5 Reasons to Choose Lab-Grown Diamonds

1. No Mining Needed  

Extracting natural diamonds is a messy process. According to the lab-grown diamond brand Clean Origin, mining just one carat of diamond requires excavating 100 square feet of earth, resulting in 6,000 pounds of mineral waste and harming natural habitats. In contrast, lab-grown diamonds don’t require any mining. While some companies claim that this makes lab-grown diamonds a more sustainable option, it’s essential to note that not all producers are created equal. The high temperatures and pressures needed for lab-grown diamonds require substantial energy. If sustainability is a priority for you, look for certified carbon-neutral producers like Diamond Foundry.

For the best sustainability credentials, seek diamonds with an SCS 007 certification, such as those from Lattitude, GreenRocks, and Lusix (backed by LVMH). Just as you would inquire about the origins of natural stones, be sure to ask your jeweler about the source of your lab-grown diamond.

2. No Risk of Blood Diamonds  

While conflict diamonds currently account for only 1% of the global supply, that figure was much higher in the past. According to the Kimberly Process, which was established to combat blood diamonds, it reached as high as 15% in the 1990s. Additionally, issues like colonialism, rightful ownership, and equitable wealth distribution remain relevant; many diamond-producing regions are still impoverished despite their rich resources. Some people consider antique or vintage diamonds to be more ethical, but that depends on your perspective. Many natural diamonds are recycled and recut, and the older the stone, the less likely human rights were considered during its mining. With lab-grown diamonds, you won’t have to worry about these issues.

3. More Value for Your Money  

One of the main attractions of lab-grown diamonds is their affordability. You can find stones that look identical to natural diamonds—both to the naked eye and even under scrutiny—for a fraction of the cost. This is particularly true for fancy color diamonds, as natural blue, pink, and yellow diamonds can be prohibitively expensive, while lab-grown versions are more accessible. 

To illustrate the savings, we compared two identical engagement rings: the Delicacy solitaire ring in 18ct white gold with a 1ct D-color SI2 stone of excellent cut from 77 Diamonds. The natural diamond version was priced at nearly £4,340, while the lab-grown diamond ring was around £1,190. That’s over 70% in savings, which aligns with the current wholesale price differences. However, not all retailers pass on these savings. If your jeweler is only offering a 30% discount off natural prices, you may be overpaying. This downward trend in pricing is likely to continue, so if you prioritize affordability and beauty over investment, lab-grown diamonds are the way to go.

4. The Fascination of Science  

For decades, diamonds have been marketed through romantic narratives—stories of their formation millions or billions of years ago beneath the earth's crust, waiting to be discovered by you. While this is a lovely tale, lab-grown diamonds offer a different kind of romance for those intrigued by science and technology. The ability to recreate diamonds in a laboratory is truly remarkable, and delving into the innovative technology behind this process can be quite rewarding. It also provides an interesting story to share with admirers of your lab-grown diamonds.

5. Endless Possibilities  

Since lab-grown diamonds are created on demand in a lab, they allow for design possibilities that may be unattainable or extremely costly with natural diamonds. For instance, TAG Heuer has produced experimental timepieces featuring lab-grown diamonds, including the Carrera Plasma Diamant D’Avant-Garde, where bespoke cuts in unique shapes are integrated into the watch's case and bracelet, and the crown is carved from a single block of lab-grown diamond.