Lab-grown diamonds have gained tremendously in popularity over the past few years. That doesn’t mean natural diamonds are less frequently sold, quite the contrary. Both the naturals and the lab-grown diamonds are popular for different reasons. But can you see the difference with the naked eye? What are the real advantages and inconveniences of both?
Even though lab-grown diamonds are made in a lab and natural diamonds occur in nature, both have exactly the same chemical and optical properties. It’s nearly impossible to differentiate both with the naked eye, only specific sophisticated devices are reliable to tell them apart. They do, however, have one major difference: the price of lab-grown diamonds is much lower than natural diamonds.
How are lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds formed?
To better comprehend the difference between a lab-grown and a natural diamond, it’s important to know where their origins lay. Natural diamonds formed millions of years ago deep withing the Earth’s crust under extreme heat and pressure, which caused carbon atoms ty crystalize and form a rough diamond. The diamond will then be mined and cut into certain shapes. Lab-grown diamonds are created in high-temperature and high-pressure chambers that recreate the conditions in which a natural diamond is formed. One process takes millions of years, while the other takes approximately 6 to 10 weeks.
What is the difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds?
The biggest difference between both, and usually the deciding factor, is the in terms of pricing. A lab-grown diamond is approximately 30 to 40% cheaper than the natural opponent. So why would people still buy natural diamonds if the price is so much higher? Well, natural diamonds have an established value, derived from their uniqueness and rarity, and have a secondary market to be sold on. That’s why many diamond experts agree that natural diamonds are a great investment opportunity. It’s different with lab-grown diamonds: there is no secondary market and have no trading value.
Can you see the difference between a lab-grown and natural diamond?
It’s almost impossible to see the difference between both just by looking at them as their only difference is the way they are formed. An experienced gemmologist will be able to determine which diamond is in front of him by using specific devices.
If you are unsure whether your diamond is natural or lab-grown, you can contact one of our experts who will help you to determine the properties of your gem.
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