Chupi EducationThe difference between lab-grown & mined diamonds

From concerns surrounding ethics to the current financial climate, it’s easy to see why those looking to get engaged are increasingly turning to lab-grown diamonds for their forever ring. Before you consider doing the same, you might be wondering what the difference is between a classic and lab-grown diamond.

The short answer is: there is none. Even to an expert eye, lab diamonds and natural diamonds are virtually indistinguishable. In fact, a lab diamond will pass any diamond tester it comes across. Where the two differ is their cost, how they are formed, and their impact on the world on an environmental and humanitarian level.

To learn more about lab-grown diamonds vs. natural diamonds—including their cost—read on.

What are lab-grown diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds, as their name suggests, are created in a lab rather than through nature's resources. A common misconception is that lab diamonds are ‘simulated’, ‘fake’ or made of different chemical compositions than a traditional diamond. Not so. They are chemically and molecularly identical to classic diamonds, and just as beautiful.

How are lab-grown diamonds made?

To create a lab diamond, a thin slice of diamond (also known as a diamond seed) is placed into a sealed chamber. Tremendous heat and pressure is applied to the diamond slice, mimicking the conditions that form natural diamonds within the earth’s crust. From there, a rough lab-grown diamond is formed, which is then hand-cut and polished.

What is the difference between a classic and lab-grown diamond?

Classic, natural or mined diamonds are formed deep within the earth over millions of years, created through that same combination of heat and intense pressure. Then, they are extracted from the ground through mining operations. The appeal of a classic diamond is their rarity, as diamonds formed in the earth are finite. While this makes lab-grown stones less ‘rare’, they are still identical. They are still both made of pure carbon – and held to the same certification standards.

Why buy a lab-grown diamond engagement ring?

The process of creating a lab-grown diamond is more efficient and cost effective than the process of diamond mining, therefore lab-grown diamonds themselves are more affordable. In fact, a lab-grown stone is likely to be around 30% cheaper than a mined diamond, meaning that you don’t have to sacrifice on carat, colour or clarity for your engagement ring.

For the ethically conscious, a lab-grown diamond will also be the more appealing choice. While efforts are being made to improve the diamond mining industry, in terms of environmental and humanitarian impact, the best way to ensure that your ring is conflict-free is by choosing a lab-grown stone.

“Lab-grown stones are the future of the diamond industry... We are very intentional about what we do and why we do it. People are choosing our jewellery for the future. They will be passing down something that has been sustainably made.” Chupi Sweetman Founder & CEO

Why buy a Chupi lab-grown diamond engagement ring?

At Chupi, every diamond we source – lab-grown or classic – is done so consciously. Where some jewellery designers use low-grade lab-grown diamonds in their pieces, our beautiful labs are held to the same meticulous international standards that our classic gems are measured by. Our lab diamonds also have the added virtue of being carbon-neutral, where others grow theirs in dirty coal-fueled plants.

Choosing your diamond engagement ring

Whether you love the idea of a lab-grown diamond or are a classic diamond purist , we offer a range of lab-grown, repurposed and responsibly mined diamond rings, giving you the opportunity to make an informed decision about the ring you choose to say ‘yes’ to. To explore the various stones, styles and finishes in our engagement ring collection, look here.

If you’re looking for your forever ring, but are unsure where to start, book an online or in-store appointment with one of our experts. Our talented team is on hand to answer any questions you may have, and make sure the process of finding your ring is as comfortable and joyful as possible.