Laboratory Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds: What's the Difference?

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At first glance, lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds are practically identical - both are made from pure carbon, have the same physical, chemical and optical properties, and can display exceptional brilliance and beauty. The main difference is not in what they are, but in how they are formed.

 

ORIGIN:

Natural diamonds are formed in the depths of the Earth over billions of years, under extreme pressure and heat. They are brought to the surface by volcanic activity and extracted through mining.

Laboratory diamonds are created in highly controlled laboratory environments that replicate the natural process of diamond formation. With the use of advanced technology, these diamonds form in a few weeks, rather than millennia.

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Environmental and Ethical Impact

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• Mining natural diamonds can cause great damage to the environment - such as deforestation, habitat destruction, excessive water use and carbon emissions - as well as raising serious ethical questions about the work and origin of the stones.

• Lab-grown diamonds do not require mining, which drastically reduces their ecological footprint. They represent a more ethical and transparent alternative, especially when it comes to avoiding conflict diamonds (known as “blood diamonds”).

 

Quality and Value

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• Visually and chemically, laboratory diamonds are indistinguishable from natural diamonds. Both are evaluated by the same criteria of cut, color, purity and carat weight (the famous 4Cs).

• In terms of value, laboratory diamonds generally cost 30 to 40% less than natural diamonds, offering extraordinary beauty at a more affordable price.

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Certification

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Both types of diamond can be certified by renowned gemological institutes such as the GIA (Gemological Institute of America), the IGI (International Gemological Institute) or the HRD (High Council for Diamonds). These certificates clearly indicate whether the diamond is natural or lab-grown, as well as providing its quality rating.

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​In a nutshell

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A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond - just created above ground rather than below it. It's a modern, conscious choice that doesn't compromise on beauty, quality or meaning.

Whether it's from the earth or the lab, the emotional value of a diamond is eternal. The choice is yours - and we're here to help you make it with confidence.

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