Natural vs. Lab grown

NATURAL

LAB GROWN

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

Same. Both are made of a single element - Carbon

ETHICS & SUSTAINABILITY

NATURAL Although the industry has historically been slow on this front, big efforts are being made to support regulations and technology that allow for greater transparency on diamond origins and work environments. Here at Belora, we have direct relationships with our suppliers and can provide full transparency on our custom pieces, from mine to final design.

LAB GROWN While there aren’t as many ethical concerns with Lab Grown diamonds, their carbon footprint remains unclear which allows for questions on sustainability. At Belora, our commitment is to provide you detailed information about your choices, empowering you to make the diamond decision that best aligns with your needs.

RETAIN VALUE

NATURAL Yes

LAB GROWN No

OUR VIEW

NATURAL Inherently scarce and rare, natural diamonds have a premium price point given the extensive investments required to produce. However, these diamonds will retain value when passed down to future generations.

LAB GROWN Attractive price point where you can get a larger diamond for less. Although they will likely not retain value given their potential unlimited supply, it is a good option if resale value is not a priority. Ultimately, you’ll have a stunning diamond that adds brilliance to your jewelry.

Formation & Creation

Source: GIA

How are Natural Diamonds formed?

Natural diamonds formed deep in the earth under extreme pressure and high temperature as long as three billion years ago.

Volcanic activity brought them to the surface where they lay in a type of volcanic rock waiting to be mined. However, they are scarce and extremely expensive to mine.

How are Lab Grown Diamonds created?

As their name suggests, lab grown diamonds are created in laboratories using advanced technology. Laboratories replicate the natural process of diamond formation using high pressure and chemically enhanced methods.

Most lab grown diamonds then require additional treatments like heat or irradiation to enhance or change their colors. Creating diamonds this way typically requires less than a month for most sizes.

Are Lab Grown Diamonds real?

Lab-grown diamonds are real and should not be classified as diamond simulants. Diamond simulants, like moissanite and cubic zirconia, are designed to visually replicate diamonds without possessing the same chemical composition.

In contrast, lab-grown diamonds exhibit identical structures and properties to natural diamonds, and are therefore classified as real diamonds.

So… What’s the Difference?

From an optical and gemological lens, there is no difference. Both are made from pure carbon and have the same physical and chemical properties.

However, there is a significant difference in their supply chains, which derive their respective value. Natural diamonds are a natural marvel – it’s taken a great deal of exploration and investment to source and mine, making them inherently scarce. As a result, their value has gradually increased over time. Lab grown diamonds are a scientific marvel, however they can be produced in near-endless quantities. As they become easier and cheaper to produce, prices are likely to continue to decrease.

How does a laboratory tell the difference?

Lab Grown diamonds have different growth properties which help distinguish them from natural. As testing technology improves, we expect differentiating between natural and lab grown diamonds will become more wide-spread and easier to do.

How are Natural and Lab Grown Diamonds graded?

Natural and lab grown diamonds are graded by various independent laboratories (e.g. GIA, IGI, GCAL). While grading standards may vary by laboratory, the process between natural and lab grown tends to be very similar. Our team can provide guidance around which certification best meets your requirements for both natural and lab grown diamonds.

Sustainability & Ethics

How sustainable are Lab Grown Diamonds compared to Natural Diamonds?

Both natural and lab grown diamonds impact the environment.

While the natural diamond industry has been historically slow on this front, substantial efforts are being made to reduce their environmental impact. To enhance accountability, major mining companies now issue annual sustainability reports outlining their goals and accomplishments. Our team is happy to share these reports with you and discuss the results in greater detail. We know the importance of feeling good about the jewelry that you’re creating, and want you to be confident about your gem’s origins.

Creating a lab grown diamond is an energy-intensive process. Given the infancy of the industry and limited reporting, the total carbon footprint remains unclear. However, at Belora we work with incredible partners that are constantly finding ways to improve this process.

How ethical are Natural Diamonds?

Natural diamonds have played a role in various conflicts throughout history.

As regulation and mining technology have improved, the number of natural diamonds being sourced from unethical avenues has declined. At Belora, we are committed to ethically sourcing diamonds and exclusively work with top-tier suppliers who can provide full visibility into their supply chain.

As a result, we can offer clients transparency certificates, allowing them to have comfort around their diamond’s journey from beginning to end.