What You Need to Know: Lab Grown Diamonds vs Real Diamonds
It looks like you are interested in learning about the differences between lab-grown diamonds and vs real diamonds. Whether it is for an engagement ring, a stunning pair of earrings or a bespoke personal, meaningful piece, let us clear up some misconceptions for you. Lab diamonds are genuine diamonds, created under controlled laboratory conditions instead of formed naturally over millions of years beneath the Earth's surface. But how do they compare to their natural counterparts?
At Philippe Harold, our experts can provide all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Diamonds are not only beautiful but also a testament to the incredible history of our planet and the unique journey each individual diamond takes on its way to being discovered. By choosing ethically sourced diamonds from Philippe Harold, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your purchase was responsibly made. We proudly participate in the Kimberley Process and will happily share information about each diamond's origins. Whether you prefer a virtual or in-person appointment, we invite you to explore our selection and discover all the joy that diamonds can bring!
The Famous 4 Cs
These four factors determine a diamond's overall quality and value.
The cut of a diamond refers to its proportions, symmetry and polish. A well-cut diamond will reflect light in a way that maximises its brilliance and fire.
The colour of a diamond is graded on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The less colour a diamond has, the more valuable it is.
Clarity refers to the presence of internal or external flaws (known as inclusions or blemishes). The fewer flaws a diamond has, the more valuable it is.
Finally, carat weight refers to the size of the diamond - one carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams.
While all four Cs are important when choosing a diamond, it is worth noting that some factors may be more important to you than others depending on your personal preferences and budget. For example, if you prioritise size over other factors, you may be willing to compromise on colour or clarity in order to get a larger carat weight within your price range. At Philippe Harold Jewellers we understand that, like all our loyal customers, you have unique needs and preferences so we offer expert guidance on how to choose the perfect diamond for you based on your budget and desired characteristics of your dream ring.
The Real Deal: Lab Created Diamonds
Lab created diamonds, also known as lab grown or synthetic diamonds, are indeed real diamonds with the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds. In fact, it is impossible to tell them apart without specialist laboratory equipment. The only differences between the two are their price and ethicality. Lab diamonds have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their more sustainable origins and lower cost.
The process of creating a lab diamond mimics the natural formation process that takes billions of years in just a few weeks using either CVD or HPHT methods. While natural diamonds pick up trace elements like nitrogen during their formation, lab diamonds contain no such impurities. This difference can be detected by specialist equipment once the diamond has been cut. Choosing a lab created diamond is not only an ethical choice but also sometimes a more affordable one. Lab diamonds cost between 60% to 80% less than natural diamonds due to their efficient production process and minimal land use. Lab grown diamonds may not be natural, but they are just as beautiful and stunning as their mined counterparts.
However, some people remain sceptical about the romantic value of something made in a lab compared to something produced by nature. Nonetheless, with increasing advancements in technology ensuring top quality diamonds, lab created diamonds are becoming an increasingly popular choice for those looking for an ethical and sustainable alternative to traditional mined diamonds.
Affordable Elegance in the Future
Lab diamonds and natural diamonds vary greatly in cost. A lab diamond can cost between 60% to 80% less than a natural diamond with the same carat weight and grades. To compare prices for yourself and to see what catches your eye, you can view our engagement rings featuring both natural and lab grown diamonds.
The reason for the price difference lies in the efficiency of lab diamond production. It takes billions of years for natural diamonds to form through intense heat and pressure, while it only takes a laboratory a few weeks to create a lab diamond using either CVD or HPHT methods. The initial investment in technology is high but once established, labs can continue producing lab diamonds indefinitely, whereas natural mines will eventually run out of diamonds.
While choosing a lab-created diamond is an ethical and affordable option, their future value does still remain largely unknown as they are a relatively new addition to the jewellery market. Some experts predict that the value of lab diamonds may increase over time as they become more widely accepted as an alternative to mined diamonds.
However, it's important to note that the resale value of any diamond will never be as much as its original purchase price. Nonetheless, whether you choose a natural or lab created diamond ultimately depends on your personal preferences and values.
From Conflict to Clarity: The Ethical and Environmental Implications of Diamond Mining
The diamond industry is a multi-billion-dollar global market that involves the mining, production and sale of diamonds. The industry has a long and complex history, with more than its fair share of controversy surrounding the ethical and environmental implications of diamond mining.
According to research in 2021, the total value of the diamond jewellery market worldwide amounted to 87 billion U.S. dollars (81.592.950.000,00 Euro). That represented an increase of 19 billion U.S. dollars from the previous year, as the global diamond industry recovered from the results of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The majority of diamonds are mined in Africa, with Russia also being a significant producer. However, there has been increasing interest in lab-grown diamonds as an alternative to traditional mined diamonds.
One major issue facing the diamond industry is the problem of "blood" or "conflict" diamonds - diamonds that are mined in war zones and sold to finance armed conflict against governments. This practice has been largely curtailed by the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which requires that all rough diamond exports be certified as conflict-free.
Another concern is the impact of diamond mining on local communities and the environment. Mining can have negative effects on local ecosystems and water sources, as well as displacement of indigenous peoples from their land. Some companies have taken steps to address these issues through sustainable mining practices and community development initiatives.
Overall, while there are certainly challenges facing the diamond industry, it remains a major player in the global economy and continues to evolve in response to changing consumer preferences and concerns about ethics and sustainability.
Sparkle and Ethics: Navigating the World of Lab Diamonds and Natural Diamonds
When it comes to diamond alternatives, there are two main types: lab diamonds and diamond simulants. While both may look similar at first glance, they differ greatly in their chemical makeup. Diamond simulants, such as moissanites and cubic zirconia, are engineered to mimic the look of diamonds but aren't actually made of the same material. Lab diamonds, on the other hand, are genuine diamonds that have been created in a laboratory setting. They share the exact same chemical composition as natural diamonds and can be found with top-quality cut, colour, and clarity grades.
When deciding between a natural or lab-grown diamond for your engagement ring or other jewellery piece, there are several factors to consider. You can get a larger carat weight for the same budget with a lab diamond compared to a natural diamond. However, the future value of lab diamonds is uncertain while natural diamonds generally retain their value over time.
We always urge people to remember how important it is to consider ethical concerns when purchasing a diamond. While natural diamonds aren't inherently unethical, it's crucial to ensure that they're ethically sourced and not coming from conflict areas. Recycled and antique diamonds offer an ethical alternative to newly-mined stones and can provide incredible value for money while preserving resources already in existence. At the end of the day the choice of a lab-grown or natural diamond is up to you or whoever you may be surprising, but understanding the differences between them can help inform your decision-making process.
Why We Only Source IGI and GIA Certified Lab Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds offer an ethical alternative to some traditional diamonds, as they are produced and sourced with transparency and without the risk of violence or exploitation. As global efforts continue to eradicate conflict diamonds from the market, choosing a lab based diamond ensures 100% assurance of its ethical origins.
GIA graded diamonds provide quality assurance, having been thoroughly assessed according to standards of cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. With an impartial report certifying their origins, GIA graded diamonds offer a wide range of stunningly beautiful options that are sure to delight and impress.
Conflict-free diamonds come from legal sources and countries that respect human rights and comply with international standards such as the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. The KPCS is a joint initiative between governments, industry leaders, and civil society organisations aimed at preventing the trade of conflict diamonds. This scheme provides a system for tracking diamonds from their point of origin to their final destination, ensuring that they have not been used to finance armed conflicts. The KPCS establishes strict guidelines for diamond mining and trading practices, including regular audits and inspections to ensure compliance with ethical standards. By participating in the KPCS, diamond-producing countries can demonstrate their commitment to responsible mining practices and help promote sustainable economic development in their communities. Overall, the KPCS provides an essential framework for ensuring that consumers can purchase diamonds with confidence, knowing that they are ethically sourced and free from any connection to conflict or human rights abuses.
Organisations like the Responsible Jewellery Council ensure that these diamonds meet fair trade requirements and follow an ethical code of practice when it comes to production, labour practices and environmental protection.
At Philippe Harold, we only source IGI (International Gemological Institute) and GIA (Gemological Institute of America) certified lab diamonds for our clients due to their global reputation as the best, most thorough and accurate graders. Both GIA and IGI laser inscribe a unique number on the girdle of the diamond which corroborates its certification details. To browse IGI and GIA certified lab diamonds, you can select your preferred design from our engagement rings collection or book an appointment to discuss a bespoke design with our specialists who will source a selection of lab grown or natural diamonds just for you.
At Philippe Harold, we understand that choosing the perfect diamond can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it is important to have guidance while considering the differences between lab grown and natural diamonds. Lab grown diamonds offer an ethical alternative to traditional diamonds, as they are produced and sourced with transparency and without the risk of violence or exploitation. On the other hand, natural diamonds have been formed over millions of years in the earth's mantle, making them rare and valuable.
The ethical implications of diamond mining cannot be ignored. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was established to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the market, but concerns do remain about environmental damage and exploitation of workers in diamond mines.
At Philippe Harold, we offer a wide range of stunningly beautiful lab created and natural engagement rings and other breath-taking collections and singular pieces that are sure to delight and impress. We believe that everyone should have access to affordable elegance without compromising on quality or ethics.
