Lab Created Diamonds Vs Real Diamonds: Do You Get The Same Wow Factor?

Lab created diamonds, also known as manufactured or cultured diamonds, are grown in laboratories using advanced technology that duplicate how diamonds naturally develop in the Earth’s mantle. They exhibit the same optical, physical and chemical properties as earth-mined diamonds.

What’s the difference between lab created diamonds vs mined diamonds? Lab-grown diamonds are pure crystallized carbon diamonds and have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as earth-mined diamonds.

The only way to distinguish one from the other is by using highly specialized equipment that can detect the minor differences in crystal growth and trace elements.

Is Moissanite A Diamond?

Moissanite can be confusing to the amateur because this gem is also lab created, but Moissanite is considered a diamond simulant. Moissanite and other diamond simulants like Cubic Zirconia (CZ) and White Topaz contain no diamond elements and are considered non-precious gems.

Moissanite vs Diamonds

Moissanite varies significantly from diamonds in both appearance and composition. There’s really no comparison. Moissannite consists of silicon carbide, rather than carbon, so it’s an entirely different gemstone.

From a distance, Moissanite might appear somewhat similar to a diamond, but the two are noticeably distinct upon closer inspection — even to a non-expert’s eye. Moissannite isn’t nearly as clear and brilliant as a diamond. Although you can save 50-75% of what you’d pay for a diamond, you’re not getting a valuable, precious gemstone.

Should I Buy A Lab Made Diamond?

One of the first questions people ask: are lab created diamonds worth anything? Yes; lab diamonds are an excellent value, particularly if you’re on a tight budget. Manufactured diamonds are graded on the same scale as earth-mined diamonds, and the only difference is their point of origin.

There are several benefits of lab-grown diamonds, but some people may find drawbacks. Consider these pros and cons.

Pros

Environmental Sustainability

Mining destroys the Earth’s crust and mantle. It also takes considerably less energy to grow a diamond in a lab than it does to mine one out of the ground. Finally, there are limited resources in the earth, and this includes diamonds. Thus, this rare natural gem is likely to increase in price as supplies dwindle, making lab created diamonds a more sustainable choice.

No Risk Of Getting A Blood Diamond

The issue of conflict or “blood” diamonds is a significant factor in many consumers’ minds. With a lab-grown diamond bought from a reputable source, you can be confident that your purchase isn’t supporting wars or child labor. Read our article on blood diamonds to learn more.

Price

You can save 10-30% or more with a manufactured diamond over a natural one. The savings can be even higher if you want a colored diamond — earth-mined colored diamonds are incredibly scarce and consequently very expensive.

Cons

Negative Economic Impact On Developing Areas

While lab diamonds support advanced economies, they also take jobs away from impoverished areas around the world that depend on the jobs and income from diamond mines.

One-of-a-Kind Factor

Every mined diamond is a unique creation of nature. Synthetic diamonds, however, are mass-produced in labs. Some people may find that the glamour, mystery and romance of the precious gemstone is lost with lab diamonds.