Other Considerations When Deciding Between Man-Made Lab Diamonds and Naturally Mined Diamonds

Price and value

Let’s be clear: Lab diamonds cost about 60% less than similar quality natural stones. Lab diamonds require less labor to produce than natural diamonds, and this is reflected in their price. For example, if a 1-carat mined diamond costs $4,000, you’ll only spend $1,400 – $1,600 for a lab diamond of the same quality.

The affordability of lab-cut diamonds means that it’s easier to afford intricate settings with side and accent stones, or you can opt for a larger diamond for less. However, if you’re dreaming of a classic diamond solitaire, then a natural diamond may be for you!

When it comes to time value and resale potential, natural diamonds actually have a slight advantage. As the supply of lab-grown diamonds increases and production methods become more efficient, the price of lab-grown stones has been steadily decreasing. So if you want to resell your ring at some point, a lab-grown diamond may lose value over the years, but you can expect a natural diamond to retain 50% to 100% of its value over the same time period.

Now, keep in mind that this doesn’t really matter if you plan on keeping your ring in the family forever! This is something to consider if you plan on upgrading or selling your ring.

Durability

If lab and natural diamonds are physically and chemically identical, they should be equally durable, right? That's definitely true!

Gemologists use the Mohs hardness scale, which ranges from 0 (most delicate) to 10 (hardest), to rate durability. Both lab and natural diamonds are perfect 10s, meaning they can easily withstand daily wear.

Both stones are highly scratch-resistant, so you don’t have to worry too much about sudden encounters with a hard surface. Caring for your engagement ring is extremely important, but both lab-cut and natural diamonds can definitely handle a little more wear and tear than other stones!

Sustainability

Diamond mining is not a harmless process, and anyone who has seen it knows that blood diamond mining used to come with conflict. The environmental impact and working conditions surrounding mined diamonds have come a long way over the decades, so you don’t have to lose sleep at night if you choose a mined diamond. However, some couples who are looking for an ethically sourced stone still want to look elsewhere, and lab-grown diamonds may be their ideal choice.

Lab diamonds have a much smaller carbon footprint because they don’t require as much energy or water to create. Therefore, they offer greater long-term sustainability and more favorable working conditions for those involved in creating and purchasing lab diamonds. While most natural diamonds today are conflict-free, you can be sure that your stone is sourced from crime-free and ethical sources when choosing a lab diamond.

But don't get us wrong: we still love natural diamonds! At One.Karat, we only sell conflict-free diamonds from suppliers who adhere to the Kimberley Process, which was created in 2003 to prevent diamond purchases from financing civil wars in Africa and around the world.