Most of us already know that there are many advantages to lab-made diamonds. In addition to being optically, chemically, and structurally the same as earth-mined diamonds, lab diamonds can cost almost half as much as their earth-mined counterparts. But natural diamonds continue to reign hearts for many reasons – not just visual appeal and rarity, but also sentimental and symbolic value. Moreover, they can be found in an extraordinary range of colours.
Technology, however, has helped lab diamonds to bridge the colour spectrum gap. They can now be found in an impressive array of hues that rival their natural counterparts.
So how do you decide whether to opt for coloured lab diamonds or coloured natural diamonds? Let’s decode some crucial factors to help you make the right decision.
Chemistry That Gives Birth to Fascinating Colours
- Natural Diamonds: Natural diamonds get their gorgeous colours due to various reasons, such as the presence of trace elements, distortions in the crystal lattice, and exposure to radiation. Typically, this precious gem’s hue is heavily influenced by the type and amount of impurities/defects present during its formation. For instance, nitrogen atoms can lead to yellow or brown hue, whereas boron can cause blue diamonds.
- Lab Diamonds: Lab-created diamonds, like natural diamonds, can also be produced in a variety of colours by manipulating the diamond’s crystal structure. Some standard methods used to produce beautiful hues in lab-created diamonds include Irradiation, High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT), and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). In Irradiation, lab diamonds are exposed to controlled doses of radiation to induce colour changes. On the other hand, HPHT subjects the diamonds to extreme conditions of high pressure and high temperature to alter their crystal lattice and create specific colours. In CVD, specific gases are introduced into the process, which allows lab technicians to control the colour of the resulting diamonds.
Facts About the Rarity and Value of Coloured Diamonds
- Natural Diamonds: Also known as fancy-coloured diamonds, these are not easy to find. They comprise only a small percentage of the total diamond production, and their rarity significantly influences their value. It’s important to note that the more intense and vivid the colour of the natural diamond is, the higher its price will be. Also, different hues will have different price ranges. For example, red, blue, and pink diamonds are typically more expensive than yellow or brown diamonds.
- Lab Diamonds: These are understandably more accessible than their natural counterparts. While they are certainly not as rare as natural-coloured diamonds, the availability of coloured lab diamonds is still somewhat limited compared to colourless lab-grown diamonds. When it comes to the cost, larger stones with vivid hues and high-clarity grades demand a greater price. Additionally, the method used to achieve the colour, such as the addition of specific elements or treatments, can also affect the pricing. Generally, coloured lab-grown diamonds are often more affordable than their natural counterparts, with prices ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per carat, depending on the factors mentioned above.
Market Analysis: Growing Popularity or Just a Short-Lived Fad?
- Natural Diamonds: Fancy-coloured diamonds occupy a niche segment of the diamond market, prized for their rarity and unique hues. The demand, especially, is high for natural diamonds in specific colours, such as red, blue, and pink. However, market trends suggest that coloured natural diamonds are often considered alternative investments, with auction houses regularly featuring rare and large coloured diamonds at jaw-dropping prices.
- Lab Diamonds: Coloured lab-grown diamonds have gained popularity as an ethical and more affordable alternative to natural-coloured diamonds. The fact that they are more accessible and affordable compared to their natural counterparts further adds to their appeal. The market for lab-grown diamonds, including coloured ones, continues to expand. Furthermore, jewellery designers and manufacturers are increasingly incorporating lab-grown coloured diamonds into their collections has contributed to the broader acceptance of these man-made marvels.
Certification Standards
- Natural Diamonds: The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is one of the most widely recognized laboratories that issue certifications for natural-coloured diamonds. GIA grades fancy-coloured diamonds on a scale of Fancy Light, Fancy, Fancy Intense, Fancy Vivid, and others, depending on the strength and depth of colour.
- Lab Diamonds: The certification process for coloured lab-grown diamonds is similar to that for natural diamonds, and it aims to provide consumers with transparency and assurance about the quality and authenticity of the diamond. Reputable laboratories, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), evaluate and grade lab-grown diamonds, including coloured ones, based on industry standards.
Buying Considerations: Top Five Tips to Keep in Mind
1. Budget: Natural coloured diamonds are more expensive than their lab-grown counterparts. Consider this fact when planning the budget for your purchase.
2. Colours: Natural diamonds offer a unique range of hues due to trace elements, while lab-grown diamonds provide a broader spectrum with controlled processes. Choose the one that resonates with your aesthetic preferences.
3. Ethical and Environmental Values: Lab diamonds are considered a sustainable and conflict-free option. If ethical and environmental considerations are important to you, coloured lab diamonds will better align better with your values.
4. Investment or Sentiment?: Natural coloured diamonds, especially those with intense hues, may appreciate over time, giving better investment value. If sentiment and aesthetics are a priority, then lab-grown diamonds are a stunning and cost-effective choice.
5. Certification and Documentation: Whether natural or lab-grown, always insist on buying diamonds certified from reputable gemological laboratories. This helps verify the diamond’s quality, colour intensity, and authenticity.
Final Verdict: Should You opt for Coloured Natural Diamonds or Coloured Lab Diamonds?
The answer to this depends entirely on your personal preference. If you love the appeal of natural diamonds and don’t mind the hefty price tag that accompanies the coloured variations, then natural-coloured diamonds are the perfect choice for you.
However, if you wish to opt for a more affordable and ethical alternative that offers the same brilliance, beauty, and durability as the earth-mined counterparts, then coloured lab diamonds certainly fit the bill. Ultimately, the choice boils down to prioritizing sentimental value and historical charm over affordability and ethical considerations.