When you’re ready to purchase a diamond, it’s important to choose the stone that speaks to you. Besides considering factors such as budget, one of the most important starting points is evaluating natural or lab-grown diamonds. Both pose great benefits. It’s just a matter of looking at your priorities.
At Meritage, we have an extensive selection of both natural and lab-grown diamonds varying in carat, cut and price point. No matter what your dream diamond may be, Meritage has gemstones in every variety. Plus, we’re here to make it simple to select the right stone. That’s why we’ve broken down the differences, making it easy for you to explore through your choices.
How are Diamonds Formed?
In nature, diamonds are created when carbon deep in the earth is put under intense heat and pressure over the course of billions of years. As temperatures below the earth’s surface heat up the carbon, it begins to crystallize and form diamonds. Once this underground layer heats up enough, the gemstones are carried up to the Earth’s surface, riding a magma wave through volcanic tunnels.
What are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
When you hear the phrase lab-grown, do you imagine bright white lights against test tubes full of sparkling diamonds? Although lab-grown diamonds are developed by scientists, they have the same optical and chemical properties as their natural counterparts. Through advancements in technology, we're now able to replicate the exact same conditions used in the natural diamond-making process. Though lab-grown diamonds are formed in a fraction of the time it takes for a diamond to generate organically, it produces nearly identical results.
The Subtle Differences
Since both diamonds are created under the same conditions, the differences are invisible to a naked eye. Chemically, one of the only distinctions between the types of diamonds is the amount of nitrogen in the stone. Natural diamonds contain a small amount of nitrogen while lab-grown diamonds have none. Even the most experienced gemologists aren’t able to distinguish one from another without specialized equipment.
Benefits to Both
Both natural and man-made diamonds have their own set of perks. Lab-grown diamonds have a shorter production process and are also conflict-free. Additionally, they tend to be more budget-friendly. For some, these advantages are superior. Natural diamonds, however, have their own unique allure, as they’ve existed before the dinosaurs walked the earth. Because of this, natural diamonds are more rare and typically have higher long-term value. In short, there’s no right answer when deciding between lab-grown and natural diamonds. It all depends on what you’re looking for.
Find Your Perfect Diamond at Meritage
Selecting the right diamond for that momentous occasion is a big decision to make. Luckily, both natural and lab-grown diamonds are winners with their individual and extraordinary benefits. So, when it’s time to begin your next chapter, come to Meritage. Our knowledgeable team members will guide you through the process and our extensive selection, so you can uncover your perfect diamond. We’re also here to help navigate through all of the other factors you may have questions about. Browse our selection online or visit us today at 1620 York Rd and discover the diamond you’ve always envisioned.