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Natural Diamonds vs. Lab Grown Diamonds: A Guide

January 10, 2022February 26, 2024Diamonds, Educationcushion cut diamonds, diamond engagement rings, earth-created diamonds, fancy colored diamonds, lab diamonds, lab-created diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, princess cut diamonds

Lab grown diamond or natural diamond? We’ve got all the info you need to live your best sparkling life with the perfect diamond for you!

Lab grown diamonds have become increasingly popular and are pretty much the new kids on the jewelry block. Like many new unknowns, people are a little skeptical at first when they hear about lab diamonds, but rest assured, they make for a perfect alternative to natural diamonds. Let’s start with some basic facts so you can decide with 100% confidence which sort of sparkle sets a twinkle in your eye.

What Is A Diamond?

Diamonds are carbon atoms. When they’re arranged in a very particular structure, you get the tough and beautiful stone we know and love. Producing this special carbon arrangement in nature demands conditions that are intense. We’re talking high heat and super-high pressure. Needless to say, very few places in the world are capable of producing mined diamonds.

The Key Difference Between Natural and Lab Grown Diamonds

Natural diamonds are sourced from below the earth’s surface, whereas man-made diamonds are created in simulated “below-ground” conditions in a lab.
To put it simply, their origin is the only difference between these two types of diamonds.
Technology has advanced to the point that we don’t always have to go digging for our precious stones; we can simulate the necessary extreme conditions in specialized pressure chambers in a lab.
Lab grown diamonds are grown from tiny carbon “seeds” that develop in these chambers over months, as scorching gasses deposit carbon atom-by-atom onto the original seed. Lab created diamonds even develop their own unique characteristics (inclusions, clarity, etc.) along the way, and once they’re fully grown, they’re cut into the shape that suits their qualities best.

A variety of loose fancy-shaped diamonds on a white surface

Factors To Consider When Choosing Your Diamond

Picking a diamond isn’t easy, there’s your budget to consider, your partner’s preference for cut, clarity, carat, and color, and its rarity factor.

Cost

One of the biggest upsides to lab grown diamonds is that they’re generally about 30% more affordable than natural diamonds.

Why?

The diamond-growing process is less resource-intensive than the diamond-mining process. It simply costs less to grow a diamond in a lab than it does to mine a diamond from the earth, and those savings are passed along to diamond shoppers. That means that for the same cost, you can purchase a lab grown diamond that’s 30% larger than a natural one but just as dazzling.

Infographic What Is The Average Carat Size For An Engagement Ring 1

Value

Natural diamonds are the classic choice. Lab grown ones are the fresh choice.

There is no doubt that mined diamonds contain millennia of history, tradition, and romance. They are one of nature’s most incredible products. Drawn from deep within the earth, these sparkling treasures have been proudly flaunted by generations, paving the way for you to carry on the tradition.

Do Lab Grown Diamonds Have Resale Value?

Lab grown diamonds generally have lower resale value compared to mined diamonds. Natural diamonds can retain or even appreciate in value over time, while lab diamonds may not hold their value as well in the secondary market due to their lower production cost.

Cuts & Colors

Both natural and lab grown diamonds are available in nearly every shape and color – even fancy colors!

Colorful diamonds, like canary yellow ones, are quite rare. Their shocking hues are caused by trace amounts of non-carbon elements, like nitrogen. By adding these elements to a growing diamond in its pressure chamber, man-made diamonds take on the same fancy colors as mined diamonds.

Good news: any diamond can be cut into any shape. When it comes to diamond cuts, you truly are spoiled for choice!

GIA Certified Lab Created Diamonds

Like all diamonds, lab grown diamonds also come with their very own birth certificate (GIA Certification).

Since lab diamonds are optically and chemically the same as mined diamonds, they come with their own certification. Today, most of these diamonds are certified by IGI, International Gemological Institute.

Additionally, these diamonds are being accepted and certified by the GIA, the Gemological Institute of America, which has developed sophisticated devices that are used to screen and identify the difference between natural diamonds and lab-grown ones.

Should You Get a Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Ring?

The short answer is, why not? Here are 5 reasons to choose a lab grown diamond engagement ring:

1: Budget-Friendly

You’re able to maximize your budget and walk away with a bigger center stone for your engagement ring if you choose a lab diamond. Furthermore, it might not even be about the size of the ring, but more about being able to get the diamond of your dreams for a third of the price.

14K Rose Gold Bypass Marquise Array Diamond Engagement Ring

14K White Gold Bypass Marquise Array Diamond Engagement Ring

2: An Ethical Choice

Lab grown diamonds are an ethical choice because they are guaranteed to come conflict-free since they’re not mined.

14K White Gold Woven Solitaire Engagement Ring

3: Stress-Free Shopping Experience

Most online jewelry retailers with customization options, like our very own ring studio, allow you to choose your preferred center stone. That means you’re able to inspect your diamond options (often in real-time), and browse at your own pace.

14K White Gold Marquise Diamond Accents Pave Basket Engagement Ring

4: Lab grown diamonds are REAL

This can’t be emphasized enough, both lab diamonds and mined diamonds have the same chemical, optical, and physical properties. A lab created diamond is not a diamond alternative like moissanite, it’s the real deal.

5: Unique

Lab grown diamonds are unique in their own right. Not only can they be cut and shaped to your heart’s desire, but they can be cut to absolute perfection. Our True Heart™ diamonds are a premier collection of perfectly cut diamonds, known for their flawless internal symmetry and proportions.

FAQs

5. Are lab diamonds as durable as natural diamonds?

Yes, lab diamonds have the same level of durability as natural diamonds. Both types of diamonds rank 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making them highly resistant to scratching and suitable for everyday wear.

6. Can you tell the difference between lab grown and natural diamonds with the naked eye?

No, it’s impossible to differentiate between the two types of diamonds with the naked eye. They share the same physical and optical characteristics, making visual identification nearly impossible without specialized equipment.

7. Are lab grown diamonds available in various sizes and shapes?

Yes, these diamonds come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, just like natural diamonds. Whether you’re looking for a classic round brilliant cut or a unique fancy shape, you can find lab diamonds to suit your preferences.

Do lab grown diamonds require any special care or maintenance?

Lab diamonds, like natural diamonds, do not require special care. You can clean them using mild, soapy water and a soft brush or cloth. Regular maintenance, such as checking the setting, is recommended to ensure the diamond stays secure in its setting.

To Sum It Up

Choosing the stone that suits your lifestyle is an important part of designing meaningful jewelry that will last you throughout your life. And if you choose to buy either lab grown diamonds or natural diamonds, you can choose from 500,000 beautiful options at James Allen.

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Jessica Thomas

Jessica is a seasoned content writer with four years of experience and a qualified gemologist. She enjoys educating new shoppers on the best practices for buying jewelry.

Moissanite vs. Diamonds

August 21, 2023February 26, 2024Diamonds, Educationlab-created diamond engagement rings, lab-created diamonds, moissanite, moissanite engagement rings

Two budget-friendly stone choices – but one clearly comes out on top. Join us as we explore the difference between moissanite vs. lab grown diamonds.

Debating between moissanite vs. diamonds? We’re breaking down everything there is to know about moissanite and lab grown diamonds to help you choose which center stone will suit your dream ring best!

Moissanite vs Lab Grown Diamonds Buying Tips

Never be afraid to ask the hard question when it comes to choosing the right gem for your engagement ring. Not all of us require a diamond, and some of us want one but would definitely prefer an option that doesn’t break the bank. So, what questions should you be asking? Is a moissanite ring the way to go? Or is a lab grown diamond center stone the best fit for your budget and personal preference?

We’ll walk you through all there is to know about moissanite and lab grown diamonds to help make your choice an easy one.

What Is Moissanite?

Moissanite has a different chemical makeup from natural and lab grown diamonds. While a diamond is pure carbon, moissanite is both silica and carbon. As a result, Moissanite sparkles differently, more even, and is slightly less hard than diamond. However, it does look nearly identical to a diamond!

What Is A Lab Grown Diamond?

A lab grown diamond, also known as a man-made diamond is a diamond that is formed in a lab instead of the earth’s crust (don’t you just love science?) Lab diamonds are chemically and optically identical to natural diamonds, the only difference is in the price tag! You’ll find that lab grown diamonds are three times less expensive than natural diamonds.

Remember, lab grown diamonds ARE real diamonds!

Moissanite vs Lab Grown Diamonds

Moissanite	Lab Grown Diamonds
It looks like a diamond	It is a real diamond
Significantly cheaper than lab and natural diamonds	A budget-friendly alternative to natural diamonds
Sparkles more than diamonds	Sparkles equally to earth-made diamonds
Occurs in colorless, near-colorless, and yellow/green shades	Occur in every color
Diamond is doubly refractive	Diamonds are singly refractive
Highly durable	Slightly more durable than moissanite
Ethically & environmentally sourced	Ethically & environmentally sourced

What Are the Differences Between Moissanite vs Lab Diamonds?

As you can see from the table above, both gemstones have their advantages, but what sets them apart from one another?

Color

Moissanite comes in colorless, near-colorless, and yellow/green shades. This is perfect if you’re looking for a more traditional-looking center stone. On the other hand, lab grown diamonds come in every color under the rainbow. You will have no trouble finding an affordable white lab diamond or a fancy color lab diamond.

Price

On average, a lab grown diamond engagement ring will cost three times less than that of its natural diamond ring counterpart. But a diamond, regardless of its origin, may still prove to be too costly for a young couple or a couple with a tight budget. That’s where moissanite certainly has an advantage. If you choose to go with a moissanite engagement ring, you’ll pay almost four times less than that of a lab grown diamond ring.

Infographic What Is The Average Carat Size For An Engagement Ring

If you’re looking to maximize your budget and the size of your center stone, a moissanite ring may be the best option. However, if having a real diamond is important to you or your partner, a lab grown diamond is definitely the better choice and will still allow you to get a stunning gem of high quality.

Origins

Both lab diamonds and moissanite are made in safe lab environments with fair wages. There’s also no destructive mining involved.

Durability

A gemstone’s durability is measured using the Mohs hardness scale. FYI, diamonds are the hardness substance on earth, rating a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale!

Moissanite doesn’t do too badly either, coming in a close second at 9.25 on the scale. This means your moissanite ring will remain clear and unscratched. In fact, the only thing hard enough to scratch it would be a diamond.

Can You Really Tell the Difference Between Moissanite vs Lab Grown Diamond?

Yes. If you looked at moissanite engagement rings up close, you’d notice the distinctive sparkle. Not only does moissanite sparkle brighter than diamonds, but they also sparkle more colorfully, too.

Where Can I Buy a Lab Grown Diamond Or A Moissanite Engagement Ring?

Where you buy your engagement ring is a very important choice. Most, if not all, online jewelry retailers have a larger selection of engagement ring settings, diamonds, and diamond alternatives. They also have more advanced technological features and are usually much more affordable than store-bought engagement rings.

James Allen's Engagement rings with diamonds

FAQs

Is moissanite a real stone?

Yes, moissanite is a real and naturally occurring mineral. However, the moissanite used in jewelry is typically lab made due to its rarity in nature.

Is moissanite worth buying?

Moissanite can be a great alternative to traditional diamonds, offering exceptional brilliance and fire at a more affordable price point. Its durability and unique optical properties make it a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewelry.

Is there a downside to lab grown diamonds?

Potential downsides include perceived value differences and the absence of natural rarity, which can affect resale or sentimental value for some individuals.

Are lab grown diamonds considered to be real diamonds?

Yes, lab grown diamonds are considered real diamonds as they have the same chemical composition, physical properties, and optical characteristics as natural diamonds. The main distinction is their origin.

Let’s Wrap It Up

Lab grown diamonds, and moissanite are both equally good alternatives to mined diamonds. If your main concern is a tight budget, but you still want a white stone that will last and sparkle forever while looking like a diamond, moissanite is your guy!

But if you’re a socially conscious shopper who still prefers a traditional diamond ring with an affordable price tag, lab grown diamonds are your best bet.

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Adam

14K Gold vs. 18K Gold: What’s The Difference And Which “K” Is Right For You?

February 16, 2021September 18, 2023Education

Whether you’re buying a new piece of gold jewelry or the ring of your dreams, you’ll be considering which type of gold to get and which is the better choice for you. Join us as we explore the differences between 14k gold and 18k gold!

Anyone who has uttered the old adage, “All that glitters is not gold,” didn’t have a sparkly diamond attached to it! As beautiful as gold is, between colors and karats, it can be hard to comb through all the options. Read on to figure out which one is right for you.

What Is A Karat?

K is for Karat and represents the purity of gold used in a piece of jewelry. (Not like carats – which are used when referring to diamonds. For this K, the higher the K, the purer the gold. But be careful; a higher K does NOT necessarily mean a better or nicer piece of jewelry.

In fact, there are multiple factors to consider when deciding what type of gold to use for what piece of jewelry. We will break down the difference between 14K and 18K gold. How does it affect the color, the piece, and if one is better than the other? Why or why not? (Spoiler alert? The answer is no!)

Read on to find out which gold and which “K” is right for you!

14K Gold vs. 18K Gold

Gold is the most popular metal used for all jewelry for a reason. It is strong, flexible, and in its purest form, soft. In order to make the metal usable for jewelry, an alloy (or a mix of metals) is added. Jewelers determine the amount of “K” by the amount of alloy present.

18K Yellow Gold 3mm Traditional Slightly Curved Wedding Ring

For example, 24K is pure gold and, therefore, too soft for jewelry and everyday wear. 24K gold easily dents and scratches and is simply too fragile for even the most careful jewelry expert. 18K and 14K, which still have a high ratio of gold but enough alloy to be workable, are the most popular choices for jewelers and purchasers.

The higher durability of 14K gold makes it an ideal choice for jewelry worn every day, for those with an active lifestyle, and for jewelry with intricate detail and added or placed stones, such as in gold engagement rings.

18K White Gold 3.0mm Low Dome Wedding Ring

18K gold can be preferable for those with allergies or who are very sensitive to alloys since 18K is pure gold. 18K gold is also advantageous because although it is more delicate when it IS scratched, it does so in a way that appears vintage.

Is 14K Gold Or 18K Gold Better For Engagement Rings?

So, is 14K gold better than 18K gold? The short answer is no. Each metal offers different advantages. Therefore the better metal depends on you. 14K gold might be a better choice if you are very active, whereas 18K gold can be better for more delicate pieces of fine jewelry.

The differences in appearance are often relatively minimal and a matter of personal choice; whichever karat you go with, you will surely shine!

Which “K” & Color Is Better For You?

Consider the following four factors when picking the right karat and color for your new piece of jewelry:

The difference in color between 14K and 18K yellow gold, while a factor, is not terribly strong and a matter of personal preference.
Overall, yellow gold is universally flattering but can enhance wearers with warmer skin tones. Both 14K and 18K yellow gold pair well with gemstones.
White gold, in both 14K and 18K, like its yellow counterpart, looks great on everyone. Yet it ever so slightly amplifies those with cooler skin tones.
White gold also pairs well with gemstones. While yellow gold can pair better with more earthy tones, white gold can pair better with more vibrant colors.

What Is The Difference Between 14K Gold vs. 18K Gold?

14 K Gold	18K Gold
Very Durable	Purer Gold
More Affordable	Better For Those With Metal Allergies
Softer Yellow Color	Brighter Yellow Tones

Rose Gold

Rose gold is a gold that gets its soft pink color from a mixture of gold and copper. It is also available in 14K and 18K, and similar to its yellow and white counterparts.

14K rose gold is more durable, while 18K rose gold is more pure.
The romance of both 14K and 18K rose gold allows it to pair well with colors for both casual and fancy occasions.
Rose gold is a great choice for those who love vintage-style jewelry
It complements both cool and warmer skin tones

It is a wonderful choice for engagement rings, wedding rings, and any other piece of fine jewelry.

14K Rose Gold Slightly Rounded Wedding Ring

Which Gold Is Best For Engagement & Wedding Rings?

14K gold is the most popular choice for engagement and wedding rings. Whether yellow, white or rose, 14K’s mix of purity and durability makes it an ideal choice for these rings since they are geared for everyday wear. The affordability of 14K gold makes it a very popular choice for both engagement and wedding rings.

18K gold is also an excellent choice for engagement and wedding rings for those who prefer hypoallergenic metals, as 18K gold has more gold and less alloy.

Which Gold Is Best For Fine Jewelry?

Both 14K gold and 18K gold work great for fine jewelry. 18K gold is often a popular choice for fine jewelry rings, as the color is considered more “true,” and its delicacy makes it ideal for pieces meant for special occasions.

So whether you want a gold ring you can wear to the gym every day, or you want a ring you can save for anniversaries and holidays, we have the metal and the ring for you!

What About Earrings, Bracelets, & Necklaces?

Whether you prefer a more durable 14K or a more gentle 18K, white gold, yellow gold, or rose, James Allen has the right gold, at the right K, for any event.

Happy Shopping

As you have probably guessed by now, the perfect gold for you depends on you. Whatever your needs, preferences, and budget, we at JamesAllen.com are here to help you make the best choice!

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Sarah Axelrad

With over 10 years of experience writing and editing on a wide variety of subjects, Sarah is a veteran of the content world. Since joining James Allen, she has focused on all things diamonds and fine jewelry with the goal of educating and empowering consumers.

Diamond Inspection: A Free Expert Consultation

March 6, 2022March 12, 2024Diamonds, Education4C's, diamond carat, diamond clarity, diamond color, diamond consultation, diamond cut, diamond education, diamond inspection, diamond shape, diamonds

If you love inspecting diamonds in 360° HD and 40x zoom, wait until you get to do it with the guidance of a professional gemologist! Our Real-Time Diamond Inspection is a game-changer for online ring shoppers.

When shopping for a diamond online, it’s a requirement to be able to examine the stone close up and from every angle. At JamesAllen.com, we take this a step further, allowing you to spin diamonds in 360° HD at up to 40x SuperZoom.

However, not every diamond shopper is a diamond expert. Even with the inspection tools at your fingertips, how do you know what you should be looking for?

That’s where our Real-Time Diamond Inspection comes in! Browse the diamonds you’re interested in alongside a professional by scheduling a free online diamond consultation with a non-commissioned certified gemologist. Ask questions, mark points of interest on the screen while chatting with your diamond expert in real-time, and review everything from the specs to the grading certificate together.

What are the benefits of the Real-Time Diamond Inspection?

Our gemologists can:

Find you the best diamond for your budget
Point out important diamond qualities you might miss on your own
Save you money
Guide you toward the unique diamond that suits your lifestyle

When Can I Use the Real-Time Diamond Inspection?

This feature is pretty much available around the clock. If you don’t see the blue “Real-Time Diamond Inspection” button on your diamond’s page, click the pink speech bubble icon in the bottom right corner of the page to start chatting with a representative. Then, request to use the inspection feature. In no time, you’ll be consulting with a professional about your specific diamond!

How Does the Real-Time Diamond Inspection Work?

We’ll go into more detail below, but here is the rough plan of action:

Select a loose diamond from the gallery
Click on “Real-Time Diamond Inspection”
Inspect your diamond in extreme detail

That’s why we’ve created the first-ever Real-Time Diamond Inspection; a personalized consultation with a bona fide diamond expert. It’s hands-down the best way to get to grips with your diamond.

Step 1: Find Your Diamond

Before you embark on a diamond consultation, it’s important to narrow down your options. When you come with a few diamonds and questions prepared, you’ll get the most out of your conversation with a gemologist.

How should you go about it? If you’ve got a good idea of what you want, search JamesAllen.com for loose diamonds that catch your eye. If you’re unsure, check out our site for comprehensive information regarding the 4 C’s: diamond cut, diamond clarity, diamond color, and diamond carat weight.

If at any step in your research process you feel like you need some help deciphering the ins and outs of the 4 C’s, chat with one of our legendary customer service representatives!

Step 2: Start Your Diamond Inspection

To start your Real-Time Diamond Inspection, simply click the Diamond Inspection button next to any loose diamond on our site. If you don’t see the blue button, you can click the speech bubble icon to start chatting.

You’ll be instantly connected with one of our certified gemologists, who will share their screen with you. No scheduling, no additional software. Just you and your diamond consultant discussing everything you need to know. And because our experts don’t work on commission, you can be sure they’re giving you fair, impartial advice.

Step 3: View EVERYTHING About Your Diamond

View Your Diamond’s Inclusions

JamesAllen.com lets you inspect your diamond up close, but sometimes you need a bit of help interpreting what you’re seeing. To this point, our Diamond Inspection feature is particularly helpful when it comes to identifying inclusions.

If you’ve been doing your homework, you will probably have come across the term inclusions. These are the tiny imperfections that occur naturally in diamonds and can affect their overall beauty. While some inclusions are visible to the naked eye, others require up to 40x magnification to be seen. Using SuperZoom technology, our experts are able to pinpoint any inclusions and mark them directly on the image of the diamond.

View the Grading Certificate

When you purchase a diamond from JamesAllen.com, it comes with a certificate from one of the top three grading labs: GIA, AGS, or IGI. This document contains the diamond’s technical specifications as well as its grading information – all very important stuff.

Now, admittedly, all this technical jargon can seem pretty intimidating at first glance. I mean, what even are grading scales?!

Once our experts break it down for you, you’ll see how metrics such as cut, color, clarity, and carat determine a diamond’s quality and price. They can even show you how to tell two technically identical stones apart and identify which one is superior. In fact, the Diamond Inspection feature allows you to compare up to four diamonds simultaneously.

Step 4: Make Your Selection

Seen a diamond that merits closer inspection? Click the Diamond Inspection button next to any loose diamond on our James Allen site to begin your free consultation. Utilize More Ring-Shopping Tools!

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