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Lab Diamonds vs Real Diamonds
Many of our customers know and understand that gold alloy comes in different purity levels. However most do not know the deeper meaning and the other differences between 14k and 18k gold.
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The differences between lab grown and natural diamonds
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Market and Resale Value of lab grown vs natural diamonds.
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Social and ecological perspectives.
Two specimens of faceted crystallised carbon lie side by side. Both exhibit an impeccable clarity and emit a stunning array of spectral colours when exposed to light. To the untrained eye, they are indistinguishable. However, one embodies a history spanning over a billion years, formed in the depths of the Earth, while the other, identical in appearance, is a contemporary creation from a laboratory.
These are diamonds, each with its unique story. The first, a natural diamond, is a product of intense pressures and temperatures found deep within the Earth's mantle, formed during the planet's youth. Its counterpart, the lab-grown diamond, is a testament to human ingenuity, replicating the same chemical, physical, and optical properties of a natural diamond through advanced technological processes
Lab grown do share an identical appearance with natural diamonds, yet they possess very subtle distinctions, discernible only by skilled gemologists using sophisticated detection equipment. These lab-created marvels are crafted in controlled environments, using methods such as High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), which mimic the natural diamond-forming conditions.
When comparing lab diamonds versus natural diamonds, it's essential to consider various factors, including their formation process, cost, and social impact. This comparison can also be framed as lab-grown diamonds vs real diamonds or lab diamonds vs real diamonds. Let's delve into these aspects:
Real Diamond vs Lab Diamond: Natural diamonds are formed over billions of years under the Earth's crust, while lab diamonds (or laboratory diamonds) are created in a controlled environment using advanced technological processes.
Formation Process
Manufactured Diamonds vs Real Diamonds: While manufactured (lab-grown) diamonds can be engineered to have fewer imperfections, natural diamonds are valued for their unique characteristics and slight variations.
Visual Differences
Lab Diamond vs Real Diamond: Lab diamonds are generally more affordable compared to natural diamonds. In the past two years, their prices have decreased substantially, leading to them being offered in the wholesale market at a fraction of the cost of natural diamonds. This price difference is largely due to the fact that lab diamonds can be consistently reproduced and are not uniquely formed like their natural counterparts.
Cost
Economic Impact on African States
Lab Diamonds vs Real Diamonds and African Economy: African states, which are major natural diamond producers, face potential economic challenges with the rise of lab-grown diamonds. Their limited capacity to produce lab-grown diamonds means they might lose out on the economic benefits of the diamond industry. The increasing popularity of synthetic diamonds, marketed as ethical and affordable, poses a significant concern for African economies heavily reliant on diamond mining.
Market and Resale Value
Engineered Diamonds vs Real Diamonds: Engineered (lab-grown) diamonds generally have a zero resale value while historically, natural diamonds can resold and even maintain most of their value if bought well, despite their identical appearance.
Emotional and Symbolic Value
Synthetic Diamonds vs Real Diamonds: Natural diamonds are often sought after for their rarity and historical significance, whereas synthetic (lab-grown) diamonds are chosen for their cheap price.
Conclusion
Cultured Diamond vs Real Diamond: The choice between a cultured (lab-grown) diamond and a real (natural) diamond often boils down to personal preferences regarding social and environmental impact, cost, and the symbolic meaning attached to the diamond's origin. In more deeply cultured countries like Singapore, we see less acceptance to lab grown diamonds than other markets that focus on a big flash for small cash perspective.
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Environmental Footprint of Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab-Grown Diamonds vs Real Diamonds Environmental Impact: Despite being marketed as a 'green' alternative, lab-grown diamonds have their environmental drawbacks, primarily due to high energy consumption in their production. While they are more water-friendly compared to mined diamonds, the energy efficiency of the manufacturing processes, like the 2.45-GHz Microwave Chemical Vapour Deposition (M-CVD) method, can be less efficient than mining operations. This challenges the notion that lab-grown diamonds are categorically better for the environment.