Its so confusing!?
Lab Grown, Natural, Mined, Created, Moissanite … What does it all mean?!
This short article will hopefully set you on a good path to learning about the different types of diamonds, help you to navigate the world of natural and lab created stones!
As always, feels free to drop by the studio and we can have a coffee and a chat about it all!
Diamonds have long been considered one of the most coveted gemstones, renowned for their brilliance, durability, and timeless beauty. However, recent advancements in technology have introduced lab-grown diamonds and moissanite as alternatives to natural diamonds. This article aims to provide a comparative analysis of natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, and moissanite to help you make an informed choice when considering these gemstones.
Natural Diamonds:
A Timeless Classic Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle over millions of years under immense pressure and heat. They are composed of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure. Their rarity, natural origin, and unique formation process contribute to their high market value.
The allure of natural diamonds lies in their unparalleled brilliance and fire, resulting from their ability to refract light. They have exceptional hardness, ranking 10 on the Mohs scale, making them highly resistant to scratches and everyday wear. Natural diamonds also possess symbolic value and are often associated with luxury, status, and romance.
Lab-Grown Diamonds:
A Sustainable and Ethical Choice Lab-grown diamonds, also known as synthetic or man-made diamonds, are produced in a controlled laboratory environment that replicates the natural diamond-growing process. They have the same chemical composition and physical properties as natural diamonds, making them visually and chemically identical.
The main advantage of lab-grown diamonds lies in their ethical and environmental footprint. They are created without the environmental impact of mining, eliminating concerns about human rights abuses, deforestation, and pollution associated with traditional diamond mining. Additionally, lab-grown diamonds offer price advantages, typically being 30-40% less expensive than their natural counterparts.
Moissanite:
A Brilliant Alternative Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral, but the gemstones available in the market are typically lab-created. They exhibit similar visual properties to diamonds, including exceptional brilliance and fire. Moissanite is composed of silicon carbide and ranks 9.25 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable option for everyday wear.
One of the key advantages of moissanite is its affordability. Compared to natural and lab-grown diamonds, moissanite is significantly more budget-friendly while still offering a stunning appearance. It also has a different optical property known as double refraction, which creates a unique sparkle and rainbow-like flashes, distinguishing it from diamonds.
Choosing the Right Gemstone for You When deciding between natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, and moissanite, several factors come into play:
Budget: If you have a limited budget but desire a gemstone with similar brilliance to diamonds, lab-grown diamonds and moissanite offer more affordable options.
Ethics and Sustainability: Lab-grown diamonds are the most sustainable and ethical choice, as they are produced without mining and associated environmental and social concerns.
Rarity and Symbolism: Natural diamonds hold a unique allure due to their natural origin, rarity, and historical significance. If symbolism and exclusivity are important to you, a natural diamond may be the preferred choice.
Durability: All three options are durable gemstones suitable for everyday wear, with natural diamonds being the hardest and most scratch-resistant.
Personal Preference: Ultimately, your personal taste and preference play a significant role in choosing the gemstone that resonates with you the most. Consider factors like appearance, brilliance, and the unique characteristics of each gemstone.
In conclusion, natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, and moissanite each have their own merits and cater to different preferences and priorities. Whether you value tradition, sustainability, or budget-consciousness, there is a gemstone option that can fulfill your desires while adding sparkle and beauty to your life.
In the current market it is worthwhile to note that the investment value in lab grown diamonds is low and not forseen to increase where as natural diamonds are far more valuable and suitable for investment purposes opposed to lab grown diamonds.