Lab Diamonds vs. Mined Diamonds: The Sparkly Showdown 💎

What’s the REAL difference between lab grown diamonds (LGD) and earth mined aka ‘natural diamonds’? This is a HOT topic of debate in the jewelry world and I want to clarify some things by sharing my take.

First of all, Lab Diamonds 

✨ Real diamonds (yes, really)
✨ Same chemical composition as mined diamonds
✨ Usually much larger or higher quality for the same budget
✨ No mining required
✨ Incredible value for the money

 

They DO NOT

❌ Fade over time

❌ Chip easier than earth mined diamonds 

❌ Change color

Actually, most clarity enhanced *natural diamonds do the aforementioned! So be sure to avoid any treated mined diamonds as they run the gamut on problems down the road.

About Earth Mined Diamonds

✨ Formed naturally over billions of years ✨ Supply is controlled and is far less rare than presumed
✨ More expensive, periodt!!! 

So what is the biggest difference?

Price 💲.

Let’s take a classic 1ct DEF color VS2 clarity excellent cut round brilliant into consideration. The earth mined stone will retail for a minimum of $4,000. The lab grown version with the exact same specs can be found for around $400.

If maximizing your budget to sparkle ratio is a priority- lab grown diamonds are a no brainer and the best choice for you. But, let’s say you could be persuaded to splurge on the natural stone- why would you?

While you’ll likely never profit from the resale of a diamond ring- natural diamonds still fetch a higher price than lab stones on the market.

Another reason to choose a natural diamond over a lab-grown one? Good old-fashioned bougieness.

Yep. I said what I said. 😎

And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Being bougie is fun!

Earth-mined diamonds are pretty incredible. They formed deep within the earth over billions of years before making their way to your jewelry box. So, as lab diamonds become the norm, natural diamonds are increasingly becoming a luxury statement.

Fair or not, a natural diamond can sometimes translate to: “I don’t shop with coupons.”

If that speaks to your soul, embrace it! There is no right or wrong when it comes to your preference. Jewelry isn’t about logic. It is about writing your own history, curating rarity, romance, indulgence and self expression.

My Personal Take

If you want a stunning diamond and care about getting the most bang for your buck, I love lab-grown diamonds. They’re stunning, perfect and a great tool to build a collection of staple pieces like tennis bracelets, necklaces, studs and the like.

If your heart is set on a natural diamond, I think the smartest move is going to be vintage jewelry. You get the charm, history, and uniqueness of a natural stone while giving an existing piece a second life all the while saving tons of money as you avoid 500%+ retail markups!

Not sure which route is right for you?

That’s where I come in. Whether you’re shopping lab-grown, vintage, or something completely custom, I’m happy to help you find the piece that fits your style, budget, and story.

I’m always happy to talk diamonds. 💎