The Difference Between Lab Grown and Natural Diamonds for Buyers in Australia

The diamond industry is one of the oldest and most established industries in the world. For centuries, natural diamonds have been the go-to choice for those looking to buy a diamond for a special occasion, such as an engagement ring or a wedding band. However, in recent years, an alternative to natural diamonds has emerged in the form of lab-grown diamonds.

Lab-grown diamonds, also known as synthetic diamonds, are diamonds that are created in a laboratory. They are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds and are often indistinguishable from them in appearance. Despite their similarities, there are key differences between lab-grown and natural diamonds that buyers in Australia should be aware of.

Price

The most notable difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds is price. Lab-grown diamonds tend to be much less expensive than natural diamonds of similar size and quality, often costing up to 40% less. This is due to the fact that lab-grown diamonds are created in a laboratory environment, which eliminates the need for diamond miners to search for and extract diamonds from the earth. This means that the costs associated with diamond mining are avoided.

Environmental Impact

Another key difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds is their environmental impact. Natural diamonds require large amounts of energy and resources to be mined from the earth, which can have a significant impact on the environment. Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, are created in a laboratory environment, which is much more energy efficient and does not require any resources from the earth.

Availability

The availability of diamonds can also vary between lab-grown and natural diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are much easier and faster to produce than natural diamonds, so they are often more widely available. This is especially true of rarer diamonds, such as pink and blue diamonds, which are much rarer in nature than they are in a lab. Natural diamonds, on the other hand, are much rarer and can be difficult to source, especially in larger sizes.

Conclusion

For buyers in Australia, there are key differences between lab-grown and natural diamonds that should be taken into consideration. Lab-grown diamonds tend to be much less expensive than natural diamonds, have a lower environmental impact, and are often more widely available. Ultimately, the choice between lab-grown and natural diamonds is a personal one, and buyers should consider all of the factors before making a decision.