In recent years, lab grown diamonds have been gaining significant traction in the jewellery industry. They are often touted as more affordable, more ethical, and more environmentally friendly alternatives to stones mined from deep within the Earth. Yet, despite their growing popularity, there remains a contingent of jewellers—especially those with a storied heritage—who continue to favour natural diamonds. As a family-owned jewellery store operating for over a century, we have observed this trend firsthand. Below, we will delve into the reasons behind the rise of lab grown diamonds, examine how they are produced, and offer insight into why many jewellers still find natural diamonds uniquely appealing.
1. The Emergence of Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds, also referred to as synthetic or cultured diamonds, have been developed through technological advances that replicate the conditions under which natural diamonds form in the Earth’s mantle. This innovation addresses a significant market demand: many people want the luxurious sparkle of a diamond without the sometimes-hefty price tag or the concerns associated with certain diamond mines. By recreating the high temperatures and pressures found in nature—albeit in a fraction of the time—scientists can “grow” a diamond from a tiny seed crystal.
Although the concept of creating diamonds in laboratories has been around for decades, only recently has the quality of lab grown diamonds reached a point where they closely resemble high-grade natural diamonds. This leap in quality, paired with a more competitive price, is largely responsible for their rapid rise in popularity. Shoppers are now able to purchase a lab grown diamond of comparable size and brilliance to a natural diamond for a lower investment, making lab grown diamonds a go-to choice for many couples buying engagement rings on a budget.
2. Understanding the Technology
Two primary methods dominate the production of lab grown diamonds: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).
- HPHT: This method uses extreme heat (over 1,300°C) and pressure (over 870,000 psi) in a specialized press. A diamond “seed” and carbon source material are placed together, and over the course of several weeks, new diamond crystals form around the seed.
- CVD: In the CVD method, a thin slice of diamond seed is placed in a chamber filled with carbon-rich gases. These gases are heated until they ionize, depositing layers of carbon onto the seed. Over time, these layers build up, creating a diamond crystal.
Both processes have improved dramatically over the past 10 to 15 years, allowing labs to produce consistently clear and vibrant stones. These diamonds typically undergo certification by gemological institutions that specialize in grading natural and lab grown diamonds alike. On a molecular level, they share the same chemical and physical structures, which means lab grown diamonds can possess a sparkling beauty that, at first glance, is virtually indistinguishable from their natural counterparts.
3. Are Lab Grown Diamonds “Real”?
A common question among first-time buyers is whether lab grown diamonds are considered “real.” On a scientific level, the answer is yes: lab grown diamonds are composed of the same chemical element, carbon, arranged in the same crystal structure as natural diamonds. They possess the same hardness, refractive index, and brilliance.
That said, some jewellers argue there is an intangible quality to diamonds formed naturally over billions of years in the depths of the Earth. The uniqueness of each stone—shaped by geological forces spanning eras—imbues natural diamonds with a certain romance that many find irresistibly compelling. This sentiment can be difficult to measure strictly in terms of clarity and carat weight.
4. The Question of Value Retention
When considering investment value, natural diamonds have historically maintained a robust secondary market. Because of their geological rarity and centuries of tradition, natural diamonds often command higher resale prices over time. Lab grown diamonds, however, are a newer entrant to the market. While their lower initial cost is attractive, the long-term resale value or appreciation of lab grown stones remains uncertain. As lab technology improves and more stones enter the market, some predict that lab grown diamond prices may continue to decrease.
For many buyers, a diamond ring is more than just a financial outlay—it is an emotional investment. Yet for those concerned with keeping a stone that might be passed down through generations and hold or grow in value, natural diamonds may feel like a more traditional and time-tested option.
5. Our Store’s Perspective on Tradition
As a jewellery store that has flourished for over a century, we understand that not all decisions can be boiled down to data or price tags. Over the decades, we have watched families come in looking for the perfect ring to mark an engagement and return years later to celebrate anniversaries, births, and graduations. In our view, each diamond—whether lab grown or natural—carries a story. But there is an undeniable mystique to stones forged underground over millennia, shaped by the Earth’s forces before ever gracing our showcases. This is part of the reason why so many traditional jewellers continue to offer and prefer natural diamonds.
6. Why Some Jewellers Favor Natural Stones
- Historical Significance: Diamonds have been prized for centuries, and natural stones carry that legacy within them. Each stone has a geological history, and some jewellers cherish the notion that this tiny piece of the Earth witnessed eons of change before becoming a symbol of love.
- Rarity: While lab grown diamonds can be produced repeatedly, natural diamonds’ finite supply bolsters their perceived exclusivity. For collectors and romantics alike, rarity can enhance desirability.
- Potential for Long-Term Value: Traditionalists point to the historically steady market for natural diamonds. Though any investment can fluctuate, natural diamonds have an established track record that lab grown diamonds—newer on the scene—cannot yet match.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, it comes down to taste. Some people are fascinated by new technology and science, while others are drawn to the allure of an ancient gemstone formed by nature’s forces.
7. Balancing Choice and Education
In our store, we pride ourselves on offering both natural and lab grown diamond options. Our role is to educate customers so they can make decisions aligned with their values, budget, and aesthetic preferences. If an ethically and environmentally conscious consumer leans toward lab grown diamonds and appreciates their modern allure, we respect that choice. If a customer finds magic in the geological history and perceived investment value of a natural diamond, we cater to that desire as well.
Regardless of personal preference, we believe that understanding each stone’s provenance is crucial. By asking questions about certification, provenance, and grading, buyers can feel confident that their diamond meets their expectations—whether it took billions of years to emerge from the Earth’s mantle or was created in a matter of weeks in a lab.
Conclusion: An Evolving Gemstone Landscape
Lab grown diamonds have undeniably changed the jewellery industry, offering consumers more options and igniting important conversations about ethics, sustainability, and value. The technology behind their creation is impressive, and their lower price point can be an attractive draw for couples seeking a larger or higher-quality stone without exceeding their budget. Yet, despite this shift, natural diamonds continue to hold a special place in many jewellers’ hearts—including our own.
For a store that has served generations of families for over 100 years, the romance of a natural diamond lies in its ancient origins and the intangible sense of wonder it inspires. We appreciate the technological marvel of lab grown diamonds while still revering the singular, timeless beauty of Earth-born stones. Whether you choose a lab grown diamond or a natural diamond, what truly matters is the story it tells when it rests on your finger—a story of love, commitment, and the significance of life’s most precious milestones. A diamond, after all, is more than just a piece of jewellery; it’s a symbol of enduring devotion, whichever origin you decide speaks to your heart.