Known as lab grown diamonds, they are remodeling the jewelry industry from what it was in the past. Interesting in eco-friendly and ethical options to mined diamonds, lab grown diamonds present a timeless, delicate and equal quality appearance. But what do lab grown diamonds really mean and how are lab grown diamonds different from mined diamonds? So, without ado, here’s all you need to know about lab grown diamonds, from how they are produced, features, and the similarities and differences with natural diamonds.
- What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Synthetic diamonds or cultured diamonds are diamonds grown in laboratories under conditions similar to that of formation of earth’s crust diamonds. These diamonds are indistinguishable from natural diamonds that is in terms of their physical,chemical as well as optical properties and possess similar attributes such as sparkles, hardness and brilliance. The primary difference lies in their origin: cultured diamond are produced through a process and not being mined like the natural diamond.
- Key Fact: Total beauty, lab diamonds are composed of carbon similar to the natural diamonds. In addition, both are isotropic and have the same hardness of 10 according to Moh’s scale and therefore are identical to the bare eyes.
- This made me wonder what process is followed in order to create lab diamonds and answer the question, ‘How are Lab Diamonds made?’
There are two primary methods used to create lab-grown diamonds: HPHT and CVD stands for High Pressure-High Temperature and Chemical Vapor Deposition respectively.
-HPHT:In this method carbon is exposed to a combination of high temperature and pressure in a manner that replicates the environment in which diamonds are formed within the earth. This process forms a diamond over several weeks or even/months depending on the simulation procedure.
- CVD:A slightly more contemporary approach to CVD is basically putting a diamond “template” in a carbonyl gas chamber. The gas is heated with the intention of attaching the carbon atom to the seed and create a diamond layer by layer.
Both techniques provide diamond of high quality, nevertheless CVD process is recognized as more energy-saving and utilized in growing gem quality diamonds.
- Lab Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds: Challengers
While lab-grown and natural diamonds look the same to the naked eye, there are a few key differences that set them apart:While lab-grown and natural diamonds look the same to the naked eye, there are a few key differences that set them apart:
- Origin:Lab-grown diamonds are cultured in a lab while natural diamonds are formed over a few million years beneath earth’s crust.
- Price:The lab-grown diamonds cost just 30-40% less than the natural diamonds having similar characteristics and are still preferred by the buyers.
- Sustainability:Lab diamonds are considered less destructive to the natural environment since there is no harm done to the mining of precious stones which affects the ecosystem and put the lives of tock peoples at risk.
- Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real?
Yes! Most people had this mentality that lab-grown diamonds are fake diamonds; however, this is not the case since lab-grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds. They are chemically identical with natural diamond, they possess same crystal structure and exhibit similar physical characteristics. The only important difference in them is the way they form. Just like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are evaluated based on the Four Cs: Otherwise known as the 4C’s of diamonds: cut, color, clarity and carat weight.
- Cut:This basically pertains to the shape of the diamond or its capacity to let light through. The lab grown diamonds can be fashioned into any of the definite outline that is well known for use in diamond cutting, right from round shaped, the princess, to even the emerald shape.
- Color: The laboratory grown diamonds are also available in various colors beginning from the white color right to the slight yellow or brownish hue.
- Clarity:Now, laboratory grown diamonds can be as perfect as mined diamonds, even though they can contain minor imperfections or clear Boasts.
- Carat:The clarity of lab-grown diamonds also varies in a range similar to the natural diamonds so the buyer can be able to find his or her preferred carat size, shape, and type.
- Environmental and Ethical Benefits
There is no doubt the two most attractive features of lab-grown diamonds are their sustainability and the lack of environmental and ethical concerns that surround them. It is very important to understand that traditional techniques of mining for diamonds harms the environment through deforestation, soil erosion and polluting the water sources. Further, conflict or ‘blood diamonds’ have been tied to rights violations in some regions of the world.
- Eco-Friendly:Mined diamonds have adverse effects on the environment unlike Lab-grown diamonds. They represent a much lower demand in energy, water consumptions and produce lesser waste products.
- Ethically Sourced:Lab grown diamonds are devoid of any human right issues which are sometimes associated with natural diamond business.
- Lab grown diamonds: are they worth the money?
Even though lab diamonds are real and even gorgeous, they still cannot be viewed in the same perspective as investment diamonds. This is because the natural diamonds are known to be rare stones and therefore can be regarded as long-term investment. They, however, unlike Lab-grown diamonds, have no or very little resale value and cannot be termed as rare because they can be produced in large quantities.
-Pros:Due to these reasons, Lab diamonds are ideal especially to those who want to purchase or use diamonds that are cheap, and at the same time, are ethical and environmentally friendly compared to the natural diamonds. This has the same gorgeous and shines at less cost.
-Cons:Natural diamonds are more valuable in the long run in case you are buying the diamond with an intention of getting good value back in the future.
- Lab Grown Diamonds in Jewelry Industry
‘Synthetic diamonds’ have become the emerging trend in engagement ringsettings, wedding bands and other fine jewelry. Today, most of the popular jewelry brands have extended their product portfolio to include lab-grown diamonds hence making them easily accessible to more people.
-Engagement Rings:Lab created diamonds are relatively cheaper than mined diamonds, and this means that couples can afford bigger stones or better clarity diamonds for their engagement rings.
-Fine Jewelry:Lab grown diamonds are not only worn in engagement rings but also, in earrings, bracelets, necklaces and others. Their relative cheapness thence makes it even possible to acquire rather quality items for less money.
- Certifications for Lab-Grown Diamonds
Like natural diamonds, the laboratory-grown diamonds are also assessed and issued certifications by various gemological laboratories. When buying a lab diamond focus on the certification made by institutions such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI). These certificates give a complete evaluation of the diamond by giving details of the cut, color, clarity and the carat weight of the diamond.
- Future of Lab-Grown Diamonds
Science will keep on improving the synthesis of cultured diamonds which opens up great prospects for further development. As the problem of searching for environmentally friendly and ethics materials intensifies, it is anticipated that luxurious diamonds would take a key position on the jewelry sector. Remember that as the number of consumers concerned with environmental and ethical aspects is growing, lab-grown diamonds are going to become even more popular.”
Conclusion: A Modern Choice for the Conscious Consumer
Now there is Lab-grown diamonds, which are beautifully stunning, environmentally friendly, and more pocket-friendly as compared to natural diamonds without compromising the quality. If you are ever going to buy an engagement ring, necklace or a pair of earrings, you will be guaranteed an equal brilliance and beauty when you embrace lab-grown diamonds, which are eco-friendly and humane. With lab grown diamonds, you opt for a contemporary and sustainable manner of enjoying assortment luxury jewellery that do not comprise on timelessness.