Curious about lab-grown Diamonds? While not a new invention, they have gained popularity in recent years because of the rapid speed by which they have been able to be mass produced. At Colonial Jewelers, we are committed to over 76 years of helping our customers find the perfect Diamond for them. If a lab-grown Diamond is the right choice for you- we are here to offer you the same Colonial Jewelers experience that you can expect with any other purchase from our store. As with every purchase, we feel it’s always good to have all the facts to help you decide what is right for you.
A lab-grown Diamond is a Diamond in every chemical and visual sense; it’s made of carbon atoms arranged in the same crystal structure as natural Diamonds, but they’re produced in a factory setting in a matter of weeks rather than formed naturally, deep in the Earth over billions of years.
Lab-grown Diamonds grew in popularity for a number of reasons: their affordable pricing, ethical reputation, and sustainability. Let’s break those major topics down.
Natural Diamonds are a finite resource and are considered extremely rare and valuable. Lab-grown Diamonds have more accessibility, and therefore have lower price points for the same or higher qualities in terms of comparable cuts and shapes of natural Diamonds. However, natural Diamonds will at least hold their value, with the potential to increase. Lab-grown Diamonds will not hold their value and can be expected to decline as more factories keep producing them.
You’ve probably heard the terms “conflict Diamonds” or “blood Diamonds.” This refers to the humanitarian crisis and ethical concerns caused by profits from a small number of mined Diamonds being used to fund armed conflict, rebel movements, and other violence. In 2003, The Kimberly Process was established to prevent the trade of these conflict Diamonds from entering the global jewelry market, and mixing with the legally mined, conflict-free stones; essentially cutting off funding to violent groups by making conflict Diamonds unsellable on the world market. Colonial Jewelers only buys Diamonds from suppliers who follow The Kimberly Process, ensuring that all of our Diamonds are ethically sourced and conflict-free. While lab-grown Diamonds are often marketed as a worry-free alternative, we believe transparency is key — and we’re proud to offer diamonds of all kinds from trusted, ethical sources.
Lab-grown Diamonds are not necessarily better for the environment when you take into consideration the amount of chemicals and electricity needed to produce them. Most are also produced in China, where environmental impacts and labor laws are not well regulated.
| Feature | Natural Diamonds | Lab-Grown Diamonds |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Impact | Varies by source — we work with ethical, conflict-free suppliers | Often perceived as more eco-friendly, but energy use varies |
| Certification | Graded by trusted labs like GIA or AGS | Also graded by major labs but no longer by the same standards as most are made the same quality |
| Price | Higher due to rarity and natural formation | Lower due to scalability |
| Value Over Time | Traditionally holds or increases value | Generally loses value over time |
| Rarity | One-of-a-kind, limited by nature | Can be reproduced and scaled |
| Origin | Formed over billions of Years deep within the Earth | Created in a lab over a few weeks |
Choosing between a lab-grown Diamond and a natural Diamond comes down to what matters most to you. At Colonial Jewelers, we know there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Our job isn’t to sway you — it’s to support you. Whether you’re drawn to natural Diamonds for their unmatched history, or curious about lab-grown Diamonds for their accessibility, we’ll walk you through your options with honesty and care.
Both options offer stunning sparkle, durability, and elegance. No matter your choice, we’re here to help you find a diamond that reflects your love — and your values.
Preview our selection of Diamond jewelry and engagement rings online, then visit us in-store to find the Diamond that feels right for you, and work one-on-one with our expert sales associates.
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