Myths About Lab Grown Diamonds
Lots of myths and misconceptions about lab-grown diamonds are going around lately; now's the perfect time to debunk some of these untruths.
MYTH: LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS ARE IMITATION DIAMONDS
A lot of the confusion around lab-grown diamonds starts with a fundamental misunderstanding of what they are and are not.
Lab diamonds are real diamonds, but made in a new way. Think about the way ice is made: sometimes you get ice made in nature, and sometimes you get ice made in a freezer. Sometimes you get diamonds made in nature, and sometimes you get diamonds made in a growth chamber!
@plum_diamonds Lets get to the bottom of things!! Lots of myths and misconceptions about lab-grown diamonds lately; now's the perfect time to debunk some of these untruths. 💎 #labgrowndiamond #plumdiamonds #diamondring💍 #engagementringshopping #femalefoundedbusiness ♬ Cute - Aurel Surya Lie
Lab-grown diamonds are not fake diamonds, also known as diamond imitations. Diamond imitations include materials like topaz, colorless quartz, sapphire, beryl, zircon, moissanite, and cubic zirconia. Some of these diamond imitations are natural, many others are man-made.
While these materials can be alternatives to diamonds, it's essential to differentiate them from lab-created diamonds. Lab diamonds are truly diamonds, not imitations.
Diamond Imitations
Lab-grown diamonds share the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as mined diamonds. They even test as natural diamonds unless examined with specialized laboratory equipment.
Plenty of jewelry showrooms, in fact, do not even own a lab diamond tester—for practical purposes (care, cleaning, and when actually making jewelry), it doesn’t really matter if a jeweler is working with a mined or lab diamond because they have the same physical properties (hardness and durability, namely).
Perhaps most importantly, lab and mined diamonds look the same, and they will both last a lifetime with proper care. (More on this later.)
MYTH: LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS HAVE NO RESALE VALUE
Let's get this out of the way: both natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds typically resell for around 50% of their current retail value.
So, the idea that lab diamonds have no resale value is false. However, if you do have to sell, expect to get back a small portion of what you paid.
The market for lab grown diamonds is growing, and as more of us want lab diamonds, more of us will be buying on the secondhand market.
What makes us so sure that there's a secondhand market for lab grown diamonds? A quick glance at eBay, The RealReal, and Facebook marketplace demonstrates that people are buying secondhand lab diamonds—like any other in-demand product.
And lab grown diamonds are definitely in demand. Interest is surging; for example, social searches for lab diamonds are up nearly 50% year over year according to Fashionista's lab and mined diamonds article.
Let's go back to the fact that natural and lab grown diamonds typically resell for around 40-50% of current retail value.
Why so low? One reason is because it can take a while to resell a diamond from another relationship; lots of people feel like a secondhand diamond is "tainted," whether it's lab-grown or natural.
Buy for Love and Permanence, Not Profit
There is an exception to the 40-50% rule: do you have an auction-worthy gem? Something that Sotheby's could broker for you? Exceptionally rare and wonderful gems of any kind could potentially resell at a profit.
The rest of us should not expect to resell any type of diamond—mined or lab—for a profit. Buy diamonds for love, pleasure, and permanence.
At Plum, we take pride in crafting lab grown diamond rings that last forever, so we genuinely hope you never wish to resell your ring! That's also why we confidently offer free lifetime care and warranty on every piece.
MYTH: LAB DIAMONDS ARE JUST CLONES OF EACH OTHER
The fact that lab-created diamonds are practically identical to mined diamonds doesn't mean that all lab diamonds are the same. Laboratories don't just produce colorless, flawless diamonds again and again, on repeat.
Remember, lab diamonds are grown by different laboratories under different conditions: different scientists, with slightly different gases and materials introduced to different growth chambers. These variations give lab diamonds different inclusions, colors and tints.
After growing, then lab diamonds are cut and polished, which also introduces variables that further differentiate grown diamonds from one another.
Lab Diamond GIA Grading Report
This brings us to another important element that sets each diamond apart: diamond grading. All of our diamonds are graded by reputable grading labs—usually GIA or IGI—and come with a certificate outlining the 4Cs, among other data points.
The 4Cs of diamond quality are important, regardless of your diamond's origin. Check out our guide on how to choose the perfect diamond!
MYTH: LAB-MADE DIAMONDS AND MINED DIAMONDS ARE SUPER DIFFERENT
Indeed, they are different – in terms of the conflict and environmental impact they each create: lab grown diamonds don't have history of ecological disasters or human rights abuses, unlike mined diamonds.
Not to mention the price of lab and mined diamond rings is very different, of course! Lab grown diamonds are priced much lower than mined diamonds, and it's more affordable than ever to get big, high-quality lab grown diamond jewelry.
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Another thing that makes lab and mined diamonds different are the inclusions or imperfections in each type, which differ from one another. These differences are indiscernible unless you have access to specialized equipment and gemological training.
So, they are different in the best ways and the same in the best ways, too: sparkle, beauty, durability, permanence!
MYTH: LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS DON'T LAST AS LONG AS MINED DIAMONDS
This one drives us nuts! Lab-grown diamonds have the same durability and longevity as mined diamonds. Both types of diamonds are the hardest natural material on Earth, ranking ten on the Mohs hardness scale. They can last for generations with proper care.
SIDE NOTE: Why do we say diamonds "can" last forever, considering they're so hard? Doesn't that mean they're indestructible? Nope. Diamonds can still chip if mistreated and should be handled with care.
Learn how to care for your diamond ring to always keep it looking like new.
MYTH: LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS ARE CHEAP
True, lab-grown diamonds are a more affordable option, which is part of their appeal. Who wouldn't want exceptional quality for a lower price?
You can even get diamonds that are bigger, better quality for a lower price when you opt for lab grown diamonds. To us, that's smart, not cheap.
However, more affordable doesn't mean cheap. Marketing can sometimes create the impression that a higher-priced engagement ring symbolizes greater love, causing couples to overextend themselves financially on the ring.
We firmly believe that an engagement ring should be within whatever budget makes you comfortable, and even the most modest gold band can represent a lifetime of love and commitment to one another.
Lab diamonds give you more sparkle for your money, which can enable you to spend on other things that are important to you.
Lab Diamond vs. Mined Diamond Pricing
MYTH: LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS ARE UNETHICAL
This is untrue. Lab-grown diamonds are both eco-friendlier and more ethical than mined diamonds. Diamond mining contributes to all of the following:
-deforestation
-disruption of wildlife and plants
-air and water pollution
-conflict financing
-worker exploitation
-agricultural disasters
If ethical consumerism is important to you (and we hope it is), lab-grown diamonds are the superior choice.
Diamond Mining Waste
Natural diamond advocates like to talk about the benefits to local mining communities; keep in mind, when diamond mines dry up and close (they all do eventually!), the aftermath is potentially devastating. Just look to the recent disaster in South Africa where mining waste destruction can be seen from space and reports of devasted communities after the mines close.
Moreover, lab-grown diamonds have no association with ecological or human rights abuses. They are gentler on the environment and humanity. A beautiful sparkle that lets us sleep soundly at night is a win for everyone.
WHY DO SO MANY MYTHS SURROUND LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS?
The biggest reason, in our humble opinion? Money. There's a lot of money tied up in the mined diamond machine. As demand for lab grown diamonds continues to grow, mined diamond stakeholders may fear that lab diamond demand will chip away at their market share.
Some people are swayed by the expensive, romanticized advertising supporting the mined diamond industry. In our opinion, nothing is romantic about harming the planet and people. Or spending your hard-earned money on something that doesn't align with your values (and that doesn't have a positive ROI!).
Our final take? We support whatever decision you make about something as personal as the type of jewelry you're going to wear. But make sure you've got your facts straight! Our advice is to do your homework, and of course feel free to reach out to us us any time with questions.
ABOUT: PLUM DIAMONDS
Our goal is to disrupt this harmful system by providing trustworthy information and beautiful jewelry–timeless, sparkling symbols of commitment without negative associations. Nobody wants to think conflict when looking at their new bling!
Thankfully, lab-created diamonds provide a more ethical and environmentally conscious alternative to traditional diamond mining. Lab-grown diamonds are equally stunning, permanent, meaningful, and are empowering people to make responsible choices when purchasing diamonds.
At Plum Diamonds, we take pride in crafting unique rings for extraordinary love stories, with no ordinary mined diamonds in sight - always conflict-free lab-grown diamond jewelry that makes your heart and soul sing.
Are you worried about ordering such a significant item without trying it on first? We don't blame you! Our Find Your Diamond Kit eliminates any guesswork, enabling you to determine your preferred carat weight, diamond shape, and finger size from the comfort of your home!