Natural diamonds form deep within the Earth’s mantle under extreme pressure and high temperatures over billions of years. Diamond mines are located all over the world in Russia, Botswana, Canada, and Australia.
Lab-grown diamonds are produced in, you guessed it, a laboratory. Using methods like High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), which simulate the environment natural diamond form in, but at a drastically faster rate.
The price of natural diamonds varies widely, typically ranging from $4,000 to $15,000 per carat, fluctuating based on the particular diamond's quality, also known as the 4 C's - carat weight, cut, color, and clarity.
Larger and higher-quality diamonds, especially colorless and flawless stones, command significantly higher prices, sometimes exceeding $20,000 per carat. Prices fluctuate based on the market.
Lab-grown diamonds are typically priced 20-40% lower than natural diamonds, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $6,000 per carat, also dependent on the 4 C's - carat weight, cut, color, and clarity.
The lower production costs of lab grown diamonds and ability to be produced on demand contribute to pricing fluctuations. Lab-grown diamonds are becoming a popular choice for high-quality, accessible alternatives.
Natural diamonds often retain or appreciate in value due to their rarity and historical significance. Priced higher because of their limited supply, they are regarded as solid long-term investments.
Factors like market demand, sentimental value, rare specialty cut diamonds, and brand recognition contribute to their appeal, making them a cherished choice for those looking for heirloom-worthy investments.
Lab-grown diamonds typically have a lower long-term value compared to natural diamonds, as they are priced 20-40% lower and depreciate as more lab grown diamonds enter the market.
While they are seen as high-quality, their abundance means they don’t carry the same rarity that can enhance value retention.
Natural diamonds are highly durable, ranking 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making them resistant to scratching and wear. While they can chip or break if struck with enough force, their toughness ensures they withstand daily use, making them ideal for engagement rings and other jewelry.
Lab-grown diamonds share the same hardness as natural diamonds, also ranking 10 on the Mohs scale. This means they are equally resistant to scratching and wear, making them suitable for everyday wear. Like natural diamonds, they can chip or break under significant impact but are durable enough for various types of jewelry.
Natural diamonds are graded for clarity based on internal flaws, with higher grades being free of visible inclusions. inclusions are often carbon deposits captured inside the diamond during it's formation over millions of yearws.
Diamond color grades range from colorless (D grade) to light yellow or brown (Z grade), with colorless diamonds being the most sought after. (There are also lesser known fancy colored diamonds, think vivid and vibrant hues of pinks, yellows, blues, and greens.)
Lab-grown diamonds are graded using the same system as natural diamonds, often achieving higher clarity with fewer inclusions due to the controlled production environment.
Lab grown diamonds can be found in a spectrum of colors, ranging from colorless to light shades and even fancy colors just like natural diamonds. This controlled creation process ensures high visual appeal and consistency.
