How Lab Grown Pendants Compare to Natural Gemstones?
- diamondsalmaas
- Mar 5
- 3 min read
Choosing a pendant is such a fun experience, but it does carry an important choice — will you choose a natural stone or a lab-created gem? Both options have their pluses and, knowing the differences between them both, can help you make the best choice for your style, budget and values.
Over the past few years, lab-grown gemstones have become increasingly popular, providing the same beauty and durability as their natural counterparts but with a more sustainable and cost-effective approach. If you’re wondering how they stack up against one another, we’re breaking it down so you can determine what calls your name!
How Lab-Created Diamonds Are Made?
A common misconception about lab-created diamonds is that they’re fake, but that couldn’t be more wrong. They’re real diamonds—they just originate in a high-tech lab rather than being pulled from deep within the Earth.
There are two high-end methods used to create lab-crafted diamonds:
High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT)
This method imitates the process of natural diamond formation by exposing carbon to high heat and high pressure. Once again, the carbon crystallizes into a diamond, as it would underground. The result? A lab-created diamond is exactly the same in hardness, brilliance and structure as a mined one.
Chemical Vapor Depositing (CVD)
In this method, a small piece of diamond “seed” is inserted into a chamber filled with carbon-rich gas. When heated, the carbon particles stick to the seed, creating the diamond one layer at a time. This process creates diamonds that are often purer and clearer than even natural ones.
Both processes produce diamonds that are physically, chemically and optically identical to mined diamonds. Even trained gemologists need special tools to differentiate the two!
Top Reasons Why Everyone Is Going to Choose Lab-Grown Pendants
Lab-grown gemstones aren’t merely a trend, either—they come with a multitude of practical and ethical benefits that make them a no-brainer choice for jewelry fans.
More Affordable
Lab-grown diamonds & gemstones are 20-40% less than natural diamonds & gemstones. That means that you can get a bigger, finer quality stone for the same price, and luxury is made more accessible.
Ethical and Conflict-Free
Many natural gemstones are mined from regions where existing practices raise ethical concerns, such as unsafe labor environments or environmental degradation. Lab-grown stones avoid these problems, giving you a lovely piece of jewelry without the guilt.
Environmentally Friendly
Gemstone mining by traditional methods has can have some adverse effects too; deforestation, pollution and destruction of natural habitats. Lab-grown gemstones require no mining whatsoever, greatly reducing their environmental footprint.
Greater Purity and Less Inclusions
Natural gemstones are known to have inclusions (tiny imperfections) in them due to formation process. Although some individuals like these as aspects of their individuality, lab-grown pendant stones generally offer better clarity and fewer inclusions because they’re formed in a controlled environment.
Additional Color Selections and Customization
Seeking a flawless pink diamond or a color cared-for blue sapphire? Gemstones like these are grown in labs under controlled conditions, so you get consistent quality and color and a wider variety than nature provides.
What Are Lab-Made Diamonds? Are They Real?
Yes, absolutely! In fact, even the lab-created diamonds are 100% real diamonds as far as companies are concerned.
Same chemical make-up – both are made entirely of carbon.
Same physical properties – They are just as hard, durable and brilliant as natural diamonds.
Similar sparkle and fire – They sparkle just as beautifully as an earth mined diamond.
They are simply formed differently. While natural diamonds form in the earth over millions of years, lab-grown diamonds can be produced in weeks using technology. If you desire the same beauty, durability, and authenticity—minus the big price tag—lab-grown diamonds are a great alternative.
Which One is the Right Pick for You?
It’s your decision — all that matters is what you care about most.
If you love the thought of wearing a unique, naturally-made gemstone that has been formed over millions of years, a natural gemstone will be perfect for you.
If you want a beautiful and high quality stone that is affordable, ethically sourced, and eco-friendly, then a lab grown gemstone is the perfect choice.
Whichever you decide on, both natural and lab-born gems are stunning, purposeful pieces of jewelry you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
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