Emma Scaramozzino - January 27, 2021
THE PROS & CONS OF CULTIVATED DIAMONDS
When we first meet our clients for an engagement ring consultation, they always come with a list of questions about how to choose a diamond - what color, clarity, etc. is the best? But before we can answer these questions, we first have to ask: "Are you looking for a natural or cultivated diamond?". The following explains the pros and cons of choosing a cultivated diamond. If you haven't already decided on one or the other, we think this will help you choose.
Source: Poddar Diamonds
Pro: Atomically The Same
A common misconception of cultivated diamonds is that they are fake or more similar to a cubic zirconia. However, this is not the case. Cultivated diamonds are atomically the same as natural - this means that their chemical makeup is identical. “They are real diamonds. They have the same optical, chemical, thermal, and physical features.” says Matthew Hall, Director, Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The only difference between the two is the stone's origin.
Source: Shahla Karimi
Pro: Lower Price Point
The price difference between natural and cultivated diamonds is the primary reason that couples choose cultivated. Lab grown diamonds come in all of the same shapes as natural diamonds, are atomically the same, and cost 50 - 75% less between one and three carats. For example, a natural one carat brilliant round diamond in F-G color, VS clarity goes for $8,000 - 10,000 while a cultivated stone with the same specs adds up to only $3000 - 5000. If you want more bang for your budget, choosing a cultivated stone would be the best way to do so.
Source: Shahla Karimi
Con: Lower Value
Perhaps the greatest concern our clients have before buying a cultivated diamond is its value. Because these stones are so new, it is hard to gauge what they will be worth in the years to come. Although they are already driving down the cost of natural diamonds, there is always a possibility that they will lose their value in the future. However, it is important to remember that even natural diamonds can lose their value. Similarly to buying a car, diamonds drop in value the moment you purchase them. This rule applies cultivated and natural stones alike.
Source: Shahla Karimi
Pro: Sustainable
One of the best qualities of cultivated diamonds is that they are a more sustainable stone option. Most of the labs that we work with are certified carbon neutral, and grow their stones sustainably above ground - some vendors even power their processes with solar power. "Diamonds grown in a lab are never “blood diamonds” and have a smaller environmental footprint than mined diamonds. That makes lab-made diamonds a more environmentally sustainable option, too." — Addison Rice, gemsociety.org
Source: Left - Shen London - Natural Diamonds // Right - The Guardian - Diamonds Growing in a Plasma Reactor
Con: Origin Romanticism
For our crystal lovers out there, this may be a deal breaker. Because cultivated diamonds are not grown naturally from the earth, many believe that they do not hold the same healing properties that natural diamonds are known to possess. There is definitely something special about wearing a diamond that was naturally created by the Earth and this feeling cannot be replicated with a cultivated stone.
All in all, choosing a diamond is a very personal decision. Despite what you have read above, it is important to go with your gut and choose which stone is best for you. After all, it is something you'll be wearing every day.
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