Lab grown diamond jewelry offers an alternative to traditional gems, combining impeccable quality with a commitment to ethical standards. These diamonds are created through sophisticated techniques replicating natural conditions, resulting in stones that are visually and chemically identical to mined diamonds.
While they may look similar, you might wonder if lab grown diamonds hold the same value as mined stones. For instance, if you buy a lab grown diamond ring, how does it compare to natural diamonds in terms of price and long-term investment value?
Understanding the value of lab grown diamond jewelry and the benefits of a 100% conflict-freestone can help you make the right choice for your collection.
What is a Lab Made Diamond?
A lab grown diamond is a real diamond produced in a controlled environment, instead of being mined from the earth. The fabrication process involves either Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) or High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT).
In the CVD process, tiny carbon pieces stick to a surface known as a substrate. This surface acts as a base where the diamond can build up, one layer at a time, resulting in a multifaceted stone.
Using the HPHT method, a small diamond seed is surrounded by carbon and then subjected to extreme pressures and temperatures, similar to conditions deep within the Earth. This intense environment transforms the carbon into a diamond, building upon the seed.
Both methods produce diamonds with the same physical, chemical and optical properties as their natural counterparts. These high-quality stones are used to make jewelry like lab grown diamond engagement rings, which are just as beautiful and meaningful as pieces with natural gems.
What is the Value of Lab Grown Diamond Jewelry?
Lab created diamonds are valuable stones that can elevate jewelry like lab grown diamond rings, necklaces, earrings and wedding bands. Like mined stones, lab created diamonds are graded on the Four Cs: color, cut, clarity and carat weight. These categories help determine their value:
- Color. The color of a diamond refers to the presence or absence of color in the stone, with the highest-quality diamonds being completely colorless. Lab created diamonds can be produced with minimal to no color, giving them a high color rating and value.
- Cut. The cut of a diamond affects its brilliance or how much light it reflects. A well-cut diamond will have more sparkle and shine. Precision technology allows lab grown diamonds to be expertly shaped, maximizing their ability to catch and reflect light for an extraordinary visual effect.
For instance, a princess cut lab created diamond ring has the same appeal as a natural stone with the same cut but with clean origins that appeal to buyers interested in investing in ethical luxury.
- Clarity. This value measures the cleanliness or purity of a diamond, indicating the degree to which it is free from internal inclusions or external blemishes. Because lab created diamonds are engineered in controlled conditions, they often have high clarity levels, which adds to their value.
- Carat weight. This refers to the weight of the diamond, with one carat equal to 200 milligrams. The carat weight influences the stone’s size and price. Lab grown diamonds offer the advantage of producing larger carat weights that are more affordable than extracting similar-sized diamonds from the earth.
For instance, a 3-carat lab grown diamond bracelet might be around $1,799 for a round diamond, tulip prong design. For a similar piece with a natural diamond, the price could be more than double the cost, depending on the stone. This makes lab grown diamonds accessible to those who want high-quality craftsmanship at a lower price point.
Why Buy Lab Grown Diamond Jewelry?
There are many reasons to invest in lab created diamond jewelry, whether for your personal collection, popping the question or as a thoughtful gift for someone special. Consider the following benefits of lab grown diamonds:
- Value for money. Lab grown diamonds often allow you to obtain a larger, more impressive diamond at a more accessible price point than mined equivalents. Some retailers even offer price match guarantees or discount programs, helping you get an elegant piece for an excellent deal.
- Quality and selection. With fewer inclusions and more control over the growing environment, these diamonds tend to have higher purity and quality, offering a wider selection of flawless gems. You can also design your own pieces with lab created diamonds and precious metals like yellow gold or white gold, helping you create a one-of-a-kind piece for your special someone.
- Innovative and modern. These stones represent the pinnacle of jewelry technology, offering modern consumers a new way to buy luxe diamond pieces. Because lab created gems are more easily customized, you can purchase fancy colored diamonds, diamond shapes or unique lab grown diamond bracelets that aren’t possible with mined gems.
- Eternal and ethical choice. Lab made diamonds symbolize a commitment not just to personal or romantic ideals but also to broader principles of social responsibility. These pieces merge high-end ethical luxury with the assurance that your purchase does not contribute to the issues associated with traditional diamond mining.
Choose the Right Lab Created Diamond Pieces for You
Lab grown diamond jewelry represents a thoughtful choice if you’re looking for beauty and value without compromising on your ethical standards. Fine jewelry made with these diamonds offers a 100% conflict-free alternative to traditional gems, blending quality with affordability.
If you’re considering a purchase, whether for a special occasion or as an addition to your collection, lab grown diamond tennis bracelets, earrings, necklaces or rings are an excellent option. Invest in a lab created diamond jewelry piece to enjoy the luxury and sparkle of diamonds while supporting responsible practices.