Determing what's right for you
Natural diamonds
A symbol for centuries past and centuries to come; a result of endless years of high pressure and high temperature deep within the earth, a mined diamond carries a story all it's own, from it's rough state in the earth when it's discovered to it's polished and glistening finish on your finger.
While a lab-grown diamond can afford you the benefit of cut and color control grading, a natural diamond often has more inclusions and characteristics that help identify it and tell it's story. You might think of it as a little mother nature in your diamond.
Natural diamonds usually always hold or gain in value, so it's a great option if you're anticipating trading it in or upgrading one day down the road.
Another reason to consider natural diamonds beyond it's long-term value is the impact it has on communities around the world, from driving development and opportunity in previously impoverished places to bringing income and empowerment to female miners and their families.
The diamond industry has seen extraordinary growth in the past decades, and continues to learn and implement better policy and practices.
Lab-Grown diamonds
Going lab-grown is a great alternative if you're looking to maximize carat weight. Lab-Grown diamonds are graded with the same characteristics as natural diamond - Color, Clarity, Cut, Carat - and are available in a variety of diamond cuts.
Keep in mind, lab grown diamonds are made in factories and are much more readily supplied, meaning that competition continues to go up, and monetary value on your diamond may go down.
Lab-grown diamonds are often not eligible for trade-ins, trade-ups, or resale. If you think you might upgrade your diamond in the future, you may want to consider a natural diamond, as it will almost always hold or gain in value over time.
Lab-grown diamonds often carry the aura of being a planet-friendly alternative to mined diamonds; while our lab-grown diamond partners ensure responsible growing practices, not all factories around the world have implemented the same standards and the industry is continuing to learn about the impact high-energy growth practices have on people and planet.
For more information on natural vs. synthetic diamonds, see: Difference Between Natural & Lab Grown: Common Diamond Questions (naturaldiamonds.com)