The diamond industry has long been dominated by mined diamonds, which must be extracted from deep within the Earth's crust by mining. This act permanently disturbs local wildlife habitats, pollutes groundwater, and leaves scars on the earth forever.
However, with the advent of technology, a new player has emerged in the diamond market: lab-grown diamonds. These diamonds are created in a laboratory setting using advanced technology and can offer several benefits over mined diamonds, such as being more ethical and sustainable, as well as being priced in such a way that more consumers can have their dream ring. As a result, lab-grown diamonds are beginning to challenge the mined diamond industry and are getting the old guard in the mined diamond world nervous.
With all this in mind, fine jewellery and luxury customers interested in learning more about/ possibly purchasing lab-grown diamonds should be cautious of the many falsehoods circulating out there regarding this new, disrupting diamond.
Let’s take a look at 8 lab-grown diamond myths and get busy debunking them!
Myth #1: Lab-grown diamonds are fake or synthetic diamonds
One of the biggest myths about lab-grown diamonds is that they are fake or synthetic diamonds. This is not true. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds.
They are grown in a lab using advanced technology that replicates the same conditions that mined diamonds are formed under. The critical difference is that lab-grown diamonds don't have to be mined, which makes them vastly more responsible environmentally.
Myth #2: Lab-grown diamonds are lower quality than mined diamonds
Another common myth about lab-grown diamonds is that they are lower quality than mined diamonds. This is also not true. Lab-grown diamonds are held to the same standards as mined diamonds and are graded using the same criteria: the 4Cs - carat weight, colour, clarity, and cut. Lab-grown can have fewer inclusions and blemishes than mined diamonds because they are grown in a controlled environment.
Myth #3: Lab-grown diamonds are not as valuable as mined diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are often priced lower than mined diamonds, which can lead to the misconception that they are not as valuable. Not true! Lab-grown diamonds will be valuable (in monetary terms) as long as mined diamonds are, due both to lab-grown diamonds rising to challenge mined diamonds for market share, and also, just the simple fact that lab-grown diamonds are the very same diamonds as mined diamonds.
Myth #4: Lab-grown diamonds look different from mined diamonds
Some people believe that lab-grown diamonds look different from mined diamonds, but this is not true. Lab-grown diamonds have the same optical properties as mined diamonds and can be cut and polished to the same standards.
Lab-grown can be even more brilliant and sparkly than mined diamonds because they have fewer inclusions.
Myth #5: Lab-grown diamonds are not environmentally friendly
One of the main advantages of lab-grown diamonds is that they are more environmentally friendly than mined diamonds. Mining diamonds can have a significant impact on the environment, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution. Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, have a much smaller environmental footprint because they are grown in a controlled environment without the need for mining.
A bonus for lab-grown – there’s a growing number of labs each year not only growing with 100% carbon neutral status but also labs on the rise exploring the potential of carbon-negative diamond-growing.
Myth #6: Lab-grown diamonds are not ethical
Another common misconception about lab-grown diamonds is that they are not ethical. While it is true that there are ethical concerns surrounding the mined diamond industry, lab-grown diamonds are actually heavily praised for their lack of ethical concerns. Because they are grown in a lab, there is no risk of human rights abuses or funding conflict in diamond-producing countries. Additionally, many lab-grown diamond producers are committed to ethical and sustainable practices.
Myth #7: Lab-grown diamonds are not as durable as mined diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are just as durable as mined diamonds because they are made of the same material: carbon. Both mined and lab-grown diamonds can withstand scratches and chips and can only be cut or polished by another diamond. Lab-grown diamonds can even be used in industrial applications because of their hardness and durability.
Myth #8: Lab-grown diamonds are a passing trend
Lab-grown diamonds have been growing in popularity for several years and are here to stay. As more consumers become aware of the environmental and ethical concerns surrounding mined diamonds, the demand for lab-grown diamonds continues to increase.
Additionally, advancements in technology have made it easier and more cost-effective to produce high-quality lab-grown diamonds. As a result, the industry is expected to continue growing in the coming years, with some experts predicting that lab-grown diamonds could account for up to 10% of the diamond market by 2030 – possibly expanding even faster, and who knows, maybe someday replacing mined diamonds altogether as the better option.
To sum things up here - consumers must be aware of the misconceptions surrounding lab-grown diamonds.
The false claims that they are fake or of inferior quality are merely attempts to discredit a rapidly growing industry that is revolutionizing the diamond market. Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds, and they are a sustainable and ethical alternative to mined diamonds. Consumers need to educate themselves and make informed decisions about the products they purchase. By choosing lab-grown diamonds, consumers can enjoy the beauty and elegance of a diamond while also contributing to a more sustainable and socially responsible industry. Let's not fall for lies and misinformation, and instead embrace a future where lab-grown diamonds are valued for their unique and positive qualities.
