Often symbolizing health, strength, and love, diamonds are the gemstone of choice for engagement rings. This tradition began in 1215 when Pope Innocent mandated a waiting period between engagement and marriage, leading couples to exchange rings as a sign of commitment. The first recorded diamond engagement ring was given in 1477 by Archduke Maximilian of Austria to Mary of Burgundy. Over the years, diamonds have remained the go-to gemstone for engagement rings, despite changing tastes and styles.
Whether you see a diamond engagement ring as a symbol of romantic love or consider diamond earrings a wise investment, diamonds always leave a lasting impression. However, when looking to purchase diamond jewelry, you may encounter conflicting information about lab-created diamonds versus natural diamonds. In the past, extracting diamonds was labor-intensive, but now you have the option to choose between mined diamonds and lab-created ones. Many people steer clear of mined diamonds due to ethical concerns.
What is the Truth about Lab Diamonds vs Real Diamonds?
Firstly, it’s important to understand that lab diamonds are real diamonds. The key difference lies in how they are formed. Mined diamonds take eons to develop under the Earth’s surface with exposure to heat and pressure, while lab-created diamonds can be grown in a matter of weeks.
- Chemical composition: Both real and lab diamonds are carbon-based, but there is a minor chemical difference. Natural diamonds often contain a small amount of nitrogen, whereas lab-grown diamonds are produced without it.
- Appearance: It’s impossible to distinguish between a real diamond and a lab-grown diamond just by looking at them. Both types will have some flaws, but a lab-created diamond sparkles just as brilliantly as a natural one of similar quality. Special instruments are needed to determine a diamond’s origin. Fortunately, all diamonds, whether lab-created or mined, are graded to inform you of their quality.
- Durability: Both types of diamonds possess the same strength and durability, regardless of how they were created.
- Grading: Lab-created and natural diamonds are graded on the same standards, providing scientific certainty about their quality. Gem labs that specialize in diamond grading assess each diamond on the 4C’s: cut, clarity, color, and carat.
