Lab-grown diamonds, also known as synthetic diamonds, are far less expensive than natural diamonds. In some cases, they can cost as little as 30% less than natural diamonds. Until recently, these gems were priced at -16%, -29%, and even -40% less than natural diamonds. Now, De Beers has entered the synthetic diamond market with its Lightbox brand.
Price of synthetic diamonds
The difference in price between mined diamonds and synthetic diamonds was not large enough to compete with natural diamonds as a jewelry stone. However, as the technology behind synthetic diamonds has advanced, prices have decreased, which is a great news for consumers. In the future, the price of synthetic diamonds may even reach natural diamond prices. This is because diamonds are a luxury item, and slowing growth in the world’s GDP is bad news for the mined-diamond industry.
One of the primary reasons why synthetic man made diamonds vs real are cheaper than natural diamonds is because they’re produced in a lab. They’re not as vulnerable to natural-diamond supply chains, and their cost is less than half as much as natural diamonds. As a result, they’re cheaper, and they don’t endanger the environment. Besides being cheaper, synthetic diamonds don’t come with the same quality.
Sustainable mined diamonds
When compared to mined diamonds, man made diamonds are far more sustainable. Diamond mining produces approximately 538.5 million joules of carbon dioxide per carat, compared to 250 million joules in the laboratory. Further, mined diamonds disturb 100 square feet of land and create 5,798 pounds of mineral waste. Man made diamonds, on the other hand, produce just six pounds of carbon dioxide per carat.
Diamond mining also releases chemicals from the Earth into the air. When these chemicals leech into the air, they pollute the water. Additionally, the use of electricity and hydrocarbons to mine diamonds is a major contributor to air pollution and climate change. Mining diamonds has also resulted in smog and deforestation. Many natural diamond retailers are now carrying man made diamonds.
Environmentally friendly
If you’re wondering whether man made diamonds vs real are more eco-friendly, the answer might surprise you. Yes, man-made diamonds are real gems, but the process of creating them is far less harmful to the environment. Furthermore, they’re much cheaper than mined diamonds. Compared to mined diamonds, they don’t come with the environmental baggage that mined diamonds do. Furthermore, man-made diamonds are less likely to affect the ethics of a diamond ring than the traditional one.
Remarks
Because man-made diamonds are produced by human hands, their environmental impact is negligible. The production process is also controlled and conforms to all environmental regulations. So, man-made diamonds are a greener alternative. However, it’s still important to consider the ethical aspects of buying a diamond. If you’re worried about the environment’s impact on the diamond industry, you can buy a pre-owned diamond instead.
