Top 5 Reasons to Buy a Natural Diamond
These days, it’s possible to create lab-grown diamonds that are physically, chemically and optically identical to natural diamonds. That said, many people still prefer the beauty, history and mystique that comes with a natural gemstone. Here are five compelling reasons to buy a natural diamond.
1. They Have a History
While they have the same properties as natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are newly made. This means they lack the history of a natural diamond, which has been in existence for billions of years. Just think about that. When you choose a natural diamond for your engagement ring, you are selecting a gemstone that was forged by the Earth’s natural processes between 1 billion and 3.5 billion years ago.
Most natural diamonds were formed at depths between 93 and 155 miles below the Earth's mantle. Over time, they were forced upward by immense pressure until they were finally discovered through mining processes. Whatever the case, when you select a natural diamond, you are choosing a piece of history with roots that stretch back countless millennia. This mystique is a major reason some people prefer natural diamonds over lab-grown gems.
2. They’re Essentially a Collector’s Item
While they are identical to natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds tend to be a little less valuable. This is essentially due to a lack of scarcity. Since there are a limited amount of natural diamonds in the world, they will tend to be more valuable. On the other hand, because lab-grown diamonds are virtually limitless, they don’t tend to be quite as expensive or valuable as a natural diamond that comes from the Earth.
3. They can be Eco-Friendly
When trying to decide between natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds, many people express concern about the environmental impact of each gem - and for good reason. Traditionally, almost three tons of waste are created for just one carat of mined diamonds. What’s more, nearly 100 square feet of land is typically disturbed.
These disturbing facts have driven many people away from natural diamonds. Fortunately, you can now get eco-friendly natural diamonds if you know where to shop. John Atencio has spent decades cultivating relationships with mining enterprises and gemstone suppliers to ensure that all of his diamonds are responsibly sourced. When it comes to sustainability, John beautifully balances premium quality with social responsibility.
4. They can be Conflict-Free
In addition to concerns about the environment, many people tend to worry about the potential human toll associated with natural diamonds. Sadly, the diamond trade can sometimes be linked with unethical activities, including violent wars and forced labor. Known as blood diamonds or conflict diamonds, these stones are often illegally mined or traded amid war-torn areas. They gained public attention during the tragic Sierra Leone civil war that occurred during the 1990s. Conflict diamonds gained even more notoriety with the release of the 2006 Leonardo Dicaprio film “Blood Diamond,” which showed how violent rebel groups engaged in unethical tactics to smuggle and sell diamonds.
Fortunately, increased attention has cultivated a growing interest in conflict-free diamonds. Conflict-free diamonds are always mined and shipped without even the slightest connection to rebel or terror groups that engage in harmful activities. Agreements and procedures like the worldwide Kimberley Process have been established to guarantee that diamond gemstones are always mined according to unyielding ethical standards. This allows conscientious consumers to confidently shop for natural diamonds without having to worry about the potential human toll. But not every natural diamond comes with this sort of assurance.
Not all jewelers maintain John Atencio's unwavering integrity and strict adherence to ethical and social standards. All of his stunning jewelry pieces, for instance, are made while adhering to the important Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), the united, worldwide effort to end the global trade of conflict diamonds. This commitment gives John’s customers the confidence to shop with the knowledge that their natural diamonds will always be free from the taint of human exploitation, war and environmental consequences.
5. They can Help Support Communities
The increased commitment to ethically mined gemstones has altered the diamond trade in fascinating ways. These days, you can actually be helping communities when you purchase a natural diamond. Suppliers are now making ethical and sustainably mined diamonds of all sizes more readily available to consumers and designers. This means purchasing natural diamonds can actually help keep local residents and indigenous people employed in well-paid jobs that come with healthcare and other benefits. Again, however, it’s important to make sure you are purchasing your natural diamonds from a reputable jeweler like John Atencio.
For example, John Atencio works closely with a specific diamond supplier that has done considerable work to support communities in Botswana. Part of a sustainable and transparent diamond supply chain, this particular factory is committed to excellence in diamonds, craftsmanship and a strong belief in a more inclusive world. As part of this commitment, it provides fair income for employees to create a better life for themselves and their families. It’s also dedicated to limiting its CO2 footprint and gives back to local Botswana communities by selecting and managing several local CSR projects.
At John Atencio, we always conduct business with social and environmental awareness. If you're searching for conflict-free, eco-friendly jewelry, explore our natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds or make an appointment at one of our stores, where our experts can help you choose the perfect diamond engagement ring for your one-of-a-kind love story.
