What is the worth of man-made diamonds compared to natural diamonds?
Both natural and man-made diamonds hold different values. One factor that influences the worth of a gem is scarcity. For those on a budget, lab made diamonds come at a cheaper price. The only downside is the lower resale value. But here is the catch. The differences between the two are so subtle because these gems share the same chemical properties. Additionally, these stones exhibit the same fire, sparkle, and scintillation. The main factors that determine the value of a gem are the 4Cs. After all, each stone is graded with unique characteristics. By understanding the differences, you can make a worthwhile investment that suits your needs and preferences.
What is lab grown diamonds (Abre numa nova janela)?
Gems that are lab created (Abre numa nova janela) through CVD or HPHT processes. They mimic the conditions of how natural diamonds grow in nature. A slice of diamond (the seed) is placed in a chamber full of carbon gases and then subjected to high heat and pressure.
Rare Carat Price comparison 1ct diamond: Lab made vs. Natural diamonds
A 1-carat round lab diamond of G color and SI1 clarity costs $827. It's a great price, considering similar stones are priced between $1,395 and $1,641. The cut and polish are rated very good and excellent, respectively. A clarity of SI1 means that the inclusions are only visible to the naked eye under 10X magnifications. Other properties that determine the price are depth (61.6%), girdle thickness (medium thick), and crown angle (35.3?).
A 1-carat round natural diamond of K color and SI1 clarity costs $1,339. This is a fair price, considering that similar stones are within the $2,859 and $3,312 range. Other properties that determine the worth include the cut (Good), symmetry (Very Good), polish (Excellent), girdle thickness (Slightly Thick), depth (67.1), and crown angle (39.5?).
A 1-carat round natural diamond of J color and SI2 clarity costs $1,371. This is 1,787 below the fair price, considering that similar gems are between $2,957 and $3,426. Other properties that determine the price are cut (good), symmetry (Very Good), polish (Very Good), girdle percentage (4%), depth (66.6%), and crown angle (40.1%).
Another 1-carat round lab diamond of I color and VS2 clarity costs $868. It's of excellent cut and symmetry. Other properties that determine the value are girdle percentage (3%), girdle thickness (medium), depth (58.8%), and crown angle (32.8%).
So why the price difference, yet they have the same carat weight?
The depth percentage has a significant effect (differs for each shape) as it determines how the diamond will sparkle. All four 1 ct diamond (Abre numa nova janela)s are round but priced differently. The main factor that affects the worth of a diamond is the cut - it impacts the beauty of the stone. It can be rated good, very good, or excellent.
The color also determines the price of a diamond. Typically, diamonds are graded from D-Z., Those in the D category are colorless, while those close to Z have a brown or yellow tint. Any diamond within the G-K range appears colorless and costs less than those on the lower side of the scale.
Another factor that determines the worth is clarity. These 1 ct diamonds are in clarity grades SI1, SI2, and VS2. Those without inclusions are worth more than those with noticeable imperfections. This explains why most gemologists recommend VS1 and VS2.
Why lab made diamonds are worth less than natural diamonds
Lab made diamonds have the same chemical properties as their natural counterparts. But in terms of price comparison, lab-grown diamonds are 20-30% cheaper. Let's say you buy a natural diamond that retains 70% of its value. If you try to sell it after some time, you could recover half the price of your original investment.
In contrast, if you resell a lab made diamond worth thousands of dollars, the value could be just a few hundred bucks. Do you get the picture?
So, are lab-made and natural diamonds a perfect comparison? Technically, yes. Let's say you're shopping for a diamond engagement ring on a budget. You can save some bucks if you buy lab-grown diamonds. Other than the sheer price, you're making an ethical choice.
Both Rare Carat lab made and natural diamonds are a good investment. The difference comes in when you evaluate your investment goals. If you care about the long-term value, natural diamonds are worth it. But if you need a cheaper diamond and still care about the environment, a lab-grown gem makes more financial sense.
After visiting the Rare Carat website, their gemologists were helpful. My engagement ring came with a certification report, so I was sure it was authentic and of the quality presented.
I highly recommend Rare Carat to shoppers who want a stress-free diamond buying experience.