The allure of diamonds is undeniable – they have captivated hearts for centuries. These gorgeous diamonds symbolise love, commitment, and luxury. Traditionally, mined diamonds have been the go-to for those seeking sparkling jewellery. These diamonds, formed deep within the earth over millions of years, have adorned fingers and captured hearts for generations. But now, lab grown diamonds are considered an emerging alternative to traditional diamonds. Today, you can find high-quality and one-of-a-kind diamonds from companies like Sydney Lab Diamonds. Created in high-tech labs under controlled environments, these diamonds offer ethical and environmental benefits while boasting the same brilliance as their mined counterparts.
This blog explains the major differences between lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds. It compares their origins, environmental impact, and value to help you decide which one is right for you.
Let’s get started.
What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds, also known as synthetic or cultured diamonds, are developed in high-tech labs under controlled conditions using advanced technological processes. Even though these diamonds are created in labs, they’re still chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds. The best thing is that they are made in a matter of weeks, rather than billions of years like mined diamonds.
How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made?
The two primary methods for growing diamonds in a lab are:
● High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT):
In this method, a tiny diamond seed (often a small, existing diamond) is placed in a metal container along with a carbon source under intense pressure and high temperatures to form a new diamond.
● Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD):
In this technique, a diamond seed is placed in a vacuum chamber filled with a carbon-rich gas (usually methane). The gas is ionised into plasma, causing carbon atoms to deposit on the seed layer by layer, creating a diamond.
What Are Mined Diamonds?
As their name suggests, these types of diamonds are extracted from the depths of the earth through different types of mining techniques. These diamonds are formed naturally over billions of years under extreme pressure and temperature conditions. This entire process can take millions and millions of years to form deep within the Earth’s crust under extreme pressure and heat.
How Are Mined Diamonds Extracted?
These are the major mining techniques to get natural diamonds:
● Open-pit mining: giant shovels dig up near-surface diamond deposits, disrupting the environment.
● Underground mining: tunnels reach deeper deposits, less disruptive but more expensive.
Key Differences Between Lab-Grown and Mined Diamonds
| Criteria | Lab-Grown Diamonds | Mined Diamonds |
| Origin | ● Created in a lab using advanced technology. | ● Formed naturally over billions of years. |
| Environmental Impact | ● Environment-friendly and less disruptive. | ● Causes significant impacts, including habitat destruction and pollution. |
| Ethical Considerations | ● Avoids conflict and exploitative labour practices. | ● Concerns about conflict diamonds and mining conditions remain. |
| Cost | ● 20-40% cheaper due to controlled production. | ● More expensive due to extensive labour and resources. |
| Quality and Appearance | ● Similar to mined diamonds, often with fewer inclusions and flaws. | ● Unique variations, shaped by natural processes, may have inclusions. |
Final Thoughts
Lab-grown diamonds and naturally mined diamonds both offer stunning beauty and durability, but there are still many differences in their development process and cost. If you are environmentally conscious and ethical sourcing is a priority for you, natural diamonds will be best for you. On the other hand, if you’re more concerned about cost and shape, go with lab-grown diamonds.
