Those that have Earth mined and are also buying Lab-created Diamonds...talk to me

[MissGotRocks]

My current opinion:
I purchased a ring a bit over two years ago with ‘high quality h&a ideal cut’ lab diamonds. From a PS respected vendor.

If I put that ring next to my other MRB’s and also next to some old (15 years maybe?) C&C ‘nice’ moissanite -
The labs look much more like the moissanite to my eye. Something about being a more (opaque) whiter all over color that I associate with the look of simulants.

I think maybe ( it must have with the fans here) technology has changed over the past two years - but I’m not feeling too froggy to try it again anytime soon.

Edited to add
Not opaque white really because the stones are clean, clear and f/g. But I don’t know how else to state ‘that white color’ stimulants have, that diamonds don’t.

It is interesting to hear this as I have had that same impression when looking at them! I have not directly compared in person and maybe it is because so many are purchasing high colors, but I have noticed that same thing. I thought perhaps it was just the pictures so it is really curious to hear you say that.

 

[seaurchin]

I have a couple of mined diamonds and don’t plan to buy any more. I do plan to get a lab diamond ring soon though.

I wore a CZ e-ring for many years. I still wear CZs or other lab or faux gems for earrings because I tend to lose them.

I don’t like super expensive jewelry (which I know is a relative term) because then I worry about losing it or attracting a burglary or attack. I feel the same about faux jewelry that looks very expensive. To me, it often also feels not quite nice somehow, when I’m around people who have less.

I do like “bang for the buck” and find it fascinating that gems can be manufactured that are identical to mined ones. I have several lab colored stones.

And then there’s the environment…

Lots to think about. Overall, I’m happy with a mix of mined, lab and faux diamond and other gems.

 

[Slickk]

People vary Mind clean, for me, means that I have all that extra money in my accounts rather than on my finger. For me, having a couple fun cars in our garage has a higher value to my family because we all get enjoy them. I now have both (mined and lab) and I don’t regret the lab at all.
I have always had a hard time spending money on myself, so getting a lab ring also made it mind clean with regard to my priorities and my wallet. Win win for @Slickk.

 

[tyty333]

I used to buy mined, but now I would never do so again unless it is a fancy colored or vintage/antique piece or the price is the same as lab. I used to think that lab would feel "fake", but I don't feel like that anymore. Honestly, I am starting to think that mined are a waste of money, buying the exact same product for a higher price. If I buy a diamond now, I rather get the size I think looks nice on my hand/ear/whatever instead of thinking about the price tag or how people would think looking at it.
I got my lab studs quite some time ago, but when I bought them I chose the stone size based on how it would look on the ear rather than thinking in terms of ct/price. It was quite nice and a new way to think, for me.

This is what bugs me...what if I buy a lab and love everything about it...and don't have any of those nagging feelings about it...then I'm
worried that all the money I've spent on Earth mined diamonds was wasted. I'm a pretty frugal person so this would really drive
me nuts. I'm dammed if I do, dammed if I don't! This is why I am having a hard time making a decision for myself.

 

[MMtwo]

I struggled with this too. I love my mined e-ring with the antique cut. This was and is my "real" engagement ring. It holds my romantic meaning. It holds romantic value.

The 2nd, 3rd, 4th and what-not do not have to hit that standard. They need to be pretty and durable and affordable. They need to be "real enough" that they are mind clean to me. I work from home on Zoom, not as if anyone will even care what I am or am not wearing. I go to work, shopping, and out to dinner sometimes. I am the same person no matter what I have on my finger.

My labs are real diamonds. I can sparkle at Costco. I don't even need to insure this jewelry, I can afford the loss. I guess at some level, it is play jewelry and I enjoy it very much.

And, I have already sold a nice, mined solitaire for a bigger lab and paid a few bills. That is a win/win for me. And truly, I cannot tell the difference.

 

[Kim N]

I did buy a lab diamond for an e-ring upgrade and wear it proudly every day. When asked, I have gladly told people it's a lab. I chose a size that is large but still fits in our social circle. And it's a size that I could have afforded in natural, if not the color and clarity, though no one has ever noticed these anyway. Actually, almost no one ever notices my jewelry except my newly engaged friends or a jewelry store salesperson. When the price difference is minimal, I do choose natural over lab, mainly for potential resale value.

Everyone's entitled to their feelings and preferences, but why should it matter to someone if a lot of other people are out there with large bling? I'm all for luxury--or the appearance of luxury--being more accessible. I know exclusivity is a large part of luxury marketing, but for me personally, a piece is special because of the cutter's skill or because of the jeweler's craftsmanship, not because I'm one of the few who can own it. I like that technological advances have allowed even people who don't have lots of discretionary income to enjoy large bling of the same optical qualities as natural diamonds.

 

[adlgel]

My current opinion:
I purchased a ring a bit over two years ago with ‘high quality h&a ideal cut’ lab diamonds. From a PS respected vendor.

If I put that ring next to my other MRB’s and also next to some old (15 years maybe?) C&C ‘nice’ moissanite -
The labs look much more like the moissanite to my eye. Something about being a more (opaque) whiter all over color that I associate with the look of simulants.

I think maybe ( it must have with the fans here) technology has changed over the past two years - but I’m not feeling too froggy to try it again anytime soon.

Edited to add
Not opaque white really because the stones are clean, clear and f/g. But I don’t know how else to state ‘that white color’ stimulants have, that diamonds don’t.

Hmm, I would have thought given that they are chemically identical that an E color mined stone and an E color lab stone would basically look the same (obviously within the possible range of grading of any E stone). But you are saying that you feel the color (perhaps it is not just color but other elements of how the same graded lab and mined diamonds would present) looks different. Interesting.

 

[Kim N]

Hmm, I would have thought given that they are chemically identical that an E color mined stone and an E color lab stone would basically look the same (obviously within the possible range of grading of any E stone). But you are saying that you feel the color (perhaps it is not just color but other elements of how the same graded lab and mined diamonds would present) looks different. Interesting.

Poor rough could yield a diamond that has a lot of striations, which can affect transparency.

 

[SparklieBug]

I wonder if the subtle visual difference is due to striation or blue nuance, or a combination?

ETA: Posted at the same time as @Kim N

 

[Sunrises Sunsets]

The mystique of earth-made diamonds is that it took eons to turn carbon atoms into a crystal with potential.
The mystique of man-made diamonds is that a hairless ape evolved to create technology that turned carbon atoms into crystals with potential in a shorter amount of time

Coal, oil, limestone and much more are produced by the earth so that holds no special magic for me. I think it is important to follow your heart and purchase the type of diamond makes you happy, earth or lab created.

I love the sparkle of a well cut, beautiful diamond and I have four beautiful diamonds that are mined. I would love a super cut, lab diamond, d-e or f and between 3 and 3 1/2 carats. That would fit my finger beautifully and would be pretty simply set.

I think the fact that lab diamonds are created by the ingenuity man impresses the younger crowd more than the older crowd. I do think those who have invested much in mined diamonds will be okay and that they will hold their 50% of purchase price value for a long time.

I haven't decided what my next move will be as my slightly over 2 carat diamond has a great performance record and I don't know how much energy I have to do the legwork of resale and purchase. Maybe when the remodeling is finished.

I am thrilled for those who love diamonds and now can afford a lab creation but diamonds have never been a status symbol for me. They are just so pretty and make me smile when a flash or brilliance strikes my eyes.

 

[acaw2015]

This is what bugs me...what if I buy a lab and love everything about it...and don't have any of those nagging feelings about it...then I'm
worried that all the money I've spent on Earth mined diamonds was wasted. I'm a pretty frugal person so this would really drive
me nuts. I'm dammed if I do, dammed if I don't! This is why I am having a hard time making a decision for myself.

If you worry about having spent too much on mined diamonds, that feeling won't get better by buying more mined diamonds...!
But on a more serious note, lab diamonds have not been available for that long. They weren't when I bought my mine diamonds. I prefer looking forward, what is done/bought is done. What counts is what you do now.

 

[Rfisher]

Hmm, I would have thought given that they are chemically identical that an E color mined stone and an E color lab stone would basically look the same (obviously within the possible range of grading of any E stone). But you are saying that you feel the color (perhaps it is not just color but other elements of how the same graded lab and mined diamonds would present) looks different. Interesting.

Yes, comparing
f/g vs ideal mined
To similar sized
g vs ideal lab
There very well could be other considerations in the material other than these specs to have the lab diamonds look more like moissy/cz.

Asking for top quality lab material/cuts from a vendor today might very well look totally different than what was available from that same request just 2 years ago.

I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t crossed my mind to find somewhere local that has a lab diamond tester……….

 

[Patty]

Not long after I joined PS, I bought one of Wink’s CZs and had it put into a Stuller Solstide. It was a 2 carat. I found that I didn’t wear it because I felt like I had to explain that it wasn’t real if people asked me about it. I decided then to only buy real (mined) stones. It’s a mind-clean thing for me. I feel the same way about lab grown diamonds.

 

[MissGotRocks]

Poor rough could yield a diamond that has a lot of striations, which can affect transparency.

@Kim N, I know you are knowledgeable about the lab diamonds and have helped many with them. What makes the difference between poor rough and great rough in the growing process? I honestly didn’t know there would be a difference.

 

[princessk]

Total equal opportunity Diamond fan here. I love them both. I have a lab ER that was an upgrade from mined that I wear with mined eternity band. I have both a lab and a mined tennis necklace and a mined tennis bracelet. I even matched up a lab diamond to my late mothers e ring and made beautiful diamond studs. I couldn’t tell you which is which! Really I love the choices. It’s bling that makes my heart sing and it sings for either lol!!!!!!

 

[Kim N]

@Kim N, I know you are knowledgeable about the lab diamonds and have helped many with them. What makes the difference between poor rough and great rough in the growing process? I honestly didn’t know there would be a difference.

Poor rough is often the result of trying to expedite the growing process. Poor CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) rough can have a lot of striations or a brownish tint. The diamonds are sometimes then post-growth treated with HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) to improve the color and reduce internal graining.

Poor HPHT rough can mean boron is introduced during growth (boron and nitrogen both speed up the growing process); when the boron is not later removed, the rough will have blue nuance.

 

[Elizabeth35]

I appreciate that there are choices. I am older and honestly, I wonder if it was worth the $$ that I spent on mined diamonds.
Yet---I feel that the lab diamonds also may be over-priced? Like if I spend $5K on a lab diamond--what will it be worth in 5-10 years?
I am not planning on upgrading and I don't need any more bling as I am in my mid-60's.
But if I was younger I would probably veer away from natural diamonds as I feel very uncertain where the value is headed.

Diamonds are beautiful (mined or lab) yet they are both sort of artificially contrived value so I struggle with that.

 

[YadaYadaYada]

I have one lab diamond ring, bought because it has a pink tint to my eye and I figured that’s the closest I’m going to get to a pink diamond. The lab pinks don’t do anything for me, I just want a hint of pink. It’s a beautiful ring, the diamond is very well cut but I don’t wear it almost ever.

Anyways, for me labs don’t evoke the same feelings as my vintage and antique rings, that’s where it’s at for me. It’s all about the history and craftsmanship, knowing that a diamond was hand cut 100 years ago and I get to be a part of that history is something special. Now that said, I have genuinely admired and appreciated when people post their lab rings, a beautiful ring is a beautiful ring. They are just not for me.

 

[Dandi]

I'm all about labs for things that I don't necessarily plan to wear all the time, or that I may well lose, like earrings. My e-ring, eternity RHR and tennis bracelet (my 'daily staples') are all mined diamonds, but my sapphire cluster that is more of a sometimes piece, is all lab. I'm in the process of creating a pair of diamond studs, which will be lab. As someone who frequently changes my earrings, as well as the fact that I can't see them, I'm really happy with the option of lab for these, as it minimises the guilt factor spending big $$ on something that won't be worn all the time.

 

[nala]

I don’t know yet how to explain my feelings. But I do want to share that outside of PS, everyone I know thinks of lab growns as fake. (And I’m only sharing this perspective bc some of us on PS tend to think the world of diamonds revolves around PS). They are not diamond connoisseurs, but they do associate the term lab with fake. We are not talking about old people either. The reality is that most posters who come to PS have a genuine interest in learning about diamonds, but most first time diamond buyers don’t bother to research a diamond and just to go mall stores or to a recommended jeweler for their ring.
I have tried to suggest lab growns to young couples—bc I’m a teacher and so are they—and they don’t care to listen. They are very assertive about them being fake and refuse to consider them.


Now, my jeweler has been pushing labs for a good two years. He hired an influencer to run his soc media and she has been pushing them a lot. However, they are not as inexpensive as you would think, especially given the prices that I see here on PS links. We are talking about 7k for a 2 carat, which compared to natural, of course is a deal. But not compared to the prices I’ve seen here on preloved or links. Also, they do not allow upgrades for labs. I think many who buy from him are clueless about how much more they can save online.

I’ll come back and add more later.

 

[Gussie]

I have a pair of 2.2 ctw cushion cut lab diamond studs set in yellow gold bezels. I also have a pair of 1.5 ctw ACA studs prong set in white gold. I wear the lab studs probably 9/10 days. Not an apple to apple comparison but my point is that I really like the lab studs and don't think anything of it. I would not have paid for larger mined stones. As @sledge always says, "it's a zero sum game." But I do have sum money leftover with lab stones. Pun intended!

With that said, I wouldn't want anything but my ACA for my ering.

 

[Lookinagain]

buying the exact same product for a higher price.

Maybe this is the difference in thinking. To you it's the "exact same product" but to me it isn't. I appreciate that chemically they are, but one took a lot of time to grow in nature and to me, that nature can produce something that can be made into a gem that throws light, colors and sparkles as diamonds can do, it is what attracts me. Man can do a lot of things to replicate nature, but to me, the wonder is in what nature can do on its own. If that isn't what attracts you to diamonds then I totally understand thinking that they are the exact same product. It's just to me, they aren't.

 

[MissGotRocks]

Poor rough is often the result of trying to expedite the growing process. Poor CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) rough can have a lot of striations or a brownish tint. The diamonds are sometimes then post-growth treated with HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) to improve the color and reduce internal graining.

Poor HPHT rough can mean boron is introduced during growth (boron and nitrogen both speed up the growing process); when the boron is not later removed, the rough will have blue nuance.

Wow - thanks the explanation! Could have guessed it was a complicated process but was not aware of all the variables. It helps to sort of understand the process!

 

[Nevish]

Like a lot of people, I am lab-only for modern cuts and mined for antique cuts. I do think that in the future everyone will be walking around with honking lab diamonds, and soon after that there will be a backlash against “big” “showy” diamonds (like has happened in the past with fur coats, or monogrammed LV purses). I am not immune to general trends, and I can see myself getting sick of “big” diamonds if it feels like “everyone has them”. And that just makes me want to wear my “big” lab diamond now!

I have a couple of smaller mined diamonds in vintage settings, but my main diamond ring is a 2ct mrb lab, K S2 but with an incredible cut, and one single visible inclusion that is covered by a prong. I bought the diamond pre-loved and had a custom setting made. I absolutely love the diamond, but the setting is a placeholder until I decide on my dream setting.

I can afford a mined equivalent, and I wouldn’t want to wear a lab diamond where that wasn’t the case. Maybe once lab diamonds are more normalize I would! But what I struggle with is the fact that I don’t necessarily want people to know that I can afford a mined equivalent! I have an otherwise pretty frugal lifestyle, but bling is my weakness. So sometimes it feels like it doesn’t fit my overall lifestyle.

I have considered selling it for that reason, and putting the funds toward a setting for a 1ct OEC I have (currently set in a pendant). But I worry I wouldn’t wear the OEC as a ring for fear of losing or damaging the diamond (I have adhd so not an unreasonable fear).

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

I'm really curious as to why MMDs have taken off so well but not lab created rubies, spinels, sapphires, emeralds etc. Aren't they on the same level?

Why are we not paying a few hundred and sporting 10ct+ perfect coloured CS instead of huge sums for tiny stones?

Why did I go off and buy a rubellite instead of a lab ruby?

I actually don't know! Maybe there's some psychological reason! Better to wear a big red tourmaline than a giant lab ruby. Why though?

 

[nala]

I'm really curious as to why MMDs have taken off so well but not lab created rubies, spinels, sapphires, emeralds etc. Aren't they on the same level?

Why are we not paying a few hundred and sporting 10ct+ perfect coloured CS instead of huge sums for tiny stones?

Why did I go off and buy a rubellite instead of a lab ruby?

I actually don't know! Maybe there's some psychological reason! Better to wear a big red tourmaline than a giant lab ruby. Why though?

I think because diamonds are way more
Popular. More people know about them and expect them as engagement rings. And as a result, they are a status symbol. Labs give everyone the chance to flaunt a status symbol that for now, is still being recognized as such—since a lot of people don’t know about labs. Most will assume that the lab is a highly expensive ring and not a lab grown that cost a fraction of the price.

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

I'm really curious as to why MMDs have taken off so well but not lab created rubies, spinels, sapphires, emeralds etc. Aren't they on the same level?

Why are we not paying a few hundred and sporting 10ct+ perfect coloured CS instead of huge sums for tiny stones?

Why did I go off and buy a rubellite instead of a lab ruby?

I actually don't know! Maybe there's some psychological reason! Better to wear a big red tourmaline than a giant lab ruby. Why though?

Well, for me, colored stones are much rarer. Diamond rarity isn't real for the common sizes/cuts most people look for. It's artificially inflated with marketing.
*Museum sized and natural colored specimens are a different animal.
For every room full of diamond there is a table of sapphire and a tray of ruby and top spinel.
I do consider antique stones to be much rarer than modern diamond.
That isn't to stop me buying a lab diamond if they can replicate the color and wonky cut I love at some point.
Lab CS are generally too perfect, they can't replicate the silk correctly in corundum to my eye, at least. Though the new stones coming out are looking very good and improving all the time- I'd certainly buy one of those lab emeralds they have now.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

I think because diamonds are way more
Popular. More people know about them and expect them as engagement rings. And as a result, they are a status symbol. Labs give everyone the chance to flaunt a status symbol that for now, is still being recognized as such—since a lot of people don’t know about labs. Most will assume that the lab is a highly expensive ring and not a lab grown that cost a fraction of the price.

But then you'd have to lie about it right? (General you, not you).

I couldn't deal with that! My friends are the most clueless people in the world when it comes to gems but no way would I feel right running around with a 5ct lab diamond and letting them think it cost as much as a mined diamond and that I've reached a certain financial place in life when I clearly haven't. To me it feels like you're faking it and that would make me question why I need to fake it?

 

[nala]

But then you'd have to lie about it right? (General you, not you).

I couldn't deal with that! My friends are the most clueless people in the world when it comes to gems but no way would I feel right running around with a 5ct lab diamond and letting them think it cost as much as a mined diamond and that I've reached a certain financial place in life when I clearly haven't. To me it feels like you're faking it and that would make me question why I need to fake it?

My sister is in the market for diamond studs. She got a natural 1.94 ACA in 2020 for her 29th anniversary. When I told her that she could get lab growns from whiteflash and pay a fraction for them, she said hell no! Then people are gonna think that my engagement ring is fake too! Her words, not mine. I think that she feels she would have to tell people the studs are lab grown if they complimented them.

ETA: I think that I just arrived at my conundrum and why I won’t buy lab. I think that the minute I buy a lab, I might as well sell my natural and make thousands bc what’s the difference? If I purchase a lab, that must mean I’m ok with them—and why have so much money wasted on the real deal?
As most lab buyers claim, it’s no one’s business. No one has to know. I obviously can afford the real deal bc I have one. I have nothing to prove to anyone. I can pass it off as my natural one and no one will notice the switch. Except that when I pass and my DD inherits it, she will be severely disappointed bc it will be worthless, lol. And then people would find out. But I’ll be dead and buried, so who cares! I should prioritize the 5th C—cost!!! Save me some money.
Except. The irony is. Much of my disposable income goes to jewelry—preloved, anyway. Bc I do love the idea that my pieces will become antiques and cherished one day and appreciate in worth. Guess that is how I feel about my natural. I’ll take a chance and keep it and hope my DD cherishes it and so do my grandchildren, if I have any.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Well, for me, colored stones are much rarer. Diamond rarity isn't real for the common sizes/cuts most people look for. It's artificially inflated with marketing.
*Museum sized and natural colored specimens are a different animal.
For every room full of diamond there is a table of sapphire and a tray of ruby and top spinel.
I do consider antique stones to be much rarer than modern diamond.
That isn't to stop me buying a lab diamond if they can replicate the color and wonky cut I love at some point.
Lab CS are generally too perfect, they can't replicate the silk correctly in corundum to my eye, at least. Though the new stones coming out are looking very good and improving all the time- I'd certainly buy one of those lab emeralds they have now.

Omg!!!!!! Okies this is off topic but I just went to Google a random lab emerald and it was not as cheap as I expected!!!

About $1500 for a 9x7

Feels very expensive! I thought they were a few hundred dollars? Or am I stuck in the 90s????