The diamond industry has been represented numerous times in pop culture, from Adam Sandler’s 2019 film Uncut Gems to the 2022 documentary Nothing Lasts Forever. But many people are wondering about the same question: What is the difference between lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds?
If you are considering investing in a beautiful piece of fine diamond jewelry, it is crucial to understand the difference between mined and lab-grown diamonds. Here at Avi & Co., we have been in the luxury watch and jewelry business for decades. With our roots in the famed Diamond District of Manhattan, we understand the diamond business inside and out. In other words, you have arrived in the right place to learn all about diamonds, whether they are mined or grown in a laboratory. Today, we will take a look at some of the common questions our shoppers have about lab-grown versus mined diamonds.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Really Diamonds?
In short, yes: Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and physically very similar to mined diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are identical to mined diamonds in terms of their chemical composition (diamonds are made from a specific crystal structure of carbon atoms), their physical properties, and their optical qualities. They have the same hardness and brilliance as mined diamonds. So yes, lab-grown diamonds can technically be called diamonds.
Where they differ boils down to their origins. The name says it all: Lab-grown diamonds are grown in a laboratory. This growing process mimics the formation of natural, or mined, diamonds, but it takes a significantly shorter time. While natural diamonds take billions of years to form under the Earth’s surface, a lab-grown diamond can be created in just six weeks.
Lab-grown diamonds were first created in the 1950s and were primarily used for technological and industrial applications. They were created through two different methods that are still in use today: chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and high pressure, high temperature (HPHT). In the 1970s, General Electric created the first gem-quality lab-grown diamonds. These were of high enough quality and large enough size to be used for jewelry.
While the 1970s marked the dawn of gem-quality lab-grown diamonds, these diamonds were first largely yellow and brown. It was not until the 2000s that translucent, flawless diamonds were able to be produced in the lab. Colorless diamonds are now able to be created in commercial quantities in laboratory settings.
Mined Diamonds vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds: What Is the Difference?
While lab-grown diamonds may be visually indistinguishable from mined diamonds, most experienced jewelers can determine whether or not a diamond is naturally mined after some inspection. But ultimately, the difference between mined and lab-grown diamonds is often connected to each buyer’s individual preferences and priorities.
Mined diamonds carry with them generations of tradition. These precious gems have been treasured by royalty, A-listers, and society’s elite for hundreds of years. They were painstakingly developed deep inside the Earth and then brought to the surface by skilled miners who have dedicated their lives to this rewarding profession. Then, they go through a lengthy process of being hand-selected, cut, and set in gorgeous jewelry that you can buy from trusted vendors like Avi & Co. at our showrooms in Manhattan, Miami, and Aspen.
You will often notice that lab-grown diamonds come with a significantly lower price tag than mined diamonds. They are also less likely to hold their value. That is because there is a premium placed on the rarity and exclusivity of mined diamonds. Many people who opt for a mined diamond appreciate the appeal of owning a piece of Earth’s history. These prestigious stones also carry the emotional symbolism of natural diamonds.
It is also a question of image. Splurging on a real, natural diamond shows off your commitment to timeless elegance and style. You will never have to worry about passing a worthless possession onto your children or grandchildren. You will always know that you have invested in a piece that will hold its value forever. And ultimately, you are worth the price tag.
Look Out for Simulants: Cubic Zirconia, Moissanite, and More
Depending on your priorities, a lab-grown diamond can stand in for a mined diamond. However, not everything that sparkles is created equal. In addition to mined diamonds and their lab-grown counterparts, there are several so-called simulants that are meant to mimic the look of a diamond. In this case, however, these stones are NOT chemically or physically equivalent to a real diamond.
Some common simulants include cubic zirconia, glass, and Moissanite. These products may evoke the look of a diamond from far away, but any jewelry (and really, anyone with a trained eye) will be able to immediately tell that they are not diamonds. Glass, cubic zirconia, and Moissanite are completely unrelated to diamonds on the atomic level, and they have different physical appearances as well.
If you are looking to invest in luxury diamond jewelry, it is important to choose a reputable jeweler so that you do not get caught in a scam. When you shop for diamonds at Avi & Co., you will always have the ultimate peace of mind. Our jewelry is exclusively made from natural, mined diamonds that are GIA-certified.
The Ins and Outs of GIA Certification
One of the hallmarks of a reputable diamond seller is GIA certification. Issued by the Gemological Institute of America, these certificates are meant to provide a scientific, unbiased report on a diamond’s quality. GIA reports grade and assess diamonds on four different characteristics:
Cut: The cut of a diamond describes its shape and facets, which contribute to the way diamonds sparkle and catch the light in certain ways. Some common diamond cuts include cushion, princess, oval, emerald, baguette, asscher, radiant, and round.
Color: Diamonds naturally occur in a variety of hues. While colorless diamonds are perhaps the most well-known, there are other colors as well. Colorless diamonds are described on a letter scale ranging from D to Z, while colorful diamonds are described differently.
Clarity: Diamond clarity can be impacted by either internal characteristics (called inclusions) or external characteristics (called blemishes). The scale for grading diamond clarity has 11 levels, ranging from I3 (included diamonds) to FL (flawless diamonds).
Carat: A diamond’s physical weight is measured in metric carats. According to Brides magazine, the average carat weight of an engagement ring in the United States is about one carat – this tends to go up in cities and down in rural areas.
Shop for Real, Mined Diamonds at Avi & Co.
At Avi & Co., all of our diamonds are mined from the Earth and are GIA-certified, meaning they have been assessed by the Gemological Institute of America and are authentic and vibrant. We are proud to present our Diamonds by Avi & Co. collection, which showcases raw, natural beauty in these prestigious and precious stones. From pendant necklaces to tennis bracelets and engagement rings to earrings, we have all of the breathtaking stones you could imagine.
For instance, take a look at this striking bracelet, which combines colorless and yellow diamonds to create a unique floral effect. The bracelet offers a remarkable total carat weight of over 21 carats, showcasing cushion-cut yellow diamonds surrounded by halos of smaller, colorless stones. Between each cushion-cut gem, you will find a floral motif that catches the light from every angle. This bracelet truly deserves a prestigious position in your jewelry box.
Our engagement ring collection is also home to countless show-stopping pieces. We are not afraid to show off fancy colors and jaw-dropping sizes. These rings are meant to symbolize the importance of a lifelong commitment, and that means not skimping when it comes to the diamond celebrating your love and partnership.
The perfect example of our commitment to excellence? This 20-carat emerald-cut diamond, which is set on a platinum, diamond pavé band. Talk about an engagement she will not forget! Whether you are celebrating the promise of a lifetime together with a ring or honoring a milestone anniversary with a jaw-dropping necklace, every gift purchased from Avi & Co. is sure to be a winner. Even better, treat yourself to some of the ice you have been craving.
Invest in Genuine Diamonds at Avi & Co.
Are you ready to invest in the real thing? At Avi & Co., you will find only the most prestigious, eye-catching diamonds that are naturally mined and GIA-certified. Anything else simply will not do. Stop by one of our three boutique locations to find the perfect piece of jewelry for yourself or for that special someone in your life. You can also browse our collection of luxury watches while you are there!
Make an appointment today to lock in your personalized shopping experience.
