The difference between natural and lab-grown diamonds
When investing in jewellery with diamonds, you should know that there are two different types of diamonds – natural and lab-grown. But what exactly is the difference?
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- The difference between natural and lab grown diamonds
When you buy a piece of jewellery with diamonds, we think it’s crucial that you know what you invest in. In addition to natural diamonds, you can also find lab-grown diamonds, or synthetic diamonds, as they are sometimes called. Although you cannot see the difference between these with your own eyes, only with special instruments, they differ quite a lot when it comes to price, value, and sustainability.
What are lab-grown/synthetic diamonds?
A real diamond consists of carbon that has been compressed under extreme heat and pressure deep within the earth, to form diamonds. Lab-grown/synthetic diamonds are created in a laboratory, where the carbon is treated with different techniques to obtain a similar result. The two most common ways to create lab-grown diamonds are through:
● CVD – Chemical Vapour Deposition: This process uses a heat-resistant material, such as carbon, which is placed in a high-pressure chamber containing various carbon materials or gases. Thanks to high temperatures, crystals are formed around the piece of carbon, and a synthetic diamond is created.
● HPHT – High Pressure, High Temperature: This process is similar to CVD, but instead of adding carbon materials or gases, crystals are formed by exposing the piece of carbon to high pressure at a high temperature. After this, the synthetic diamond is cut and polished.
What type of diamond is most sustainable?
In 2019, “Trucsost” performed one of the world's first analyzes of the socio-economic and environmental impact of large-scale diamond mining. The survey was commissioned by the world's seven largest diamond producers “DPA” (Diamond Producers Association). One of the key findings was that the greenhouse gas footprint per one carat polished diamond is 69% less than the estimated carbon footprint of a lab-grown diamond.
Real diamonds – an investment
Depending on the colour, clarity and size, a lab-grown diamond is between 30-70% cheaper to buy than a natural one. This price difference has to do with the fact that it’s possible to produce an unlimited number of synthetic diamonds much faster, which makes them cheaper.
When choosing a diamond, you should know that a natural diamond is an investment for life, as it retains the same value over time. Lab-grown diamonds decrease in value as they are less rare.
Real love, deserves real diamonds
At Efva Attling Stockholm, you can be sure that your diamond is natural, we have made an active choice not to offer synthetic diamonds. When buying a piece of diamond jewellery from us, you can also be sure that the diamond is conflict-free. We only buy our diamonds from experienced and well-known suppliers in Antwerp who guarantee and only deliver conflict-free diamonds. Here you can read more about our diamonds.
When you buy a solitaire diamond ring of 0.50 Carat or more from us at Efva Attling, a GIA certificate (Gemological Institute of America) is included. GIA is the market's largest certification institute in certified diamonds, which individually assesses each stone according to the four Cs; Carat, Color, Clarity and Cut.
Everything you need to know about diamonds
The diamond is one of our most cherished symbols of everlasting love. But the biggest diamond does not always mean the largest carat, and not all diamonds are as sparkly as you might think. We’ll guide you through everything you need to know to feel confident in your choice.
