LET'S CHAT ABOUT LAB DIAMONDS

Both lab-created diamonds and naturally mined diamonds are identical to the naked eye. They share the same chemical structure, the same sparkle, and are graded by the same 4Cs: color, clarity and carat. So what's the real difference? Let's break down the most common questions I get. 

What’s the biggest difference?

• Lab diamonds are grown in a lab in a matter of weeks. They're lower in price and currently have little to no resale value.
• Natural diamonds are formed in the earth over billions of years. They're unique, rare, and hold higher value on the resale market (though, you won't get 100% of your original purchase back). 
  
  

Are lab diamonds sustainable?
Not automatically. Most lab-grown diamonds today are made in facilities powered by coal or fossil fuels, which gives them a big carbon footprint. A smaller number are grown using renewable energy (like hydropower or solar), which makes their impact much lighter, but those are the exception, not the rule. 

If a diamond is truly grown with renewable energy, the brand will usually provide third-party certification to clear documentation so you can verify the claim. If it isn't mentioned, you can assume fossil fuels were involved. 

The upside: lab diamonds don't require moving tons of earth or disturbing ecosystems the way mining does. The downside: unless you know your lab diamond was created with clean energy, you can't assume it's "green." 

The most sustainable choice will always be a recycled or repurposed diamond, since it requires no new resources. 

Which one is better?
There isn’t a right or wrong answer, it comes down to your priorities. 

For me, natural diamonds feel timeless and irreplaceable, especially when investing in a classic piece like a tennis necklace or bracelet. But I'm not against lab diamonds; I've used them in fashion-forward designs with larger fancy-cut stones, where they let me achieve a striking look, without the price tag of natural. 

It's almost like choosing a gold color; yellow, white, or rose. The best choice is the one that resonates most with you. 

My personal take
Jewelry has always been deeply sentimental to me. Natural diamonds feel like a delicacy, they're rare, precious and formed in the earth over billions of years. They carry weight, history, and a sense of permanence. 

Lab diamonds, while equally as beautiful, don't feel quite as "special" to me emotionally. That said, they've given me the freedom to play, to design bold, oversized pieces and explore cuts I might not otherwise. And I love that. Still, I do notice I subconsciously treasure my natural pieces more. 

What about gemstones?
When lab-created gemstones first came onto the scene, I'll admit I was against them. What I find most captivating about natural gemstones are their imperfections - the quirks and inclusions that make each one unlike any other. 

But after handling some lab-created stones, I was surprised: they're cut to perfection, consistently vibrant in color, and at a fraction of the cost. It's hard not to ask yourself: why pay significantly more for something that's less "perfect"?

For me personally, it now comes down to the piece, the stone, and the price point. If I want a jewel that's deeply sentimental and tied to history, I lean natural. If I'm designing something bold, playful, or more accessible, lab gems have their place too. 

Final thoughts
Natural or lab, what matters the most is not what I or anyone else says, it's how the piece makes you feel. There's no wrong choice, only the one that feels right to you. 

Got a question before making a purchase? Send us a DM on Instagram or email us at hello@diamondsandsweatshirts.com

XX Amanda