topic Re: Lab v.s. mined diamonds in Jewelry

Lab v.s. mined diamonds

bargainsgirl — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 20:12:08 GMT

There should be SOME way a jeweler can tell the difference. Suppose you wanted to sell or insure your real mined diamonds. How would they base a price? This seems so wrong to me. Mined are much pricier than mined so how do you know if your are getting cheated or a deal? I wiill never buy a lab made stone of anykind. Some CZ look the same especially for ear studs!! IMO!!

Re: Lab v.s. mined diamonds

SilleeMee — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 20:32:32 GMT

There is a way to test for lab vs natural and it involves using a very expensive piece of equipment. I discussed this in another thread here.

Lab and natural diamonds are indistinguishable from one another unless they are specially tested, which most jewelers don't do because of cost. Lab diamonds are graded and some will cost more than natural diamonds depending on their grade.

As I mentioned earlier, lab diamonds offer conflict-free choices. For some people, ethical decisions are important.

When De Beers created their lab diamonds they went all out to invent a testing machine just so that they would have a way to separate the two.

Re: Lab v.s. mined diamonds

Alison Wonderland — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 20:27:25 GMT

Most jewelers and appraisers won't be able to tell the difference, but many diamonds, lab created and mined, now come with a microlaser ID number that can be looked up in records, like the VIN on a car.

Re: Lab v.s. mined diamonds

2blonde — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 20:27:06 GMT

Yes, and then as a customer, how could you ever be sure of what you were buying? There could be deception in stores, on ebay.......good grief!

Re: Lab v.s. mined diamonds

Alison Wonderland — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 20:34:00 GMT

@2blonde wrote:
Yes, and then as a customer, how could you ever be sure of what you were buying? There could be deception in stores, on ebay.......good grief!

Then you can, as a consumer, always assume it's mined and only pay for diamonds within the lab grown price ranges.

If a professional can't tell the difference, it's probably not worth paying more.

Re: Lab v.s. mined diamonds

SilleeMee — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 20:41:21 GMT

In the past lab diamonds were used mostly in the industrial landscape, for example as dust for grinding and polishing tools. But more recently when it was cut into a gem for jewelry, that changed how diamonds are being tested now. What I foresee happening is there will be some kind of certification put in place to assure customers of what they are buying.

Re: Lab v.s. mined diamonds

millieshops — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 20:51:03 GMT

When even getting your money back from mined diamonds or pretty gold pieces can be a challenge, I'd buy lab-created only to have pretty jewelry to wear, not to expect a good return on what I spent for it.

The huge run up in the cost of gold in the early part of this cwntury and with diamonds more recently has made jewelry seem like a good investment, but most of the time a careful analysis of all its costs doesn't hold up that thinking.

Re: Lab v.s. mined diamonds

Kevinsmom — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 21:43:53 GMT

Lab grown diamonds have zero value! You would be better off buying the real thing and at least get your money's worth.

Re: Lab v.s. mined diamonds

FancyPhillyshopper — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 22:44:00 GMT

There is a reason QVC always says they are affiliated with the GIA.

For me, a pricey diamond MUST have a GIA certificate.

Anything else (natural or created) is just something sparkly to wear that has no real lasting value.

Re: Lab v.s. mined diamonds

crawford5153 — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 22:56:05 GMT

I would never want a lab mined diamond at any cost! I love the original earth mined diamond and that is all that I own in my pendants, earrings, and rings. I have them in 14k yellow and white gold and also in platinum. I even have one white gold diamond watch and another diamond watch in platinum. Have a gorgeous 2 carat diamonds by the yard necklace and those diamonds are F-G and VVS. I own lots of art deco period diamond jewelry.

Re: Lab v.s. mined diamonds

songbird — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 23:23:12 GMT

A jeweler is supposed to know the difference. Before he gets his certificate he has to demonstrate that. Lab diamonds are only a little cheaper then natural ones. Between 20% to 40% However, color D & E diamonds are about the same price. So don't think all lab created diamonds are flawless and perfect color. .

Most people still prefer the natural diamond. All diamonds, lab or natural are kept artificially high in price. At least half of the tons of jewelry worth diamonds that are mined each year are withheld. And it's legal.

Re: Lab v.s. mined diamonds

January121 — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 23:40:17 GMT

Sorry but, it’s the real thing or nothing for me ... a real diamond will last forever but, nobody knows how these lab grown “make believe” diamonds will hold up in 25, 50 or 100 years .... they are not inexpensive & in my opinion not worth the price.... I rather buy a Diamonique item & if I don’t like it anymore I can throw it away without feeling bad.

Re: Lab v.s. mined diamonds

SilleeMee — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 23:50:25 GMT

The savings are exponential for the larger lab diamonds of equal natural diamond quality. If I wanted to own a big diamond, a lab diamond would be something to consider just for the cost saving. Instead of spending money on a big stone, I would invest it in a nice gold setting.