Ring Guidance Diamond Guidance Jewellery Guide

Learn About Natural Diamonds

Diamonds can be classified into natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds. Natural diamonds form over billions of years, while lab-grown diamonds are created in weeks in a laboratory. Both are equally real and durable, but lab-grown diamonds cost 30-70% less and have a lower environmental impact. Still, about 65% of buyers prefer natural diamonds for their rarity and traditional value.

Origin & formation

Natural diamonds are formed deep inside the Earth over a period of 1 to 3 billion years under extreme heat and pressure, making them a rare geological phenomenon.
Lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled or laboratory environments using advanced HPHT or CVD technology, and the process usually takes between 2 and 8 weeks.
Both natural and lab-grown diamonds share the same chemical composition, structure, and hardness, scoring a 10 on the Mohs scale.

Appearance & Quality

Natural diamonds often contain inclusions and growth patterns formed during their long natural creation process, giving each stone a unique internal character.
Lab-grown diamonds generally have fewer inclusions and can achieve higher clarity grades due to the controlled conditions in which they are produced.
Both types of diamonds are graded using the same international 4 Cs standards, which include cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.

Price & affordability

Natural diamonds are priced higher because of rarity, mining costs, transportation, and complex supply chains involved in bringing them to market.
Lab-grown diamonds are typically 30-50% more affordable than natural diamonds of the same size and quality, making them accessible to more buyers.
The lower price allows customers to choose a larger carat size or a higher clarity and color grade within the same budget.

Environmental impact

Diamond mining can significantly impact the environment by disrupting ecosystems, consuming large amounts of water, and altering natural land.
Producing a single carat of a mined diamonds can require moving up to 250 tons of earth, resulting in substantial land disturbance.
Lab-grown diamonds require far less land and use up to 85% less water compared to traditional mining methods.
Carbon emissions from lab-grown diamond production are estimated to be 60-70% lower than those from mined diamonds.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

While many natural diamonds today are responsibly sourced, historical concerns related to conflict diamonds and labor practices still influence buyer perception.
Lab-grown diamonds are inherently conflict-free, as they are produced in laboratories with full traceability and controlled working conditions
The transparent supply chain of lab-grown diamonds makes it easier for brands to ensure ethical sourcing and fair labor standards.

Resale & long-term value

Natural diamonds generally hold stronger resale value and are often passed down as heirlooms due to their perceived rarity and market stability.
Depending on quality and demand, natural diamonds can retain between 50 -70% of their original purchase value over time.
Lab-grown diamonds currently have a limited resale market because their supply continues to grow and production costs keep decreasing.
On average, lab-grown diamonds retain only about 20-30% of their original value in secondary markets.

Market trends

Natural diamonds remain a preferred choice for traditional engagement rings and high-end luxury jewellery across global markets.
Lab-grown diamonds are rapidly gaining popularity among younger and environmentally conscious consumers seeking modern alternatives.
Currently, lab-grown diamonds account for approximately 18-20% of global diamond jewellery sales worldwide.
Industry forecasts suggest that lab-grown diamonds could capture more than 25% of the market by the year 2030.

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