Traditional vs Lab-Grown Diamonds: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to diamond shopping, sentimental value is important. Whether it’s to get down on one knee or to mark a special occasion, the choice of the diamond can be a complicated one. With traditional diamonds and lab-grown diamonds now available, it’s important to consider all factors when making your decision.

Understanding the differences between these two can ensure you make an informed decision when purchasing a diamond–not an easy feat. Let’s take a look at the differences between the two diamond types in terms of price, clarity, availability, and ethics.

The Difference Between Traditional and Lab-Grown Diamonds

When it comes to the diamond-making process, lab-grown and traditional diamonds are almost identical. So, how do you know what makes them stand out from each other? Traditional diamonds come from the depths of the earth after billions of years of intense heat and pressure beneath the crust. Lab-grown diamonds have an identical process—the only difference is that it’s done in a laboratory in a much shorter amount of time.

But which one should you choose? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each to better understand what choice is right for you.

Traditional Diamonds

Mined by hand and sorted into categories based on clarity, color, cut, and carat weight, traditional diamonds can give you a long-lasting and beautiful piece of jewelry. Plus, the following benefits:

Pros of Traditional Diamonds

  • They’re sustainable if mined and sourced ethically
  • They can gain value over time, leaving you with an heirloom piece

Cons:

  • They can be the more expensive option
  • It may be more difficult to find conflict-free and ethical diamonds

Lab-Grown Diamonds

First created in the 1950s by a team of scientists at GE, lab-grown diamonds can offer the following benefits and downsides:

Pros:

  • Very sustainable 
  • You have more affordable options for size and color
  • They are truly “DIAMOND” i.e 100% carbon

Con:

  • There’s no guarantee that they’ll grow in value over time

No matter what type of diamond you choose, understanding the differences between traditional and lab-grown diamonds is key to making an informed decision. Be sure to do your research and ask questions before purchasing a diamond—it’s important to ensure that your diamond purchase meets all of your needs and expectations.

Select Your Perfect Diamond Match With Jewelry Artisans

Choosing between these two diamond types ultimately comes down to personal preference, your values, and your budget. At Jewelry Artisans, we offer a wide array of both traditional and lab-grown diamond options to suit every customer’s unique tastes and needs.

Our team of experienced artisans is here to guide you every step of the way, providing expert advice and insight to help you select the perfect diamond match. We are committed to ethical sourcing and providing transparency about the origins of our diamonds, ensuring you can make a decision that aligns with your values.

Contact Jewelry Artisans today to start your journey in selecting a diamond that truly resonates with you.