Why Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Better and Cheaper?

Do you often look up the price of diamonds online, hoping for a miraculous reduction? Have you put off buying them because of their high prices? Then, lab-grown diamonds are your ideal partners because they’re cheaper than natural ones!

Many would shrug off choosing lab-grown diamonds because they think they’re fake and synthetic. However, you would be surprised to know how they hide the benefits of affordability and high quality within the sparkle. So, why are lab-grown diamonds cheaper? Let’s polish the fine details and uncover the truth.

Lab-grown diamonds exude the look and feel of natural diamonds, but you don’t have to worry about spending too much money on them. Though they’re made in a lab, these diamonds have a universal appeal due to their ethical, sustainable, and affordability factors. So, if you’re a friend of the Earth, you find lab-grown diamonds more attractive because of their vibrant shimmer and value for money.

Today, the demand for lab-grown diamonds is on the rise. What was once perceived as unattainable is now possible with the emergence of lab-grown beauties. We know how mining diamonds can raise ethical and environmental concerns. And not to mention the heavy price tag! Lab-grown diamonds are a welcoming change, and we’re here to resolve the lingering doubt in your mind: why are lab-grown diamonds cheaper?

How are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made?

 

You might wonder whether something made in a lab will be as beautiful and glittering as the natural one. Well, you have the perfect answer in the form of lab-grown diamonds. Besides the difference in how they’re made, you cannot tell them apart from their physical, chemical, or optical properties. So, before we explain why lab-grown diamonds are cheaper, let’s understand the science behind it.

Lab-grown diamonds are created in a lab by mimicking the exact conditions of how diamonds are mined naturally. If it takes years to form natural diamonds, you can create lab-grown diamonds in a few weeks. Moreover, unlike natural diamonds, their production can be scaled to meet demand, leading to a considerable price difference. 

Two processes are mainly involved in making lab-grown diamonds: 

• HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature): Diamonds are made of carbon elements, so in the HPHT process, a tiny diamond seed is pressed with carbon under extreme heat and pressure, recreating the conditions where natural diamonds are mined underground the Earth. Eventually, the carbon melts and crystallises to form a diamond around the seed. 
• CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition): The CVD method is relatively newer than HPHT. In this method, a diamond seed is placed in a vacuum chamber. The chamber is then filled with carbon-rich gases and exposed to high temperatures. The gas turns to plasma and releases carbon pieces, which are layered onto the diamond seed, forming a complete diamond. 

Aren’t the processes awe-inspiring? Artificially creating the environment and conditions requires some brains and technology! With advanced tools like high-pressure presses and sophisticated gas chambers, what is even more admirable is how they precisely control the environment, creating diamonds with specific characteristics. 

That’s how you get lab-grown diamonds, chemically identical to mined diamonds and boasting the same dazzling brilliance, fire, and sparkle. Even an expert wouldn't be able to tell the difference! This technological marvel makes lab-grown diamonds a compelling alternative to their mined counterparts in terms of cost and sustainability. 

Consider exploring Varniya's collection for affordable yet stunning lab-grown diamonds that blend luxury with value. Next, let’s see what makes lab-grown diamonds cheaper.

Cost Analysis: Lab-Grown vs. Mined Diamonds

Now that you know how lab-grown diamonds are made, you will be eager to understand their dangling price tag. You might’ve heard lab-grown diamonds are cheaper, but is it true? You can now sparkle in joy because lab-grown diamonds offer significant cost savings, typically between 30% and 70%, compared to a natural diamond of the same grade. Isn’t that great news? So, if you dream of buying a diamond, let the high cost never pull you back.  

The question remains: if natural and lab-grown diamonds are of the same quality, why are the prices so different? Many factors affect the prices, such as:

• Production method: Natural diamonds take billions of years to form under the Earth. Mining them requires intense labour, tools, and exploration costs. On the other hand, lab-grown diamonds are created in an artificial setting that mimics the natural conditions of diamond mining. Apart from the initial investment in the lab and advanced tools, production costs are minimal. So, you can get diamonds in a few weeks at a reduced price.
• Market demand: Mined diamonds are non-renewable resources with a limited supply. This scarcity drives up their price. Lab-grown diamond production, however, can be controlled and adjusted to meet market demands. This increased availability helps keep prices more stable and affordable.
• Supply chain: Lab-grown diamonds undergo processing, cutting, and polishing at the same place. Hence, no additional costs are involved in the transportation, labour, and resources. However, this is different with naturally mined diamonds, as they get transported from place to place before finally reaching the retailer with a heavy price tag.

With the help of technology, scientists can replicate the exact conditions that create natural diamonds. Though lab-grown diamonds possess the same chemical composition and dazzling beauty as their mined counterparts, you get them for a fraction of the price!

Take advantage of Varniya's unique offerings and make a statement with a piece from our exclusive collection.

Environmental and Ethical Advantages

 

We’ve seen how lab-grown diamonds are more affordable than natural ones, but is that all the benefit they offer? Not at all. The activist in you will be dancing joyfully, hearing about your positive impact on the planet and humanity when choosing lab-grown diamonds. So, apart from being cheaper, lab-grown diamonds offer the following perks:

• Protect the environment: Mining diamonds can harm the environment and ecosystem in many ways. In addition to leaving the land desolate and uninhabited, it pollutes waterways and destroys various flora and fauna. Lab-grown diamonds, however, are created in controlled settings, significantly reducing environmental degradation.
• Use of renewables: Scientists use renewable energy sources like solar or wind power to create lab-grown diamonds. It reduces their carbon footprint and minimises the environmental impact compared to the fossil fuels often used in traditional mining operations.
• Water usage: Did you know mining one carat of diamond requires gallons of water and leads to carbon emissions? Traditional mining uses immense amounts of water, which can deplete our natural resources. However, lab-grown diamond production utilises significantly less water, making it a more water-conscious choice.
• Ethical issues: Diamond-making is a business, so companies are focused on making profits. As a result, the conditions of workers operating in the diamond mines are pitiable. Along with working in dangerous conditions without any safety protocols or training, these workers remain underpaid. Since lab-grown diamonds do not involve mining, you can wear the sparkle with a clear conscience.

When you choose a lab-grown diamond, you're taking a stand for the environment and humanity. At Varniya, we make you feel good about every purchase. So, wear one with pride and joy!

Quality and Diversity

When we say lab-grown diamonds are cheaper, it’s normal for you to be concerned about their quality. After all, the notion that ‘the higher the price, the higher the quality’ is ingrained deeply in our minds. So, if you imagine whether lab-grown diamonds can match the brilliance of mined diamonds, the answer is a resounding yes! 

Regarding the 4Cs (cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight), lab-grown diamonds compete head-to-head with natural diamonds. Though they’re created in a lab, they possess the same level of clarity, colour, and cut as mined diamonds. Moreover, they include only a few inclusions as they’re made in controlled environments. This means you can find stunning lab-grown diamonds with higher clarity grades at a price lower than mined diamonds.

As lab-grown diamonds undergo the cutting process with advanced technology, a wider variety of high-quality cuts, like the coveted hearts and arrows cut, become more readily available and affordable. Imagine a dazzling diamond with the perfect sparkle, all without the hefty price tag!

Lab-grown diamond production isn't limited by the size constraints of traditional mining. You can find larger, lab-grown diamonds that are visually indistinguishable from their mined counterparts. If you've always dreamed of stealing the show with a statement piece, a lab-grown diamond might be your key to achieving it without blowing your budget.

Do not undermine the value of lab-grown diamonds, for they offer the same qualities as mined diamonds, often with better clarity and a wider range of cuts. Be prepared to make heads turn with a stunning, high-quality, lab-grown diamond from Varniya. 

Market and Consumer Perception

With all these characteristics of affordability, high quality, and sustainability, lab-grown diamonds are leading the path for a sparkling transformation. No longer seen as a lesser alternative, the jewellery industry recognises and embraces their value. And one cannot ignore the growing fan base for stellar lab-grown diamonds!

While leading jewellers incorporate lab-grown diamonds into their collections, insurance companies are adapting their policies and offering coverage for them. Besides, their resale market value is evolving and is expected to rise in the near future. All these actions indicate the acceptance of lab-grown diamonds in the mainstream market. 

While some might still equate value with traditional diamonds, the tide is turning. Consumers are becoming more educated and appreciate lab-grown diamonds' ethical and sustainable benefits. They recognize that a diamond's brilliance shouldn't come at the cost of environmental damage or unethical practices.

The future of lab-grown diamonds is shining bright, just like their inherent features. Now, you do not have to think twice about buying diamonds. If you’re looking for cheaper yet beautiful and quality lab-grown diamonds, Varniya is the place for you. We have an exclusive collection of diamond rings and jewellery, specially curated for your unique needs. Visit us today to open a treasure trove of sparkles and jewels!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?

Yes, lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. Though not formed under the Earth, they share the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as mined diamonds. It’s difficult to tell apart their brilliance and beauty.

Do lab-grown diamonds have less value?

The value of a diamond, whether mined or lab-grown, is determined by the 4Cs (cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight). A high-quality lab-grown diamond can hold significant value, especially considering its increasing popularity and ethical appeal. While the resale market for lab-grown diamonds is still evolving, it's expected to grow alongside consumer acceptance.

Can lab-grown diamonds be certified and insured?

Reputable gemological institutes, like the GIA, offer certification for lab-grown diamonds. This certification verifies their authenticity and quality characteristics. Besides, many insurance companies are also adapting to include lab-grown diamonds in their coverage.

What should I look for when buying a lab-grown diamond?

The most important thing to look for when buying a lab-grown diamond is the grade report or certification from a reputable grading institute. You must also consider your budget, desired size, shape, and preferred level of clarity and colour.

Are lab-grown diamonds better than mined diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds offer a more affordable and ethical alternative. They are also environmentally friendly and often boast superior clarity. However, mined diamonds may hold a certain traditional appeal for some. Ultimately, the better choice comes down to your preferences and values.