Difference Between Lab-Grown and Natural Diamonds

Diamonds are timeless symbols of love and commitment, often chosen for engagement rings. With advancements in technology, lab-grown diamonds have become a popular alternative to natural diamonds. While both options offer stunning beauty, there are key differences between them that can impact your decision. 

What are Natural Diamonds and Lab Grown Diamonds?

Natural diamonds are mined from the earth, formed under extreme pressure and heat over millions of years. Lab-grown diamonds are created in laboratories from carbon sources under controlled conditions. Both types of diamonds have the same chemical composition. Lab-grown diamonds are more affordable and environmentally friendly; however, natural diamonds may be considered more valuable by some consumers.

How Lab-Grown and Natural Diamonds Done

There are two ways to create diamonds in a lab: HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) and CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition). Both methods start with acquiring a diamond seed, which is a single diamond crystal cut into squares with a thickness close to a single strand of human hair. For an HPHT diamond, several of these diamond seeds are placed neatly into a chamber and subjected to an insurmountable amount of heat and pressure for up to 12 weeks, forcing them to “grow” and form into rough cubes of diamonds. These rough cubes are then cut, shaped, and polished to create a diamond that you would put on an engagement ring.

CVD diamonds are quite similar to HPHT in that the diamond seeds are again placed neatly into a chamber. However, instead of applying extreme pressure and heat, the chamber is filled with carbon atoms that attach themselves to the diamond seeds and form rough cubes of diamonds. This process takes fewer weeks than HPHT. The difference between HPHT and CVD diamonds is significant in terms of their physical properties, as HPHT diamonds tend to have a slight yellowish and greyish hue compared to CVD diamonds, which are clearer in hue.

Budgeting for Diamond Engagement Ring

While there’s no hard and fast rule, a common tradition is to allocate 2-3 months’ salary for an engagement ring. However, it’s important to consider your financial situation and set a realistic budget that you’re comfortable with. Discuss your budget with your partner beforehand to ensure you are on the same page. Here are some tips for sticking to your budget:

• Percentage of Annual Salary: Allocate a percentage of your annual salary, typically between 5-10%.
• Fixed Amount: Set a fixed amount that you are comfortable spending, considering other financial goals and obligations.
• Flexible Budget: Determine a range rather than a fixed amount, allowing for flexibility based on the ring’s characteristics and value.

Diamond Characteristics: The 4Cs

Understanding the 4Cs of diamonds—cut, clarity, colour, and carat—is crucial when selecting a diamond.

• Cut: The cut determines how well a diamond reflects light. A well-cut diamond sparkles more and appears more brilliant. Grades range from Excellent to Poor.
• Clarity: Clarity measures the presence of internal or external imperfections, known as inclusions and blemishes. Grades range from Flawless (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to Included (inclusions and/or blemishes visible to the naked eye).
• Colour: Diamond colour grades range from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Colourless diamonds are the most valuable, but near-colourless diamonds (G-H) offer a good balance of quality and value.
• Carat: Carat refers to the diamond’s weight. Larger diamonds are rarer and more expensive, but the overall quality should also be considered.

Popular Gemstones Besides Diamonds

Diamonds are the traditional choice for proposal rings, but there are many beautiful and unique coloured gemstones to consider. Here are some popular options:

• Sapphires: Sapphires come in a variety of colours, including blue, pink, yellow, and green. They are known for their durability and brilliance.
• Rubies: Rubies are a deep red gemstone that symbolises love and passion.
• Emeralds: Emeralds have a vibrant green colour and are known for their unique inclusions.

When choosing a coloured gemstone, consider the following factors:

• Colour: Choose a colour that complements your partner’s skin tone and personal style.
• Clarity: Inclusions can add character to a coloured gemstone, but too many inclusions can affect its durability and brilliance.
• Cut: Just like diamonds, the cut of a coloured gemstone will affect its sparkle.
• Durability: Consider how often the ring will be worn and choose a gemstone that is hard enough to withstand everyday wear.

Ring Settings

The ring setting will showcase your chosen diamond or gemstone and complement its style. 

Here are some popular ring settings:

• Solitaire: The solitaire setting is a classic choice that features a single diamond or gemstone on a simple band.
• Pavé: The band is covered with small diamonds, giving the ring a continuous sparkle
• Channel Set: Diamonds or gemstones are set between two metal channels, creating a sleek, modern look while protecting the stones.
• Side Stone: Features smaller diamonds or gemstones on either side of the centre stone, adding extra sparkle and enhancing the overall design.
• Vintage: Inspired by designs from past eras, these settings often include intricate details and milgrain edges.
• Halo: The halo setting features a centre diamond or gemstone surrounded by smaller diamonds, creating a dazzling effect.

Tips for Choosing a Diamond Engagement Ring

• Consider the Recipient’s Style: Pay attention to the recipient’s jewellery preferences. Do they prefer classic, modern, or vintage styles?

• Think About Lifestyle: Consider the recipient’s lifestyle and daily activities. A lower-profile setting might be more practical for someone with an active lifestyle.

• Get Certification: Ensure the diamond comes with a certification from a reputable gemological laboratory, such as GIA or IGI. Michael Trio provides diamond certificates, ensuring each diamond is independently evaluated and graded for quality and characteristics.

• Insurance: Protect your investment by insuring the engagement ring. This provides peace of mind in case of loss, theft, or damage.

• Engraving Services: Personalise the ring with an engraving. Michael Trio offers engraving services for an additional $37, allowing you to add a meaningful message or date to the ring.

For example, if you choose the Double Tri-Sidestone Diamond Engagement Ring in 18K Rose Gold as your proposal ring, you can choose to engrave your ring, select the ring size, and even add remarks during your shopping.

If you select “Yes” for engraving, you only need to add $37, and a pop-up will appear, allowing you to choose special characters and font types. It is advisable to keep the engraving under 15 characters to avoid it looking too crowded.

Which is Better Between Lab-Grown and Natural Diamonds?

Now that we have discussed the origins of both types of diamonds, let’s go back to the question at hand. The difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds, and which is “better”?

This ultimately falls to you, the consumer. If you are looking for diamonds that are less costly (30-40% specifically), have absolutely zero ethical conundrum behind the making of it, and are more eco-friendly, then lab-grown is your best bet.

However, if you feel like diamonds formed by our earth for millions of years through the planet’s natural underground temperature and pressure AND are mined and traded responsibly are more “valuable” (despite the identical properties to lab-grown), then do shop for conflict-free natural diamonds.

The important part of any of this is to be informed on the type of diamonds you are purchasing. Always insist on knowing the diamond’s origin with the jeweller when shopping, and understand the impact on the people and the environment the diamonds have. If you are looking for your own diamond rings with exquisite design and diamonds to boot, be sure to check out our jewellery online store.