People have different opinions regarding natural and lab made diamonds. But what would you rather buy? If you appreciate luxury, rarity, and uniqueness, then natural diamonds can be more appealing. However, if ethical and environmental concerns are a priority, lab-grown diamonds may offer value for money. Whichever option you pick, you should follow the guidelines on quality.
Are natural diamonds considered of higher value than lab-grown gems?
Most shoppers are clueless about whether to buy natural or lab-made diamonds. Thanks to emerging technologies, the price of lab-grown diamonds continues to drop even further. So, an appraiser should not dock the price of the gem because it’s lab-grown.
The limited supply of natural stones is what makes them hold better value. This is a plus if you plan to resell your diamond to a second-hand jeweler. So before you make the purchase, you should evaluate the pros and cons of each.
Price comparison between Rare Carat’s Natural and lab made gems
The discernible difference between natural and lab-grown stones is the price point. That said, shoppers should look at the carat weight before making the final decision. If natural stones rank equally in color, clarity, carat, and cut, the lab-created version can be 20-30% cheaper. The price increases with a change of carat size.
Price of 1 carat lab-grown diamond
The price of 1 carat round diamond at Rare Carat is $749. This is a great price point considering similar gems are priced at $1,493 and $1,757.
The stone is graded J color which is nearly colorless. Since colorless stones are priced higher, most buyers prefer warmer colored tones. Additionally, the stone is graded VS1 clarity, a good deal for people who prefer an eye-clean stone.
Price of 1 carat round natural diamond
The price of 1 carat round natural diamond at Rare Carat is $1,277. This is a great price considering that similar gems are priced between $2,956 and $3,424.
This diamond is graded K color and SI2 clarity. While clarity is a matter of personal preference, Rare Carat gemologists avoid diamonds with cavities.
Price comparison between 2-carat cushion cut lab and natural diamond
A 2.02-carat cushion cut lab-made diamond at Rare Carat is priced at $1,476. This is a great price considering that similar gems are priced between $3,386 and $4,201. The stone is graded K color and VS1 clarity.
A 2.02-carat cushion-cut natural diamond is priced at $3,580. This is $12,484 below the fair estimate – similar stones are priced between $14,843 and $18,101.
Other guidelines to follow when choosing between natural and lab made gems
At Rare Carat, shoppers can make their own opinions based on priorities and budget.
Inspect the certificate
A certificate shows the authenticity of a gem. It’s verified by an independent institute like GIA. To confirm the quality of a diamond, buyers should verify the inscribed number and cross-check it with the certificate. At Rare Carat, the gemologists undertake rigorous examinations of diamonds to ensure they meet the necessary physical attributes.
Check for clarity
Just like natural stones, lab-made gems are graded with clarity. More inclusions mean a lower clarity grade. To the naked eye, shoppers may not spot the difference. However, a trained gemologist can tell the difference under extreme magnification.
But there’s another side of the debate. Some companies use post-growth enhancements to improve color. A gem can have blue, green, yellow, or brown hints of color. Your choice should be based on personal preference.
The color matters
While there’s no visual difference between natural and lab-grown stones, colorless diamonds are exceedingly expensive. Those in grades D and F are considered to be of higher quality. Since there’s a significant price difference between D and G, shoppers should ensure a diamond has fewer flaws.
Ethical and environmental considerations
The modern diamond industry has done a lot to ensure a sustainable environment. Lab-grown gems are seen as more environmentally friendly because they have a less environmental impact. If sustainability is a priority, you should research where your jeweler sources the gem. After all, some companies use a process that leads to significant production of carbon.
The natural diamond industry is also regulated. Some companies have environmental programs to ensure less carbon is emitted to the environment.
Which would you rather buy?
Both natural and lab-made stones have the same chemical composition, brilliance, and sparkle. At Rare Carat, shoppers can choose a perfect gem to suit their budget and preferences. If you’re environmentally conscious, lab-grown diamonds can be the perfect choice. But if you prioritize a higher resale value, you can buy natural diamonds. The choice is completely up to you.
After visiting the Rare Carat website, I was surprised to find incredible deals on a 1-carat diamond. The professional team offered outstanding customer service on my order.