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Why are Lab-Grown Diamonds Cheaper than Natural Diamonds?

Why are Lab-Grown Diamonds Cheaper than Natural Diamonds?

12th October 2021


Lab-grown diamonds are an extremely popular alternative to natural diamonds for many reasons. Not only do they look the same, are composed of the same materials and offer the same shine and sparkle as natural diamonds, but they’re also more sustainable and much more affordable too which is extremely appealing to new buyers of the younger generation.


One question that continues to arise is if lab-grown diamonds are essentially the same as natural diamonds, why are they vastly cheaper? Well, there are plenty of factors that determine the price point of lab-grown diamonds and in this guide, we’ll be exploring how and why they’re less expensive.


What are Lab-Grown Diamonds and Why are they Less Expensive?


As the name suggests, lab-grown diamonds are gems produced by scientists in a lab rather than being formed in the earth for millions of years. Containing the same properties as natural diamonds, these can be grown in just a matter of weeks using the same high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. The only real difference between a lab-grown and a natural diamond is its origins. 


With lab-grown diamonds being made in larger quantities using a faster process, it means they touch fewer hands than natural diamonds do during the mining process. They also don’t need to be transported overseas, cutting down on shipping costs, and can be created very quickly locally. As there is no limit on the supply of lab-grown diamonds, they aren’t as rare. All this makes lab-grown diamonds much more cost-effective which is then reflected in their retail value. Lab-grown diamonds are generally between 30-60% cheaper or more depending on the cut, clarity, colour and size.


In many cases, you can be confident that you’re getting a lot more for your money by choosing a bigger sized lab-grown diamond with near-perfect clarity that will cost significantly less than a smaller natural diamond with more inclusions. So, whether you’re on a stricter budget or want to get something more for less, lab-grown diamonds are the perfect choice.


How are Lab-Grown Diamonds More Sustainable than Natural Diamonds?


Did you know that approximately 250 tonnes of earth need to be extracted to mine a single carat natural diamond? Over the years this had led to deforestation with the natural habitats of many wildlife being destroyed and damaging the planet. Mining diamonds also releases a staggering amount of carbon emissions, producing more than 125 pounds of carbon per single carat and more than 30 pounds of sulphur oxide. Whereas, lab-grown diamonds emit around 6 pounds of carbon and no sulphur oxide.


Aside from the obvious environmental effect mining natural diamonds has on the world, it has also been linked to violence and industry-wide foul play as blood diamonds, while drastically reduced in the last two decades, are still very much present.

As scientists use common elements to create lab-grown diamonds rather than pulling them from the earth, they have a lot less impact on the planet and are far more sustainable than natural diamonds. Although the process of creating lab diamonds isn’t 100% sustainable, it’s consistently growing, learning and improving. 


Customers buying lab-grown diamonds can also be completely confident that no staff were forced to work in inhumane conditions and that the cost of the diamonds was used to fund any kind of violence or illegal activity.


Are Lab-Grown Diamonds as Good as Natural Diamonds?


Lab-grown diamonds are just as good as natural diamonds and, unlike cubic zirconia, moissanite and other diamond replicas, are classed as real diamonds. Both share the same physical, chemical and optical qualities, score a 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, exhibit the same fire, scintillation and sparkle and will easily stand the test of time. 


However, lab-created diamonds are significantly less expensive, more sustainable and rapidly growing more and more popular. To the naked eye, no one will be able to tell the difference between a lab-grown or natural diamond. Even professional jewellers will struggle to identify the two. Only trained gemologists will be able to differentiate them both due to a lack of nitrogen in lab-grown diamonds.


Here at Sacet, all of our lab-grown diamond rings have been made with sustainability, welfare and ethics at the forefront of our minds. Browse our collection of lab-grown diamond rings to find your perfect piece.


If you want to learn more about the process of lab-grown diamonds, read our guide about how they are grown.

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