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What's a lab-grown diamond? Are they real diamonds? How are they formed? What makes them different from an earth-mined diamond? We're answering all these questions and more about these lab-grown sparklers!

THE PROS

Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?

Yes! They are formed in a lab environment with the same properties found in a diamond that was mined from the earth.  Lab-grown diamonds come with a certification from a gemological lab (such as GIA) that specify it's origin - along with the other characteristics of each stone. Lab-grown diamonds are made of the same material as natural diamonds and have the same optical and chemical properties.

Are lab-grown diamonds less expensive than earth-mined?

Yes - Since lab-grown diamonds are created under controlled conditions in a laboratory, they are much more easily produced compared to an earth-mined diamond and therefore, lower in price. Due to the controlled manufacturing process, lab grown diamonds are typically higher on the color and clarity grading scale, while earth-mined stones have a much wider range.

Can you tell a difference between a lab-grown or earth-mined diamond?

Nope! Visually, earth-mined and lab-grown diamonds are identical. Essentially, earth-mined diamonds and lab-grown diamonds are the same physically and chemically.  Jewelry experts must perform certain testing on the individual diamond  to determine how it was grown. All lab-grown diamonds typically come with a gem certification. 

Do lab-grown diamonds come in all sizes?

Yes! Lab-grown diamonds are available in all shapes and sizes, as well as fancy colors. Since lab-grown diamonds typically are less than earth-mined diamonds, people sometimes opt for a larger carat weight. Lab-grown diamonds are a great way to get the big carat weight you want on a lower budget!

THE CONS

Are lab-grown diamonds rare?

Not as rare as earth-mined diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are more widely manufactured in laboratories across the world, leading to an abundant supply. They do not have the same rare value of a diamond that was discovered through the rigorous mining process. 

Are lab-grown diamonds a good investment?

That's a tough one... purchasing a lab-grown diamond is similar to most other larger purchases in life. While the future of lab-grown diamonds is unclear, their market value has seen a steady decline over the past few years. Lab-grown diamonds are a manufactuered product and their value is tied strictly to the cost and ability of production. 

Are lab-grown diamonds better for the environment?

Not really. The lab manufacturing process requires a huge amount of energy and other resources;  and is not nearly as environmentally friendly as people are led to believe. Both processes, lab-grown and earth-mined, are negatively impactful in their own way. While mining for a diamond in the earth creates a disruption to the landscape, the amount of electricity, carbon emissions, and fossil fuel used in the lab manufacturing process are extremely high. As technology advances, laboratories are engineering better methods for sustainability.

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