Lab Grown Diamonds
What are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds that have been created in a laboratory setting using advanced technological processes. It's important to note that lab-grown diamonds are actually real and genuine diamonds and not to be confused with "synthetic diamonds" such as cubic zirconia, diamond-coated cubic zirconia, or moissanite, which are often mistakenly labeled as lab-grown diamonds but are completely different materials. Lab-grown diamonds possess virtually the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as their natural counterparts, with the main difference being their point of origin and pricing. Lab-grown diamonds are created above ground in a lab setting, without mining the earth, while natural diamonds form underground over billions of years. With technological advancements, lab-grown diamonds have become more accessible and affordable, contributing to their growing popularity in the jewelry market.
How to Choose Between Lab Grown vs Earth Mined?
Ultimately, the choice between lab-grown diamonds and earth-mined diamonds comes down to personal preferences and beliefs. Both options provide remarkable durability, as diamonds are among the hardest gemstones on earth, boasting a ranking of 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. Both lab-grown and earth-mined diamonds are considered genuine diamonds, with their point of origin and pricing being the primary differences. In terms of cost, lab-grown diamonds are typically priced at approximately one-third the cost of their earth-mined counterparts, primarily because natural diamonds, which take billions of years to form, are considered rare and have been highly sought after for generations.
Origin & Types
Lab-grown diamonds have been in production for over six decades, initially used for industrial purposes. In recent years, gem-quality lab-grown diamonds have emerged as a viable alternative to earth-mined diamonds for jewelry. These diamonds are created using two primary methods: High-Pressure, High-Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).
- The HPHT method involves simulating the high-pressure, high-temperature conditions that occur deep within the Earth's mantle, where natural diamonds are formed.
- In contrast, the CVD method involves depositing carbon atoms onto a substrate in a vacuum chamber, allowing the diamond to grow layer by layer. Both processes produce diamonds with similar properties to those found in nature, albeit with distinct growth patterns that can be identified by trained gemologists, but not to the naked eye or by a simple visual inspection, rather the process is more like forensics works using clues to distinguish the differences.
Price
Lab-grown diamonds generally cost about a third of the price of earth-mined diamonds with similar quality, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. This price difference is due to the lower production costs associated with lab-grown diamonds and the absence of the markup that occurs at various stages in the natural diamond supply chain.
As technology has advanced, the quality of lab-grown diamonds has improved, making them nearly indistinguishable from earth-mined diamonds. This technological progress has also led to the availability of a wider range of colors, clarities, and sizes, giving consumers more options when selecting a diamond.
TLDR
All in all, Lab-grown diamonds offer a sustainable, ethical, and affordable alternative to earth-mined diamonds. Their increasing popularity reflects growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly and socially responsible options in the jewelry industry. With continuous advancements in diamond production technology, lab-grown diamonds are likely to become even more prevalent in the market, offering consumers an attractive choice when selecting a diamond for their jewelry needs. Regardless of whether you choose lab-grown or earth-mined diamonds, both are incredible, durable, and genuine diamonds that will bring joy and beauty to your jewelry.