Lab Grown vs. Natural Diamonds Explained!
Welcome to The Clear Cut Classroom where we take deep dives into all things diamonds (and jewelry)! In this episode, we answer one of our most asked questions: why we don't work with lab grown diamonds. Let us know your thoughts below!
Watch the full video below:
If you know us at The Clear Cut, you know that we only work with natural, untreated, and GIA-certified diamonds for engagement rings. Our goal is to create engagement rings that are not only beautiful, but will last a lifetime and hold its value.
We certainly could make more money selling lab grown diamonds, moissanite, cubic zirconia, or any other diamond alternative, but we want to provide clients with our true recommendations, and ultimately pieces, that will stand the test of time.
When asked about lab grown diamonds specifically, there are three main reasons why we don't work with them at The Clear Cut. The first reason is value. Whether you have a $5000 or $500K budget, we are advising young couples on one of their most significant investments in life. Therefore, natural diamonds that have been developing for billions of years in the earth have held their value, if not increased, over the years. Lab grown diamonds, which are created in a lab and relatively new to the market, have actually decreased in value. Once a lab grown diamond is purchased, there is no inherent value that the diamond holds. A question in response is why would inherent value matter in a one-time purchase that has no plans on being resold? Well at The Clear Cut, not only are we creating pieces for you, but hopefully creating modern heirlooms that will be passed down for generations. Even if you choose not to pass your ring down, there is always an option down the line to upgrade your diamond for a higher value stone or better quality stone by trading it in.
The second reason why we don't work with lab grown diamonds is an environmental. Some people opt for lab grown diamonds for environmental purposes, but it's a bit more complicated than simply opting for a lab-grown diamond. By nature of creating a naturally occurring substance in a laboratory, an unsustainable amount of resources such as electricity and energy are used. Over the past decade, there have been increasing misconceptions about natural diamonds. Natural diamonds are one of the most regulated natural resources now and the diamond mining industry has become much more transparent over time.
Lastly, every natural diamond we work with is ethically sourced and goes through the Kimberly process. When you purchase a lab grown diamond, it's easy to disregard the individuals in natural diamond mining communities. I argue that it's more important to work with companies that care about how their diamonds are sourced, and buying from these types of companies can positively impact mining communities. From personal experience, my cofounder and husband can attest to the impacts he made with his fair trade diamond mining company in Sierra Leone on the local communities.
I hope this clears up many of the reasons why we work with only natural, untreated, and GIA certified diamonds and choose not to work with lab grown diamonds. I'm always happy to answer any questions you may have!