Everybody’s talking about lab diamonds right now - and for a good reason. They are affordable, they are timeless, and - most importantly - they are diamonds in the true sense. Not simulants, not zirconia, but diamonds that sparkle like fire and last forever. Still, there are some misconceptions about them that can scare people away, and finding answers to pressing questions about the lab stones can be difficult. With this in mind, we offer you a guide to the pros and cons of lab diamonds if you plan to include them in your engagement ring.
Key Facts About Lab Diamonds
Lab diamonds differ from mined diamonds in origin only. Lab stones are created in laboratories, and mined stones grow in the ground and are mined by people. Otherwise, lab stones and mined stones are totally identical (usually this is the most important question people need the answer to). Both stones are diamonds in the truest sense - 10/10 on the Mohs scale, extremely durable and tough, and mesmerizingly beautiful and sparkling.
These types of diamonds are so alike in structure and all that even lab stones differ from each other: they may have inclusions, slight coloring, and different degrees of transparency. It happens because laboratories create the same conditions and use the same starting material (carbon) that Mother Nature utilizes to create this wonder of a gem. As a result, no two lab stones are identical, they all are unique, like natural diamonds. So you don’t have to worry about the realness of your stones - they definitely are.
Now that we’ve set the facts straight, let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages that you need to consider before buying an engagement ring with lab diamonds.
Pros
The look of the stone
The beauty and look of diamonds cannot be imitated. Other stones may come very close to them, like moissanites, but only diamonds combine this timeless beauty, sparkle, and hardness. Once you’ve seen an engagement ring with a good-quality lab diamond, you won’t look at any alternative stone.
Affordable pricing
One of the biggest benefits of lab diamonds is their relatively low cost. They can cost 30% to 50% less than mined diamonds with the same parameters. So you can pay a modest sum in terms of diamond pricing and get a big rock that will stand out, or you can opt for a mid-sized stone and save a lot of money for the big day preparations. Yes, lab diamonds are cheaper than mined ones, that's normal and that does not mean that the stone is heavily flawed.
Conflict-free legacy
Natural diamonds have become notorious for their doubtful sourcing. Sometimes the beautiful stones can be used for not-so-beautiful purposes and activities. Or they can come from unknown locations with the possibility of conflicts and damage to the community and nature trailing behind them. That’s why proofs of ethical sourcing of mined diamonds have become inseparable from their certificate of quality.
With lab diamonds, you get none of it. Lab stones are pristine and safe in terms of sourcing, shipping routes, trading details, and all. They come from a lab and get delivered to jewelers who ordered them, that's all. You don’t invest in any potential shady deeds by paying for these stones. Instead, you support the conscious and ethical approaches to trading and the use of resources.
Relatively sustainable
We say relatively because the creation of practically anything uses natural resources and makes an impact on the environment. But the scale of impact can differ, and that's the case for lab diamonds. The creation of stones in laboratories requires a lot of energy, that's true. But this energy can come from alternative and renewable sources, so the impact will be minimized.
Mining of diamonds, on the other hand, means that natural landscapes will be converted into mines, and the use of resources is also significant. And there are no ethical shortcuts for mining, unfortunately.
Readily available in various sizes and shapes
Yes, yes, and one more yes. These are typical answers you get when you ask if you can have a lab diamond of slightly different size or shape, or the same size but more color, or more elongated, or more rounded, you name it. You can pick and choose and the supply will match your demand and expectations. That’s the big plus of lab-made stones - they are made in batches, and they are immediately available in a multitude of specifications.
Mined stones don’t come to you as easily, and you may need to wait a long time to get the stone you want - or you have to settle for what’s available.
The famous 4C standards fully apply to them
Finally, to dispel any doubt that you may still host, we point out that lab diamonds are graded according to the same strict standards as mined diamonds. The famous 4C principle is applied to lab stones as well, so you are given a complete certificate of quality with all important specifications included together with your stone (or a ready ring).
So remember about carat, clarity, color, and cut when you choose a stone, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You or your loved one deserve the best stones, all pure and perfect.
Cons
Emotional and reputational factors
Diamonds are amazing stones, but their reputation as the true royalty among gems is heavily boosted by clever promo campaigns. So far, natural diamonds are still appreciated more than lab gems due to the idea that mined stones are harder to get (it’s a matter of luck, actually, but not as hard as it is marketed). Otherwise, lab and natural stones are completely identical.
So the status of ‘real’ gems vs lab-made gems is also a factor to consider. If the perceived reputation of the stone matters to you that much, that is an argument against lab diamonds.
Price may decline
Exactly due to this reputational factor, lab diamonds lose more of their value over time. The price of lab diamonds can decline by 30% to 60% more than the price of mined stones. So if you see the stone in an engagement ring as an investment, consider this financial aspect. Yet as lab stones become more and more mainstream and even a default choice, this fact may play a role in reversing the price reduction trends.
The market is still developing
Lab diamonds are a relatively new invention, and they are not as heavily marketed as mined stones yet. So compared to natural stones, the access to lab diamonds may be a bit more restricted, because not every jewelry studio offers them. However, once you’ve found a jewelry shop you trust, the selection of gems will be huge, and they will be significantly more affordable.
Now the general trend is for the market to expand and to go upwards because more and more people choose ethical sourcing, conflict-free stones, and a generally mindful approach to shopping.
Energy use and sustainability
This is a disputable point, but we are talking about serious things, so we’ll mention it anyway. The creation of lab diamonds requires a significant amount of energy, and that's true. A portion of this energy comes from renewable sources, but another portion comes from traditional power plants. So yes, lab diamonds make their impact. At the same time, mined diamonds make an even greater impact, because once a mine is emptied, a new land plot needs to be converted into a mine, and the previously mined area will take decades to ‘heal’. Plus, mining also requires lots of energy. So, lab stones and mined stones are similar in this respect.
Engagement Rings from YourAsteria
That’s practically all the essential information you should have before choosing a lab-made stone for an engagement ring. What pros and cons matter most to you - only you can decide. And to be sure that you get the right stone and the right ring, choose a jewelry shop that aligns with your vision and your dreams.
YourAsteria is exactly the place you need, where you can trust the professionalism of the team and the quality of offered stones (with certificates and warranties, of course). To put it simply, our team appreciates lab diamonds for many reasons, ethicality and affordability included, and so we choose the perfect setting for every individual stone. And yes, we do take custom orders and we can make an engagement ring of your dreams with a pristine lab stone from scratch, guided by your ideas and our expertise.
Summary
As you see, lab stones are worth your attention and your money. In a ring, the well-chosen lab stone will shine like the brightest star, just as a diamond should do. You will get a perfect gem that is a true diamond and will rock it proudly (or give it proudly) for many years to come.
Plus, it will have the advantages of ethicality, sustainability, and affordability. With lab stones, you save a lot of money, and you can spend it on preparations for the big day or put towards an important goal on your shared life journey. Just collaborate with a jewelry team that you trust and communicate clearly what you want. The passion and experience of YourAsteria team will do the rest, and you’ll get a perfect diamond ring that reflects the beauty and strength of your love bond.
Leave a comment