Natural vs lab-grown diamonds - Three things to keep in mind

It’s becoming more and more common to see lab-grown diamonds available from jewellery stores. Certainly, they have a number of characteristics that make them appealing, including a lower price tag.  

Even though there is a great rationale for buying lab-grown diamonds, at Orsini, we have decided to stick to natural diamonds.  

Here are some things to consider if you are weighing up whether to purchase a natural diamond or a lab-created diamond for an engagement ring. 

Ethics 

Anyone buying a natural diamond should do their research to ensure they are buying ethical jewellery. Many consumers have concerns over problems in the mining sector such as child labour, dangerous conditions and other human rights abuses. One advantage of lab-grown diamonds is that they are guaranteed to be conflict free.  

However, some have argued that a complete shift away from mined diamonds could disenfranchise communities whose livelihoods depend on the diamond industry. The industry continues to improve its regulatory systems making supply chains more transparent - 

through research and asking the right questions of retailers, you can ensure you are buying ethically sourced natural diamonds and gemstones. At Orsini, we make sure all of our diamonds are ethically sourced from conflict-free regions. 

Sustainability 

Lab-grown diamonds are frequently touted as a sustainable alternative to natural diamonds due to the fact they are not mined from the ground. But the truth is that the real environmental impact of synthetic stones is complex. 

Manufacturing synthetic diamonds still requires large amounts of energy, and the creation of these diamonds can lead to a significant output in carbon pollution if you are buying them from a country that relies heavily on fossil fuels. Therefore, research by the consumer is still required if buying a lab-grown gem for environmental reasons. 

Value 

Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds - they have the same physical and chemical properties as mined diamonds, and the process to create them mimics what happens in the earth when a natural diamond is formed.  

However, when they are graded, they are always inscribed to show they are laboratory-grown. This ensures lab-created diamonds aren’t mistaken for natural diamonds.  

One of the great advantages of lab-grown diamonds is that they are significantly lower in price compared to natural diamonds. But with lab-grown diamonds so new to the industry, it’s still unclear what the long-term value of these stones will be.  

As more lab-grown diamonds are created, we could see their value decrease. Natural diamonds cost the amount they do because they are incredibly rare. That’s something to consider if you see your diamond as an investment or a special family heirloom to pass down to generations. 

Also, while a natural diamond is worth more financially, for some it may be more valuable emotionally too. 

There’s much to be said for the symbolism of a one-of-a-kind natural diamond. A gemstone that has formed in the earth over billions of years is an apt representation of enduring love. So if sentiment is important to you, you might not be satisfied with a lab-grown diamond. 

At Orsini, we prefer to specialise in naturally occurring diamonds. However, if you decide that you would prefer a lab-grown diamond, we are happy to source one for you.