WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT
Lab Grown Diamond
Lab created diamonds have taken the jewellery industry by storm. They’re beautiful alternatives to natural diamonds and offer the same amount of fire and sparkle so if they look the exact same? Why are they so loved? Read our lab grown diamond buying guide to learn more about these lovely gemstones.
Why buy Lab Created Diamonds?
Value
Lab created diamonds can be up to 30% cheaper than the natural variety. Perfect if you are on a tighter budget or wish to maximise the size of your diamond for the same cost.
Quality & Beauty
Lab created diamonds exude the same beauty and quality as the natural variety - in fact, they are visually and chemically identical.
Ethical
Lab diamonds are excellent options for engagement rings. Not only for their beauty and availability but also as being considered an eco-friendly alternative to natural diamonds due to there being a lot of scrutiny over mining practises in the past.
What is a Lab Grown Diamond?
In simplest terms, lab grown diamonds are diamonds created in high-tech laboratories using advanced tools and technical methods instead of being mined from the Earth. To create lab diamonds, scientists imitate the geological processes in which a natural diamond is formed. That’s why they are identical to mined diamonds in terms of their optical, physical and chemical properties. Just like naturally formed ones, lab-grown diamonds are also made entirely of tiny carbon atoms, which makes them just as durable and sparkly. The bottom line is, lab created diamonds might not directly come from deep underground, but they still have all the flashy sparkle and quality you expect from a diamond.
How are Lab Grow Diamonds Made?
Lab grown diamonds are made from small carbon seeds from pre-existing diamonds. To simulate natural diamond production, scientists employ modern technologies such as intense pressure and heat or a unique deposition process known as chemical vapor deposition (CVD). A rough diamond forms over a period of six to 10 weeks. Then it's cut, polished, and set in lab diamond jewelry like earrings, necklaces, or bracelets.
There Are Two Main Methods For Creating Lab Diamonds:
1. High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT): This process replicates the circumstances under which natural diamonds originate within the earth. To create the lab diamond, a massive machine is fed a specific amount of carbon material, which is then crushed at pressures of more than 870,000 pounds per square inch at severe temperatures ranging from 1300 to 1600 degrees Celsius.
2. Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): CVD occurs when a seed diamond is placed in a tiny vacuum chamber containing heated hydrogen and carbon-bearing gases. At a particular temperature, the gas molecules are broken down, and layers of crystallized carbon begin to form around the seed, resulting in a larger diamond. After being developed, some CVD-created lab diamonds may be subjected to pressure and heat treatment.
For a behind-the-scenes look at how lab-generated diamonds are made, follow the steps involved in the CVD process.
Start with methane gas (CH4), and form a plasma with hydrogen (H).
Add a disc made up of15-30 diamond seeds(small pieces of natural diamond) and place into the microwave reactor.
For an exceptional gemstone, adjust the temperature in the chamber to between 900 and 1200°C.
The activated carbon-hydrogen species attaches itself to the seed atom. This process repeats itself endlessly for21-28 daysto replicate the crystal structure of the diamond seed crystal in three dimensions.
iPad alerts notify technicians that the grown diamonds are ready for removal. The15-30 rectangular shaped gems are removed from the reactor and sent to a gemologist for cutting.
A gemologist cuts the stone to perfection and the diamond is added to a ring setting.
Lab Grown Diamond vs. Natural
Here’s how a lab grown diamond and a natural diamond compare:
| Lab Diamond | Natural Diamond | |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | 10 on the Mohs scale | 10 on the Mohs scale |
| Brilliance | Refractive index ranges from 2.417 to 2.419 | Refractive index ranges from 2.417 to 2.419 |
| Color | Primarily colorless, but can also occur in many color options that are often more vivid than natural options | Primarily colorless, but can also occur in many color options including pink, blue, and yellow |
| Grading | Graded on cut, color, clarity, and carat | Graded on cut, color, clarity, and carat |
| Certification | Certified by reputable gemological institutions | Certified by reputable gemological institutions |
| Origin | Grown in controlled laboratories over several days to weeks, then cut and polished | Formed deep in Earth over billions of years, mined, cut, and polished |
| Rarity | Can be produced in increasing quantities as technology advances | Limited quantities based on geological conditions |
| Price | Lower cost due to availability | Higher cost due to mining and rarity |
Benefits of Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds are a compelling option for those looking to purchase fine jewelry — these benefits explain why.
- Support for Sustainable Practices: Lab diamonds are a responsible choice as they are grown with precise technology that doesn't involve mining. Their production typically has a smaller carbon footprint and less environmental disruption, making them a responsible choice for conscious consumers.
- Identical to Natural Diamonds: Lab diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds.
- Available in Various Colors: Lab diamonds are easily created in unique and vibrant hues like pink, yellow, and blue. These stunning color options are more affordable than their natural counterparts, giving buyers more creative freedom to select a diamond that matches their personal style.
- Value: Lab diamonds are generally more affordable than mined diamonds of the same size and quality. This means you can invest in a larger or higher-quality diamond at the same budget, making it an attractive choice for those seeking luxury at a more accessible price point.
Which Are Better: Lab Grown or Natural Diamonds?
Neither lab grown nor natural diamond is inherently better. The choice between lab grown and natural diamonds ultimately depends on your personal values and priorities:
- Our Bianca Chiara gemologists recommend choosing lab grown if: You prioritize affordability and want a larger stone for your budget.
- They recommend choosing natural if: You value tradition, or the romantic notion of a diamond formed over billions of years and rarity.
Whether you choose a lab grown diamond or a natural diamond, you’re selecting a timeless gem that’s beautiful and brilliant.
Lab Grown Diamond FAQ
Are lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds?
Yes, lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds because they are composed of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure.
Do lab-grown diamonds come with certifications?
Yes, reputable lab-grown diamonds are often accompanied by certifications from gemological laboratories, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the International Gemological Institute (IGI), or others. These certifications provide information about the diamond's cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
Are lab-grown diamonds cheaper than natural diamonds?
Generally, lab-grown diamonds are less expensive than natural diamonds. The controlled production environment and shorter creation time contribute to their lower cost. However, prices can vary based on factors such as size, quality, and market demand.
Are lab-grown diamonds cheaper than natural diamonds?
Generally, lab-grown diamonds are less expensive than natural diamonds. The controlled production environment and shorter creation time contribute to their lower cost. However, prices can vary based on factors such as size, quality, and market demand.
Can lab-grown diamonds be used for engagement rings and other jewelry?
Absolutely. Lab-grown diamonds are suitable for various types of jewelry, including engagement rings. They possess the same durability and brilliance as natural diamonds, making them a popular choice for those seeking ethical and budget-friendly options.
Are lab-grown diamonds considered ethical?
Lab-grown diamonds are often considered a more ethical choice compared to natural diamonds. The production process has a lower environmental impact, and these diamonds are not associated with the ethical concerns related to traditional diamond mining, such as conflict diamonds.