Mined vs. Lab Grown Diamonds

**This article has been fact-checked by a GIA certified jeweler in identifying laboratory-grown diamonds for errors.**

In case you’ve been under a rock the last few years, or maybe you’re one of the few adults that  haven’t started targeting you for jewelry ads - the world of diamonds is changing. Today, we are going to sum up the current hot topic of the jewelry world: mined vs. lab grown diamonds. 

Physically, chemically and optically both mined and laboratory grown diamonds are the same… so what are the actual differences in them? And how does it affect future jewelry purchases?

First the history:

Since diamonds took roughly a billion years to form through heat and pressure, they are located about 100 miles under the surface of the earth. The only way to reach these treasures is to mine them. This is a long process, that goes from digging, to cutting and finally polishing the gems. Even this took hundreds of years to reach its current perfection with the round brilliant cut diamond. Supplying communities with jobs and artists with a medium in which to exhibit their craftsmanship.

As technology has improved, the mining process has become more and more transparent with how it functions. Blood diamonds, or conflict diamonds, in particular have been outlawed in most of the world. American jewelers may only supply CONFLICT FREE diamonds by trade laws.

There have been few alternatives for diamonds as they are so hard and need specific conditions to form their structure. In 1976 cubic zirconia was marketed as an alternative with similar color to diamonds and then in 1998 moissanite became popular for its hardness (9 on the Mohs scale.) 

There have been many companies attempting to create lab grown diamonds since the 1940s, but only in the past few years have they been created with the correct conditions to make them competitive with naturally mined diamonds. 

How are they different? 

Naturally mined diamonds have taken billions of years to form, and owe their clarity and color to the conditions in which they were made. Stones with higher carat, clarity and better color have been highly sought after and their rough cut into many shapes. The pricing on these stones vary with the market, and how in demand certain cuts and sizes are at the time.

Laboratory grown diamonds on the other hand, are produced in specific conditions to produce certain clarities and colors that are more desirable to the market. Pricing on these stones vary with the market as well, as more laboratories begin producing them.

So lab grown diamonds won’t be bedazzling your jean jacket anytime soon, but they do offer an alternative for those looking for a price break on their next diamond stud earrings or engagement ring acquisition. 

And, how will I know? 

First, we HIGHLY recommend working with a jeweler you trust who is known for being honest. The only way to identify a lab grown diamond is through it’s paperwork and laser inscription. All of which should be disclosed to you at the time of purchase and on subsequent paperwork, such as appraisals. 

Now you have not only 4 Cs, but 5! 

Carat

Color

Cut

Clarity 

and…Choice! 

Mined or Lab Grown, the industry has expanded to give you more options for your stones. 

Thanks for reading, and let us know what else you’d like to know more about in the comment box below!