Comparing Lab Grown and Natural Diamonds: Which is Right for You?
Purchasing a diamond can be a significant and personal decision, whether for an engagement ring, a special gift, or for your own collection.
It's essential to find a diamond that meets your specific needs and preferences. One factor to consider when choosing a diamond is whether to go with a lab-grown or a natural diamond.
Both types of diamonds can provide beautiful and lasting value, but there are some essential differences between the two that you should understand.
Lab-grown diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are a newer and increasingly popular option for those looking for a diamond. These diamonds are created in a laboratory setting using advanced technology that replicates the natural diamond formation process.
Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds, but they are typically more affordable and have a lower environmental impact.
One of the main advantages of lab-grown diamonds is their price.
Lab made diamonds are typically less expensive than natural diamonds, making them a more budget-friendly option for those looking for a high-quality diamond without breaking the bank.
Lab-grown diamonds can also be an excellent choice for those who want to reduce their environmental footprint, as they are produced in a controlled laboratory setting rather than being mined from the earth.
In addition to their affordability and environmental benefits, lab-grown diamonds offer many of the same qualities as natural diamonds.
They are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds, meaning they have the same hardness, sparkle, and brilliance as natural diamonds.
Lab-grown diamonds are also available in a range of cuts, colours, clarities, and carat weights to suit every preference and budget.
If you would like to learn more about lab grown diamonds click HERE
Natural diamonds
Natural diamonds are a traditional and highly sought-after choice for jewellery, particularly for engagement rings and other special occasions.
Mined diamonds are formed over millions of years deep beneath the earth's surface through a process of extreme temperature and pressure.
The unique characteristics of each natural diamond, including its cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight, are determined by the conditions under which it was formed.
One of the main appeals of natural diamonds is their perceived value and prestige.
Natural diamonds are considered rare and are often seen as a symbol of wealth and success.
Natural diamonds are also prized for their timeless beauty and the way they reflect light, creating a stunning sparkle and brilliance.
In addition to their beauty and perceived value, natural diamonds also have a rich history and cultural significance. For centuries, diamonds have been revered for their unique properties and have been used in jewellery and other decorative objects.
It's important to note that not all natural diamonds are created equal, and their value can vary significantly based on their quality and other characteristics.
When choosing a natural diamond, it's essential to consider the Four Cs - cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight - as well as the source of the diamond and its ethical and sustainable practices.
Make sure to do your research and choose a reputable Jeweller that offers high-quality natural diamonds that have been ethically and sustainably sourced and certified by reliable lab.
In addition to lab-grown and natural diamonds, there are also other factors to consider when choosing a diamond. One important factor is the quality of the diamond, which is evaluated using the "Four Cs" - cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight.
The cut of a diamond
Refers to the way it is shaped and how well it reflects light, which affects its overall sparkle and brilliance.
A diamond with an Excellent cut will reflect light back to the viewer's eye, creating the illusion of a larger and more sparkling diamond.
The most common cuts for diamonds are round, princess, oval, pear, radiant, emerald, marquise and cushion.
Of the Four Cs - cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight - the cut is often seen as the most important factor in determining the overall quality and value of a diamond.
This is because the cut determines how well a diamond reflects light and how much it sparkles, which is one of the main appeals of a diamond.
There are several factors that go into a well-cut diamond, including the table percentage, depth percentage and angle of the cut, the symmetry and proportion of the facets, and the polish of the diamond.
A diamond with an excellent cut will have a balance of depth and angles, symmetrical and evenly sized facets, and a pleasing overall shape.
The cut of a diamond is graded on a scale from excellent to poor. Diamonds with a higher cut grade will have better light performance and will be more valuable, while diamonds with a lower cut grade may have a less desirable appearance and be less valuable.
When choosing a diamond, it's essential to consider the cut grade and ensure that it is as high as possible.
It is worth noting that Round Brilliant diamonds are the only diamond shape that is given a cut grade. Other diamond shapes, such as princess, emerald, pear, and oval, are only given a polish and symmetry grade.
The colour of a diamond
Is graded on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow). Diamonds with higher grades (D-F) are Colourless, while diamonds with lower grades (G-J) have a slight yellow or brownish hue.
Colourless diamonds (D-F) are the most desirable and valuable, as they have little to no colour and allow for maximum light refraction and sparkle.
These diamonds are perfect for those who want a traditional and classic look, as they are often seen as the epitome of beauty and elegance.
Diamonds with a slight yellow or brown hue (G-J) are less valuable than colourless diamonds but can still be beautiful and affordable options. These diamonds may have a warmer and more unique look, making them a good choice for those who want something a little different.
It's important to note that the colour of a diamond is a matter of personal preference, and what looks good to one person may not be as appealing to another.
Some people may prefer a traditional and classic look and opt for a colourless diamond, while others may want a more unique and warmer colour diamond.
The clarity of a diamond
Refers to the presence of any blemishes or inclusions, which are natural imperfections that can be seen under a microscope or 10x magnification. The clearer the diamond, the higher the grade and value.
While a diamond with high clarity is generally considered more valuable, it's important to note that these diamonds can be quite expensive. If you're working with a limited budget or want to get the most value for your money, you may want to consider a diamond with slightly lower clarity grade.
A diamond with lower clarity grade may have more visible blemishes or inclusions, but these imperfections may not be noticeable to the naked eye. This means that you can still get a beautiful and sparkling diamond without breaking the bank.
In addition to its affordability, a diamond with slightly lower clarity grade can also be a good option if you want to prioritise other factors, such as the cut, colour, or carat weight of the diamond.
By focusing on these other factors, you can still get a beautiful and high-quality diamond that meets your individual needs and preferences
The carat weight of a diamond
refers to its size, with one carat equaling 0.2 grams. Larger diamonds are generally more valuable, but other factors such as cut, colour, and clarity also play a role in determining the overall value of a diamond.
Factors to Consider Beyond the Four Cs: The Setting and Ethical Source of the Diamond
In addition to the Four Cs, you may also want to consider the setting of the diamond, which refers to the way it is mounted in a piece of jewellery.
The setting can affect the overall appearance and style of the diamond, and there are many different options to choose from, such as prong, bezel, pave, scallop or french pave.
It's also important to consider the source of the diamond and ensure that it was obtained ethically and sustainably.
Many companies have policies in place to ensure that their diamonds are conflict-free and have a minimal environmental impact.
At Mouza Fine Jewellery, we offer a range of both lab-grown and natural diamonds to suit every budget and preference.
Our team of experienced jewellers is dedicated to helping you find the perfect diamond to suit your needs and personal style.
We understand that choosing a diamond can be a daunting process and we are here to answer any questions you may have and provide guidance on choosing the right diamond for you.
To make things even easier, we offer virtual appointments for our clients, so you can discuss your options and ask any questions from the comfort of your own place.
Book a virtual appointment to speak with your personal diamond expert.