What's the deal with lab grown diamonds?

What's the deal with lab grown diamonds?

There's been quite a bit of buzz around lab grown diamonds lately, so I want to demystify them for us all. Here's what you need to know:

What's the difference between lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds?

Lab grown diamonds are chemically identical to their natural counterparts, however only take a few weeks to create in a lab. One of the most impressive things about natural diamonds is the amount of time, pressure, and frankly, luck, it takes to grow. Natural diamonds must survive over millions of years, be transported to the earth's surface, then found. Lab grown diamonds are man made in a lab. Where is the romance in that?

Can you tell lab grown diamonds apart from natural diamonds?

Lab grown diamonds are incredibly difficult to tell apart from natural diamonds, that is why GIA reports are very important to possess for all large purchases, like diamond studs and engagement rings. APJ even offers GIA reports for each diamond in larger stone eternity bands. 

Are lab grown diamonds large?

Often times, lab grown diamonds are smaller than their natural counterparts. As technology advances, lab grown diamonds will be able to grow larger and larger, but as of now, they are not as common in larger sizes. 

Are lab grown diamonds valuable?

A one carat diamond that is lab grown are approximately $1000/carat while the same quality natural diamond is approximately $6000/carat. 

Lab grown diamonds do not have the same inherent value that natural diamonds have. Why is this? If you think about it - so much has to go right for a natural diamond to form... millions of years, under pressure, eventually brought to the surface and found (and hopefully with only a few inclusions), while a lab grown diamond is grown within a lab under controlled circumstances in just a few weeks. 

Will lab grown diamonds be valuable in the future?

Because the technology is fairly new, the market is not as predictable as natural diamonds. As technology advances and lab grown diamonds become more readily availability, it is likely that their prices will continue to drop.

How do I know my jewelry doesn't have lab grown diamonds in it?

APJ only works with other trusted jewelers in the trade. Complete and utter transparency is one of the biggest tenets of APJ LLC and is not taken lightly. While it is incredibly challenging to differentiate lab grown diamonds from natural diamonds, if there are ever lab grown diamonds discovered in a piece, APJ stands completely and wholly by her pieces, their quality and will work with you to make it right. 

Does APJ sell lab grown diamonds?

As a concierge, I will source whatever YOU want. If you'd like a lab grown diamond, I can source them for you, but I would encourage you to consider natural. The reason being, as technology advances and lab grown diamonds become more readily available, it's hard to predict their future values and market desire, whereas a natural diamond will always have inherent value. 

 

But aren't most natural diamonds conflict diamonds?

While some natural diamonds have had a dark history, my diamond suppliers guarantee our diamonds are compliant with the Kimberly Process and are conflict free. GIA even offers Diamond Origin reports, where you can determine where your diamond came from. 

Have more questions about lab grown diamonds? Let's chat! Email info@annapjay.com to set up a time to talk.

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