A lab grown diamond is chemically, physically and optically identical to a natural diamond. The real differences are where the stone comes from, what it costs and how it affects people and the planet.
Key Takeaways
- Same stone: a lab grown diamond is chemically, physically and optically identical to a natural diamond.
- Same look: it shows the same sparkle, brilliance and hardness.
- Ethics: a lab grown diamond has no ethical issues with either humanity or the planet.
- Price: lab grown diamonds are also more affordable.
- Made in Perth: we handcraft every ring in our studio and plant 5 trees with every order.
What's The Difference Between Lab Grown and Natural Diamonds?
"How can you grow a diamond in a lab?" We hear you cry! Well, that's a question for the science and chemical engineers to answer if you want to get that complicated.
The important thing to know is that a lab grown diamond is chemically, physically, and optically identical to a natural diamond, and will exhibit the same sparkle, brilliance and hardness as natural diamonds. So unless you are a gemologist with a fine microscope, a lab grown diamond and a natural diamond are barely distinguishable.
| Point | Lab grown diamond | Natural diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Where it comes from | Grown in a lab | Formed thousands of miles beneath the earth's surface and retrieved through extraction |
| What it is | Chemically, physically and optically identical | Chemically, physically and optically identical |
| Sparkle, brilliance and hardness | The same | The same |
| To the eye | Barely distinguishable without a fine microscope | Barely distinguishable without a fine microscope |
| Ethical concerns | None for humanity or the planet | Conflict diamonds, labour and environmental damage are known issues |
| Price | More affordable | Higher |
However, you will be able to wear your diamond with a clear conscience, knowing it has no ethical issues with either humanity or the planet.
The Problem With Conflict Diamonds
Many of us have seen the movie Blood Diamond (and if you haven't you ought to) that highlighted the issues of conflict diamonds that are mined in war zones and sold to finance armed conflicts against legitimate governments. These diamonds are often mined using forced labour, especially children, and the human rights abuse that goes on is unimaginable.
- War zones: conflict diamonds are mined in war zones.
- Funding conflict: they are sold to finance armed conflicts against legitimate governments.
- Forced labour: they are often mined using forced labour, especially children.
The Environmental Cost of Mining Diamonds
Diamond mining can be a messy business for the environment too, causing habitat destruction and water pollution. Diamonds are formed thousands of miles beneath the earth's surface when carbon deposits come in contact with high temperatures and pressures, and so the only way to retrieve them is through extraction.
- Habitat destruction: mining disturbs the land where it takes place.
- Water pollution: mining can affect nearby water.
- Extraction: a lot of earth has to be moved to retrieve a single stone.
How To Choose Ethical Diamonds
Thankfully there are measures such as the Kimberley Process, to help you ensure your natural diamond has come from a conflict-free zone. Obviously a diamond supply chain is a complex thing and can be difficult to trace through the miners, dealers, cutters, distributors and traders.
The difference in lab grown diamonds is unrecognisable to the human eye, so you can wear your diamond knowing its origins, and that it didn't involve any unethical practices. Lab-grown diamonds are also more affordable, making them clear winners in the lab diamond versus natural diamond choice.
- Natural diamond: ask where it was sourced and whether the supplier follows the Kimberley Process.
- Lab grown diamond: you know its origins from the start.
- Ask us: we are happy to talk through the options with you.
Which Diamond Is Right for You?
Choose the diamond that matches what matters most to you, because both are real diamonds. This quick guide shows how to decide.
- Choose lab grown if: you want a clear conscience and a more affordable ring.
- Choose natural if: you prefer a stone formed in the earth, and you are happy to ask about its sourcing.
- Not sure: call or email us and we will talk through the options.
To learn more, read our guides on whether lab grown diamonds are really diamonds and how lab grown diamonds are made.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Diamond
Whichever stone you choose, these questions help you compare jewellers on the same points.
- Where does the stone come from? Ask if it is lab grown or natural.
- Is it conflict-free? Ask if the supplier follows the Kimberley Process.
- What is the metal? Ask if the gold is recycled.
- Where is the ring made? Ask who controls the manufacturing process.
- What comes with it? Ask about warranty, resizing and shipping.
The Beauty of a Diamond Without the Downsides
At Vinny And Charles, we are committed to providing sustainable jewellery, and we plant 5 trees for every order we receive. Our customer service is outstanding and we are happy to talk to you about any piece you are interested in, including the advantages of lab grown diamonds versus natural diamonds.
Our unique nature inspired jewellery designs are crafted in our studio and if you want to send someone a gift, we use quality packaging with a personal touch. We have a fast turnaround for made-to-order pieces, with express delivery options on all orders.
What You Get When You Buy From Us
Every ring we make is handcrafted by us in Perth, and we use recycled gold. Here is what comes with your order.
- Free express shipping: on all orders.
- Lifetime warranty: on every ring.
- Free ring resizing: so you can order with confidence.
- 5 trees planted: with every order.
- Custom designs: we can talk you through a custom option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between lab grown and natural diamonds?
A lab grown diamond is chemically, physically and optically identical to a natural diamond, and shows the same sparkle, brilliance and hardness. The main differences are where it comes from and what it costs, because lab grown diamonds are more affordable. If you are unsure which suits you, call or email us.
Can you tell a lab grown diamond from a natural diamond?
Unless you are a gemologist with a fine microscope, a lab grown diamond and a natural diamond are barely distinguishable. The difference is unrecognisable to the human eye, so you can wear your diamond knowing its origins and that no unethical practices were involved.
Are lab grown diamonds ethical?
Yes. A lab grown diamond has no ethical issues with either humanity or the planet. Natural diamonds can be linked to conflict, forced labour and environmental damage, so measures such as the Kimberley Process help you choose a conflict-free stone. Ask us if you would like to talk it through.
Why do natural diamonds need to be mined?
Diamonds are formed thousands of miles beneath the earth's surface when carbon deposits come in contact with high temperatures and pressures. The only way to retrieve them is through extraction, which can cause habitat destruction and water pollution. This is one reason many people choose lab grown.
Are lab grown diamonds cheaper than natural diamonds?
Yes, lab grown diamonds are more affordable, which makes them clear winners for many people choosing between the two. Browse our range of lab diamond engagement rings, or call or email us to talk through your budget and the ring you have in mind.
Shop Lab Diamond Rings
Find your perfect contemporary piece today, with lab-grown diamonds and jewellery made in a modern way to suit people who care about what they wear, and the world they live in.
Browse our lab diamond engagement rings and buy online with free express shipping. Call us on +61 8 6323 8494 or email info@vinnyandcharles.com.
