Also known as man-made diamond or synthetic diamonds, these are stones that were created in a laboratory. There are several types of synthetic diamonds, including cubic zirconia, acrylic polymers, glass, and strass. There are also several minerals used to imitate diamonds, including quartz and moissanite. But that’s not what we’re talking about here.
“Lab-grown diamonds” refers to a set of processes used since the mid-20th century, which have been increasingly promoted for jewelry during the last decade. The two methods used to create lab-grown diamonds are High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both produce lab-grown diamonds that have the same chemical makeup as natural, mined diamonds. Beautiful? Yes. Rare? No. More are being made every day, and as with many mass produced goods, they are not expensive.
Recycled diamonds are simply pre-owned, natural diamonds. They may have entered the supply chain hundreds of years ago. Or it may have been bought and sold only a few years ago. Due to scarcity and expense, no matter where you purchase a diamond from, a huge percentage of diamonds are recycled—although they are often reset and sometimes recut to suit changing tastes in jewelry. By their very nature, diamonds are extremely old. So the concept of a “new diamond” really only means a “newly mined diamond.” And a recent pre-owned diamond should look no different to a “newly mined” diamond.
COST
When it comes to buying recycled diamonds, they are significantly cheaper than standard retail. Especially when shopping pre-owned designer jewelry, such as Bulgari, Cartier, Chopard, Harry Winston, Tiffany & Co., and Verragio. And when it comes to selling recycled diamonds, they retain a lot of their value.
On the other hand, lab-grown diamonds usually cost about 30 percent less than the natural diamonds sold in jewelry stores—but are often still more expensive than the recycled option. And do not have a resale value.
How they compare: Recycled diamonds offer better value and savings.
ECO IMPACT
Recycled diamonds represent zero environmental and social impact, which is why some vendors label them as sustainable diamonds. They are not being mined—only resold—so there is no negative effect to the earth or atmosphere.
Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, may be produced via either High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and both operate in large, factories rather than small labs. Both also consume huge amounts of energy. One expert estimated that producing a single carat of lab-grown diamond requires the same energy as used by an average American household for 8.7 days or enough energy to charge a Tesla 2.5 times.
But numbers vary wildly within the lab-grown diamonds industry. As does the source of energy. Most lab-grown diamonds come from places where renewable energy is relatively rare. In China, which tends to produce HPHT diamonds, at least half of the energy comes from coal. In India, the proportion of energy from coal is even greater.
How they compare: Recycled diamonds consume no energy and are the most eco-friendly diamonds on the market.
APPEARANCE AND IMPERFECTIONS
Like the “new” diamonds you buy in a jewelry store, recycled diamonds are judged according to the four Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Although many places purport to grade diamonds, the industry gold standard is the Gemological Institute of America, so look for a GIA report that assesses the quality of your diamond; the report will also map any imperfections in the stone.
Contrary to popular belief, lab-grown diamonds are not automatically free of flaws. Because the lab process imitates the creation of a natural diamond, they may have imperfections. But they are also more apt to take advantage of post-growth processes to artificially alter color. The GIA, which has been issuing reports for lab-grown diamonds since 2007, judges them according to the same 4 Cs as recycled diamonds, noting that the diamond is lab-grown on the report as well as its method of creation.
How they compare: Equal. Both can have imperfections or artificial treatments.
RESALE VALUE
Resale value is one of the biggest differences in any comparison of recycled versus lab-grown diamonds. Recycled diamonds retain a greater percentage of their initial cost percent, provided you were given a fair price by the original retailer. The exceptions are often diamonds that are chipped and/or very old, necessitating a recut for them to have the necessary symmetry to appeal to contemporary buyers.
By contrast, there is little to no secondary market for lab-grown diamonds. What’s more, as the production of lab-grown diamonds continues to increase, prices are apt to go lower, rather than higher.
How they compare: Recycled diamonds have a much higher resale value.
Yes, you can head to a local pawn shop (where you’ll get quick cash but not get top dollar) or put your diamond up for sale on eBay (where you may have to wait for a bidder and then wait even longer to get paid). But there is a faster and easier way: selling to the recycled diamond experts at WP Diamonds.
Our commitment to top-tier customer service is backed by our A+ rating with the BBB and hundreds of outstanding customer reviews. Best of all, our process is entirely free. Unlike auction houses, consignment sellers, and online platforms, we never deduct out fees or commissions from your final offer.
In fact, if you recycle your diamond jewelry with WP Diamonds, the entire process can take as little as 24 hours. Here’s how it works:
Start by clicking the button below to get your price quote.
Gemma, our sister site, offers a huge selection of recycled diamond jewelry at prices up to 80 percent off retail, including diamond engagement rings from brands including Bulgari, Cartier, Graff, Harry Winston, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef & Arpels.
Thanks to affordable pricing, easy monthly payment plans, free U.S. shipping, and 14-day return policy, your opportunity to own a recycled diamond is just a click away.
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