamonds Brisbane offer an affordable alternative to mined diamonds, though they may still be expensive. Read on to discover more about the distinctions between natural and man-made diamonds.
Both mined and lab-grown diamonds are priced according to the Four Cs of Diamond quality: colour, clarity, cut and carat. However, lab-grown diamonds tend to be more affordable; some can be up to 50% less costly than their mined counterparts of similar size and quality.
1. They are chemically identical to natural diamonds
Chemically speaking, lab grown diamonds and cultures natural diamonds share virtually the same chemical makeup. Both consist of carbon in a cubic crystalline form.
The distinction lies in their creation. Unlike mined diamonds that come from the earth, lab grown diamonds are created under controlled conditions in controlled laboratories.
Lab diamonds can be grown using two methods: High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD). Both techniques produce a real diamond that looks identical to its natural counterpart.
The HPHT process simulates diamond formation by crumpling graphite under intense pressure and temperature. Conversely, CVD utilizes a mixture of hydrogen and hydrocarbon gas to break down carbon atoms in a controlled environment.
2. They are less rare
When purchasing a diamond engagement ring for your girlfriend, there are two options. You can give her either an organic diamond or one grown in a lab.
Lab-created diamonds are more common, making them cheaper than their natural counterparts. This is because they don’t need to go through the lengthy supply chain like natural diamonds do.
Natural diamonds do not possess the same rarity as synthetic ones, meaning that their value may not increase as significantly over time.
However, this does not imply lab diamonds aren’t worth investing in; just that they are less valuable than natural ones.
They’re also not perfect, and may contain inclusions known as “crystal strain” that may make them appear fuzzy. This makes cleaning and maintaining your engagement ring more challenging, so take extra precautions to prevent scratching it. When shopping for a lab diamond, keep this in mind:
3. They are more affordable
If you’re on the search for a diamond but can’t stomach purchasing one from the ground, lab grown diamonds are an ideal alternative. Prices for these gems tend to be 10-30% lower than natural diamonds.
Furthermore, they’re more environmentally friendly than mined diamonds because they emit much less carbon dioxide into the air and consume much less water.
They’re an ideal option for those who don’t believe in global warming but still wish to make a statement about their commitment.
Though lab created diamonds are more affordable than natural ones, it’s essential to remember that their resale value is much lower. While a natural diamond retains 50% of its value over time, selling a lab created one can prove much harder due to the difficulty in selling an artificial one.
4. They are environmentally friendly
As more consumers become conscious of environmental concerns, the demand for sustainable jewellery is on the rise. Lab grown diamonds offer an ideal solution to those who want to contribute to the environment without compromising their budget.
Diamond-cut gemstones can be ethically sourced, unlike natural diamonds. They’re created using renewable energy sources with no environmental footprint left behind.
One of the primary concerns with mining is its environmental effects. Miners often release waste water into air and soil, leading to pollution and climate change.
Conclusion
This is one of the primary reasons why more and more brands are turning to lab grown diamonds as an environmentally friendly alternative to mined diamonds. Not only do they use less energy and water, but they’re more cost-effective too – making them a more advantageous option for many individuals.
