Diamonds have long been a symbol of love, luxury, and exclusivity. However, the traditional methods of mining diamonds have come under scrutiny in recent years due to environmental concerns and ethical issues. As a result, lab-grown diamonds have become a popular alternative. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of lab-grown diamonds.
What are lab-grown diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds that are created in a laboratory setting using advanced technological processes. These include: having a precise and set temperature, tools, machinery, etc. These types of processes go all together to create a magnificent lab-grown diamond.
The truly amazing thing of lab-grown diamonds is that they have the same chemical composition and physical properties as natural diamonds. Which makes them nearly the absolute same. However, they do have a few differences here and there which makes them different.
Pros of lab-grown diamonds
Being different from natural diamonds, being nearly unrecognizable from normal diamonds, what are the major pros of lab-grown diamonds?
1. Environmental impact
The process of mining natural diamonds can be harmful to the environment. This is because diamonds are found within caves and tunnels, where explosives, mining tools, and labor have to be used. Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, have a much lower environmental impact as it all happens within a lab.
2. Ethical concerns
Natural diamonds have been associated with unethical practices such as forced labour and human rights abuses. These have disturbed the diamond industry for a long time, and without a doubt, a horrible things. Forced labour & human rights abuses go along with blood diamonds and affect the entire economy. Additionally, to help lab-grown diamonds more, there are no possible claims for ethical concerns. As lab-grown diamonds are produced in a controlled environment with machinery, tools and a set environment from A-Z.
3. Cost-effective when purchasing diamonds
As natural diamonds are harder to find, make, clean, maintain and more, the prices of natural diamonds soar. However, as lab-grown diamonds are easier to construct & don’t require any of those concerns, they are often less expensive than natural diamonds.
This makes them an amazing and more accessible option for consumers who are looking for a high-quality diamond at a lower price point. This is helpful for people using accessories, a custom engagement ring, etc.
Cons of lab-grown diamonds
Below, we’ll discuss about the major cons of lab-grown diamonds, keep in mind these are opinions that have crossed the internet between debates & articles. These are just the main ones, there are many more cons. The same goes with pros, as these & those are just the main ones, and there are many more of both.
1. Lack of rarity
Natural diamonds are rare and have a certain exclusivity that lab-grown diamonds do not have. Not only does that “exclusivity” make it valuable, but enhances the feeling of owning a diamond. In natural diamond sales, there is an issue of it having too many issues, being worthless, or being just unusable. Which not only makes everything harder, but increases the valuable of a normal diamond. This makes for many diamond owners, lab-diamonds to be a drawback for some consumers who value the prestige of owning a natural diamond.
2. Perception
Going back to lack of rarity, despite being virtually indistinguishable from natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds still carry a perception of being “fake” or “less valuable” than natural diamonds. This is mostly due to diamonds being rare, within mountains and needing a great amount of work to get just 1. Whereas in lab diamonds they can pump out as many as needed in less time.
3. Limited supply
Although the supply of lab-grown diamonds is increasing, it is still limited compared to the supply of natural diamonds. This is due as they have to be constructed at very specific temperatures, machinery, and tools to make it work. This can make it more difficult to find the specific size, cut, color, weight, etc. that a consumer is looking for.
If you want to learn more about lab-grown diamonds, you can visit our Lab Diamond Guide page
Conclusion
In conclusion, lab-grown diamonds are a unique and modern alternative to the world-wide known natural diamonds. Additionally, due to their environment when being made, they offer a more environmentally friendly alternative. Offer a more environmentally friendly and ethical alternative to natural diamonds. They are also a more cost-effective option for consumers.