Lab Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds

There are several factors to consider when searching for a diamond ring – the style, shape, and cut are but a few examples. However, many people overlook the importance of choosing between natural and lab grown diamonds.

When choosing between natural and lab created diamonds, it’s important to remember that all our diamonds share the same chemical and physical properties. The only differences lie in the price and the production process.

Lab diamonds are quicker and less costly to produce, so they offer an affordable alternative to natural diamonds. They are also more environmentally friendly as they avoid mining entirely, resulting in fewer carbon emissions. However, natural diamonds are as rare as they are beautiful, which explains why they are slightly more expensive.

What are lab grown diamonds?

Lab grown diamonds, often referred to as man-made diamonds, share the same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds. The only notable difference is that they are created in a laboratory setting.

These labs are engineered to perfectly emulate and accelerate the natural process of a diamond’s growth, as natural diamonds can take up to 3 billion years to form. As a result, our team at Shining Diamonds are able to produce stunning lab diamond rings at a much faster rate without disturbing the environment.

What are lab grown diamonds called?

Whilst lab grown diamonds are most commonly referred to as lab grown or lab diamonds, they may also be referred to as:

• Man-made Diamonds
• Lab created Diamonds
• Synthetic Diamonds
• Cultured Diamonds
• Artificially Created Diamonds

However, if you’re purchasing a lab grown diamond ring, we recommend verifying that it is in fact lab grown by asking the seller for proof of certification.

Are lab diamonds more ethical than natural diamonds?

Yes, lab grown diamonds are more ethical than natural diamonds. Firstly, they provide a sustainable alternative to natural diamonds as they don’t require any mining. In turn, they cause no disruption to the environment, result in less air pollution and limit transportation emissions as they can be created locally in a controlled environment. Secondly, as with all diamonds at Shining Diamonds, our lab grown diamonds are 100% conflict free. So, you can rest assured all of your diamond jewellery is ethically created and sourced.

Do lab created diamond rings look different?

No – lab grown diamonds are created to have the same chemical, physical and optical properties as a natural diamond – meaning there is no visible difference between our natural or lab grown diamonds. Youcan rest assured all of our lab grown engagement rings look every bit as brilliant as our natural diamond engagement rings.

Do lab diamond rings last as long?

Yes, man-made, lab grown diamonds share the same physical properties as natural diamonds, meaning they are as hard and durable as naturally formed diamonds. Scoring 10 on Mohs Hardness Scale, diamonds are the hardest substances on Earth, regardless of their origin.

Are lab grown diamonds more affordable than natural diamonds

Yes, lab grown diamonds are more affordable than natural diamonds. A typical lab grown diamond costs around 60%-80% less than a natural diamond with identical features. This is because lab diamonds are quicker and easier to produce than rare, naturally occurring diamonds.

How are lab grown diamonds created?

Lab diamonds can be created via two methods:

• Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)
• High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT)

The Chemical Vapor Deposition method involves placing a diamond seed (an incredibly thin slice of diamond) into a chamber which, once sealed, is filled with carbon rich gas and heated to 800°C . The extreme heat causes the carbon gas to ionise and bond to the diamond seed creating a fully formed diamond.

Alternatively, the High Pressure, High Temperature process involves placing a diamond seed into a chamber with a carbon material. The minerals are then exposed to extremely high-temperatures (1300-1600 °C) and an immense amount of pressure (70,000 atmospheres), to replicate the conditions in the Earth’s crust. Throughout the process, the carbon material turns to molten and gradually gravitates towards the cooler diamond seed. Once contact is made, the carbon crystalises and attaches to the diamond seed, forming a synthetic diamond crystal.

Whilst the processes vary, both methods involve manipulating carbon atoms to form diamond crystals.

How long does it take to create lab grown diamonds

On average, it takes between 6 and 10 weeks to create a lab grown diamond. However, this timeline can vary based on the size of the diamond and the method used, as HPHT diamonds form faster than CVD diamonds. With that said, both methods are considerably quicker than natural diamond formation, which can take between 1 and 3 billion years.

Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?

Yes, lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. They bear no difference to a natural diamond – chemically, physically or visually – making them 100% genuine. The only difference is their origin.

Can you buy coloured lab grown diamonds?

Yes - whilst white lab grown diamonds are the most popular choice for engagement rings, lab grown diamonds come in a variety of colours, including pink, blue and yellow. Blue and yellow lab grown diamonds are formed by adding natural minerals to the chamber (boron and nitrogen, respectively). However, pink lab grown diamonds gain their colour from their unique crystal structure, which can be created through intense heat, varied pressure or irradiation.

Why choose a Lab Grown Diamond Ring?

Lab diamond rings are incredibly popular amongst jewellers and ring buyers - offering both exceptional quality and impressive sparkle. But what are the benefits of choosing a lab diamond?

• Ethical choice - Mining can be incredibly damaging to the environment. However, with lab grown diamonds, we are able to avoid mining entirely, produce fewer carbon emissions and provide customers with an ethical alternative.
• Value - Our lab grown diamonds are much quicker and easier to produce. Therefore, we’re able to sell our lab grown diamond rings for around 30% less, despite offering the same quality and size!
• Brilliance and beauty - our lab diamonds share the same optical and chemical properties as natural diamonds, meaning they offer the same brilliance and sparkle as earth mined diamonds.

Do lab grown diamonds lose their value?

Lab grown diamonds share the same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds, so they are incredibly valuable. However, as with any diamond, their value does depreciate after purchase. The resale value of a diamond (natural or lab grown) is around 30% to 40% less than the original price. So, you should choose a diamond ring that you will cherish for a lifetime.

Are lab grown diamonds certified?

Yes, all of our diamonds - both natural and lab grown - are certified by qualified professionals from the GIA, IGI, GIE and HRD. We also provide comprehensive GIA Laboratory-Grown Diamond Reports, so you can be certain your lab diamond engagement ring is of the highest-quality.

How to buy a Lab Grown Diamonds from Shining Diamonds

At Shining Diamonds, all of our diamond rings can be customised online and in-store. Simply opt for a ‘lab grown diamond’ when customising your design. You can then select the colour, clarity and carat of your lab grown diamond to create the perfect bespoke lab grown ring.

To learn more about the 4C’s – cut, clarity, carat and colour - read our diamond buying guide!

How to choose a lab grown diamond

When choosing a lab grown diamond, you need to consider the 4 C's of Diamond Quality:

• Cut
• Clarity
• Colour
• Carat

These four criteria will determine the appearance and the value of your diamond. Our team at Shining Diamonds are always on hand to share their expertise and help you find the perfect lab grown diamond. You will also receive your diamond certification upon purchase, outlining the size and condition of your lab grown diamond.

How to choose a lab grown engagement ring

When shopping for a lab grown engagement ring, you'll need to consider four things:

• The style of the ring
• The shape of the diamond
• The metal of the band
• Your budget

Your partner’s existing jewellery collection is a good way to determine their style and preferred metal. However, it’s always wise to consult their family and friends. As for budget, the average estimated cost for an engagement ring is around three month’s worth of your salary. For further advice, read our blog, ‘How to Choose an Engagement Ring’.

Lab Grown Diamond Rings on Finance

Our plans allow you to pay for your lab grown diamond ring in monthly instalments. We have several interest-free finance options available with 0% APR; these range from 6 months, 12 months, 18 months and more with varying interest rates. Simply select the 'Finance' payment method at checkout and set your deposit amount.

For more information about purchasing lab grown diamond rings on finance, get in touch with our diamond experts or visit us at our showrooms.

Visit our Showrooms

At Shining Diamonds, we sell only the most luxurious lab diamond rings. So, if you’re looking to make an eternal promise to your loved one, visit our flagship store in London’s iconic Hatton Garden or our newest branch in the legendary Brighton Lanes.

Here at Shining Diamonds, we offer a bespoke jewellery design consultation with the opportunity to try our samples to ensure your lab diamond ring is absolutely perfect. All our diamond rings are designed and created in our London workshop, so pay a visit to one of our showrooms - we promise to make your shopping experience memorable!

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