Diamonds: The Short Story Part 2

In Part 1, we talked about the 4Cs and why a diamond can't be judged by numbers alone. Two diamonds can look nearly identical on paper and very different once they're in front of you.

So, what should you actually be looking for? And now that there are more choices than ever, how do you decide between a mined and lab-grown diamond?

What Should You Look for in a Diamond?

The 4Cs are important, but you don't necessarily need the highest grade in every category to find a great diamond. Instead, think about what you can actually see.

Does the diamond sparkle? Do you like its shape and proportions? Can you see any inclusions with your naked eye? Does it look white to you? Most importantly, do you like the way it looks?

Sometimes moving up a grade on a diamond report can increase the price without creating a difference you can easily see. This is where deciding what matters most to you can help you get more from your budget.

The report tells you about the diamond. Your eyes tell you if it's the right one.

Mined or Lab-Grown?

Both are real diamonds. The biggest difference is their origin.

Mined diamonds form naturally within the earth over billions of years. Their natural origin and limited supply give them a rarity that can't be recreated.

Lab-grown diamonds are made in a controlled environment using technology that recreates the conditions in which diamonds form. They have the same chemical composition and physical properties as mined diamonds, but they can generally be purchased for significantly less.

That price difference means a lab-grown diamond may allow you to choose a larger stone or higher grades while staying within the same budget.

There is another difference worth knowing: their value in the secondary market isn't the same. Natural diamonds have a more established resale market, while lab-grown diamond prices have continued to change as production has increased. You shouldn't purchase either with the assumption that it will appreciate in value.

Which One Is Better?

Neither. They're simply different choices.

If the natural origin, rarity, and tradition behind a mined diamond are important to you, that may be where you're drawn.

If size, certain quality grades, or getting more diamond within your budget are higher priorities, lab-grown may make more sense.

You may even be surprised by what you prefer once you see both.

That's really the point we made in Part 1 and one worth repeating: you must see a diamond to know if it is right for you. The numbers matter. The origin matters. Your budget matters. But at the end of the day, you're the one who gets to look at it every day.

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