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Mined Diamonds vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds: What’s the Difference?

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#diamond #diamondring #labgrowndiamonds #jewelry
Published
06/28/2022

When finding the perfect way to ask someone to be with you forever, one of the most critical decisions is choosing engagement rings.

The engagement ring will help you seal the deal when you ask your loved one the most important question of all time, and nothing quite seals the deal like a sparkly diamond ring! But, how do you know which one to get, especially when there are so many types of diamonds to choose from?

This is where we come in to help. We want to make your life a bit less stressful as you prepare to pop the question by answering everything you’ve ever wanted to know about diamond engagement rings—specifically, the different types that you can choose from.

In general, there are two types of diamonds: mined and lab-grown. So, what’s the difference? And is one better than the other?

We’ve created the ultimate guide for you to find that perfect one-of-a-kind diamond engagement ring and start your happily ever after with a beautiful ring to remind you of eternal love!

What Is a Diamond?

A diamond is a solid form of carbon that results in a crystal structure. It is a common misconception that it is considered a rock. In fact, a diamond is actually made up of two or more minerals and does not naturally occur in nature. You have to really dig (or mine) for them or create them in a lab. 

What Is a Lab-Grown Diamond?

Now, many of you may have never heard of lab diamonds. First and foremost, let’s address if they are real or not: yes, lab-grown diamonds are one hundred percent as real as the ones mined from the Earth.

Lab grown diamonds have the same shapes, sizes, colors, and even clarity grades as mined diamonds do. They also have the exact physical properties and are certified the same way, so you know you are getting something of excellent quality.

Like mined diamonds, lab-grown ones can be shaped in various ways to include cuts like round, princess, heart, pear, and oval.

In fact, A few years ago, the Federal Trade Commission officially recognized lab diamonds as real diamonds, putting all the naysayers to bed! 

How Are Lab Diamonds Made?

Let’s now discuss why they are considered as real as mined diamonds and how they can have the same properties if they are actually created in a lab.

A lab diamond is one that has been grown and manufactured in a lab environment that experts closely control. There are several methods involved in this process, including chemical vapor deposition and high-pressure temperature. These processes then allow the experts to create diamonds that look identical to those that are mined.

Are There Any Differences?

You may be wondering if there are any differences between diamonds that are mined versus created in a lab. The answer is yes! But these differences are ones that are not actually able to be seen by the human eye.

The biggest difference between mined and lab diamonds is that the latter have no nitrogen in them, while minedd diamonds have small traces of it. This is actually how gemologists (yes—this profession does exist) can tell the origin of the diamond.

Mined diamonds have nitrogen in them becayse they have been produced underground after experiencing constant pressure from the ground for years. A mined diamond is said to have been developing underground for hundreds, thousands, and maybe even millions of years!

On the other hand, a lab-grown diamond can be created in a couple of months,giving you the same end result in a more efficient way.

The other major difference to consider is the rarity of the diamond. A mined diamond is more challenging to find because it takes so long to produce and there are fewer of them in general. Lab diamonds are becoming more common and in less demand.

Perhaps the biggest difference between the two comes from how ethical the production is. There tends to be a negative connotation around mined diamonds and how the workers in those environments are treated. Lab diamonds, on the other hand, tend to be more ethically produced. 

Conclusion

What diamond to choose, then? You can’t go wrong with either type of diamond. In the end, it all comes down to your budget, your own personal values, and what you think will convince your soon-to-be fiance to say yes!

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