Behind the Brilliance of Natural vs. Lab Grown Diamonds

August 18, 2023

David Gardener ring setDavid Gardener Set of Rings

Diamonds have always been a girl’s best friend, but do you know the story behind your favorite gemstone? Let’s embark on a sparkling journey together. If you’re like us, you’ve been captivated by the shimmer and shine of diamonds. But with the buzz around lab-grown diamonds, it’s easy to get lost in the sparkle. Fear not; We’re here to guide you and shed light on the timeless beauty of natural diamonds.

Loose natural diamond being held between two fingers.

Taking a Walk Through Time: The Origin of Natural Diamonds

Did you know that the natural diamonds you see sparkling on fingers and around necks are billions of years old? They’ve embarked on an extraordinary journey, starting deep beneath the Earth’s surface, over 100 miles down. They originate three times deeper than the magma of most volcanoes, specifically in the upper mantle, pushed to the surface through the kimberlite pipes during volcanic eruptions around, according to the Natural Diamond Council (NDC), 300-400 million years ago. The youngest diamond ever discovered is over 100 million years old meaning that each natural diamond is a testament to the raw power and enduring beauty of nature. These gems have been on a million-year journey, making their way from the Earth’s mantle to your jewelry box.

The Unique Soul of Natural Diamonds

Every diamond tells a story, and it’s not just about size or sparkle. It’s about the journey, the history, and the individual quirks that make each one unique. From the dazzling cuts to the subtle hues, each natural diamond is a masterpiece waiting to be discovered. Every stone is measured with the 4 C’s (Cut, Clarity, Color, Carat) that we use to evaluate diamonds. While these metrics only scratch the surface of the intricate beauty and individuality of each natural diamond, they are very helpful when it comes to determining the value and rarity of each stone.  The cut of a diamond refers to how well the diamond’s facets interact with light, the proportions of the diamond, and the overall finish of the diamond. The clarity refers to imperfections within the stone while the color refers to the lack of color in the stone, and the carat tells us the size. Each diamond holds its unique story of formation, making it a truly personal item, and using the 4 C’s, we can help you find which one is perfect for you.

Diamond being held by machinery.

Eco-Facts vs. Fiction in the Diamond World

While many lab-grown diamond manufacturers claim to be the ‘greener’ choice, the eco-friendly debate is more complex than it first appears. The fact remains that producing one carat of lab-grown diamond can consume up to 5 million gallons of water per year – equivalent to filling seven Olympic-sized swimming pools! Unlike natural diamonds that have been developed on our earth over billions of years, laboratory grown diamonds require massive amounts of energy to manufacture using chemical reactors that burn hotter than the surface of the sun.

Diamond set

Natural Diamonds Continue to Shine Bright in the Market

What makes natural diamonds so valuable, apart from their stunning beauty, is their rarity. Lab grown diamonds, on the other hand, are becoming less expensive to produce. This fact is great for the wallet, however, this has a negative impact on the lasting value of the stone. As lab grown diamonds become less expensive and faster to produce, their oversaturation of the market could greatly reduce their valuation. Natural diamonds, with their rarity and age, hold a value that transcends market fluctuations. They’re an emotional and financial investment that will last a lifetime, or several lifetimes. Often handed down through generations, these treasured family heirlooms continue to deepen in sentimental value with each passing era.

A cluster of several natural loose diamonds.

David Gardner’s Commitment to Natural Diamonds

We understand the timeless allure of natural diamonds, their history, and their profound significance. Our team of experts is committed to helping you navigate your diamond journey, ensuring you find the perfect natural diamond to tell your story.We invite you to embark on your natural diamond journey with us. Whether you’re purchasing or crafting a custom engagement ring, we’re here to make your experience seamless. Book your appointment today and start the exciting journey to find a diamond as unique as your love story.

Read more about our partnership with the Natural Diamond Council.  

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