Synthetic diamonds have become an instant hit among people because they provide more or less the same value as an actual diamond but at a much lower price. But are they really seemingly too good to be true? However, let us come to the more positive aspects, as well as certain disadvantages of these ornaments made by mankind.
What are Lab-grown diamonds?
Cultured or synthetic diamonds are chemically, physically and optically identical to those formed in the Earth’s mantle, but they are grown in a scientific laboratory. Hydro Thermal methods that are currently used to reproduce artificial diamonds are HPHT and CVD that simulate the conditions required to produce diamond deep under the Earth’s surface.
Living up to the tag ‘diamonds’, these engineered wonders are carbonically identical with the natural stones. Contrary to this they are equally hard and tough and they also posses wonderful surface properties. However, their source is different, and this has raised a lot of questions.
The Attraction to Cultured Diamonds
- Affordability: Another main advantage of lab-created diamonds, is cost since they are much cheaper than mined diamonds. CO<=$186-dollar mined diamonds, they can cost up to 40-50% less. This pocket friendly rates make them the best for couples who seek to buy engagement ring or the general buyers who seek classy jewelries at relatively cheaper prices.
- Ethical Considerations: Lab grown diamonds are regarded as a better option in this regard. The diamond mining companies have been criticised for their negative impacts on the environment people, () blood diamonds, diamonds sourced through conflict. Traditional diamonds, however, pose these problems because of their extraction through mining, and involvement of people and natural resources; lab-grown diamonds, however, do not have these problems as they are fan-made.
- Environmental Impact: There’s nothing as wasteful as extracting diamonds as it involves massive destruction of the earth surface and a lot of harms it. If we are to compare lab-grown diamonds to traditionally mined diamonds, lab grown diamonds are environmentally friendly in that they use less energy to grow than to mine for diamonds. These concerns are being addressed by current breakthroughs in Renewable resources in the management of energy.
- Innovation and Customization: Customization is possible when it comes to lab-grown diamonds. Synthetically producing stones means there is little restrictions regarding the size, color and shape a diamond can take, the consumer market is easily satisfied due to trends and developments they are likely to come across.
Are There Drawbacks?
Although the concept of lab-grown diamonds appears to hold the solution to virtually all the challenges that obtaining a diamond holds, there are a number of drawbacks worth considering.
- Resale Value: It is also, however, important to add that lab-grown diamonds cost less and have a lower resale value than natural diamonds. To add on this, the mass production of their items lowers their rarity level. Although this might differ from the future should demand and acceptance increase, consumers should understand that their lab-grown diamond may not command the same value as mined diamonds over the long-term.
- Perception: To some people there is something magical about a diamond, which includes the fact that the diamond is a naturally formed mineral that took millions of years to form. Although that meat grown in a laboratory is biochemically indistinct from the real product, it does not come with this exploration of scarcity and the past. Still, there are consumers who may appreciate that what they bought comes from a natural formation in the Earth though the difference cannot be noticed with the naked eye.
- Technological Advancements: The growth of diamonds is not a new technology and appears to get better, therefore, we can expect that the prices of lab-grown diamonds will further reduce in days to come. As much as this is good for new buyers, it can continue to depress the value of lab-grown diamonds even more as time goes on.
- Energy Use: Hearing lab-grow diamonds as the far better option for the environment, it is important to note that energy that goes into the growing of a diamond is still considerable. Even if it is not supported by renewable energy, the effect on the environment might be quite considerable.
About the Future Lab Grown Diamonds
It is evidently clear that lab-grown diamonds are here to stay and their market reception proves that they satisfy the market needs for price, sustainability, and good conscience. With time, it is likely that lab-grown diamonds will gain more championship in the line of jewelry and watches.
Still, whether they are ‘too good to be true,’ it depends with the vision any individual may have. If you’re seeking the light reflection that would be similar to that of a genuine diamond but at a lower cost and no moral dilemmas, then opted for simants diamonds. Perhaps, as a thoughtful client, you appreciate the essence of what makes a gem unique coming from the Earth and you will go with a mined diamond.
Finally, the final decision boils down to their values, budget, and the preferred Carat, clarity and color of the diamond. Lab-grown diamonds are not a ‘too good to be true’ phenomena but are revolutionizing luxury and sustainable in the jewelry industry.