Lab Grown vs. Natural Diamonds: Which is Better?

BY Jenica October 5, 2022

Are mined diamonds worth the hype? Diamond mines have a bit of a notorious and dark history and are not always obtained ethically, but you don’t have to forgo getting this gem all together if you’re worried about where it came from. 

Lab grown diamonds are as real as a natural diamond, meaning they have all the same physical and chemical properties that make up a mined stone. They also use the 4 C-s (cut, clarity, carat, color) during their grading process. If you need some more convincing, here are a few more reasons to look into a synthetic diamond:

Greater Purity

Since these gems are grown in a lab, there’s no issue with impurities such as dirt or other minerals that may affect the color of the stone. The controlled conditions during the creation process also help the diamond to grow with limited defects or inclusions. Hello extra bling! 

Ethical Practices

While the De Beers company (the largest diamond distributer) is open about their ethical mining practices, not every diamond producer is as clean cut. Many diamonds may have been sold to fund armed conflicts or civil disturbances, but you’ll never have to worry about that when purchasing a synthetic diamond. 

Environmentally Friendly

It is estimated that global diamond mining consumes over 1 million liters of fuel, soil erosion, deforestation, and ecosystem destruction. Lab-grown diamonds are fully vegan, unlike naturally mined diamonds and they also cause little to no environmental damage.

Cost

Perhaps one of the best benefits to purchasing a lab grown diamond is the cost. Did you know a synthetic stone will roughly sell for around 70% less than a natural stone of equal size and quality? Put that extra money into an upgraded honeymoon or even a down payment on a house! 

Lab grown stones don’t start and stop with diamonds either! If you are looking around for some extra sparkle to add to your wardrobe, check out synthetic rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and many others!

Find What You Need with Progressive Leasing

If you’re ready for an upgrade, Progressive Leasing offers simple, flexible payment options from thousands of retailer partner locations. Find a store near you and discover your perfect jewelry piece by visiting our website at progleasing.com.