Exquisite, identical to natural ones, made by replicating Earth's processes. Keep reading to learn all about lab grown diamonds, their composition and how they're made.
WHAT ARE LAB GROWN DIAMONDS?
What are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Simply put, lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are visually indistinguishable from natural diamonds, making them equally as alluring. However, while natural diamonds are formed by geological processes over millions of years, lab-grown diamonds are created in a laboratory setting, often in a matter of months.
To simplify it, skilled scientists replicate the earth's natural processes to produce these diamonds. Comprising identical DNA and carbon to their mined counterparts, lab-grown diamonds possess the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. In fact, even trained gemologists cannot differentiate between lab-grown and natural diamonds without extremely specialized equipment.
Lab-grown diamonds offer a much more sustainable and ethical alternative to mined diamonds, making them an increasingly popular choice for engagement rings and other jewelry. By choosing lab-created diamonds, consumers can enjoy all the benefits of a diamond without the environmental and social impacts associated with traditional diamond mining.
How are Lab Grown Diamonds Made?
To understand the creation of lab-grown diamonds, we can observe how natural diamonds are formed. Diamonds are formed in the earth's mantle and take millions of years to complete, with the first diamonds appearing around 2.5 billion years ago. Lab-grown diamonds are made using innovative technology that mimics natural diamond growth and produces diamonds that are chemically, optically, and physically identical to natural ones. In contrast to natural diamond formation, lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment using cutting-edge machinery, carbon, high pressure, and extremely high temperatures.
The two primary methods used for creating lab-grown diamonds are Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT). The CVD method involves heating a tiny diamond seed inside a closed chamber filled with a carbon-rich gas mixture. Multiple chemical processes take place, allowing pure carbon to adhere to the diamond seed, producing a real diamond in a few months instead of millions of years. HPHT, on the other hand, exposes the diamond seed to extreme temperatures and pressure, causing the carbon to melt and form a diamond around the seed. The diamond is created once it cools and is as stunning as a natural diamond.
The two primary methods used for creating lab-grown diamonds are Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT). The CVD method involves heating a tiny diamond seed inside a closed chamber filled with a carbon-rich gas mixture. Multiple chemical processes take place, allowing pure carbon to adhere to the diamond seed, producing a real diamond in a few months instead of millions of years. HPHT, on the other hand, exposes the diamond seed to extreme temperatures and pressure, causing the carbon to melt and form a diamond around the seed. The diamond is created once it cools and is as stunning as a natural diamond.
That's a little complicated. Let's simplify it.
Lab-grown diamonds begin with a tiny diamond fragment, known as a seed, and then literally grow over the course of several months. This is the reason why they are referred to as "lab-grown" diamonds. A simple analogy to understand the similarities between lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds is to think of them as flowers. Just as flowers can be grown from seeds in a garden or in a greenhouse, diamonds can be formed in the Earth's mantle or in a laboratory.
However, no matter where the flowers are grown, they are still flowers with the same basic structure, fragrance, and beauty. Similarly, no matter where diamonds are formed, they are still diamonds with the same basic chemical composition and physical properties. In short, just as flowers grown in different places are still flowers, diamonds formed in different locations are still diamonds.
In conclusion, lab-grown diamonds are produced by technology that
emulates natural diamond growth, resulting in a diamond that is
identical to a natural diamond in every way.
| Modern Carats Diamond Comparison | Natural Diamonds | Lab-Created Diamonds |
|---|---|---|
| Is It a Real Diamond? | Yes | Yes |
| Primary Chemical Composition | Carbon | Carbon |
| Source | The Earth | A Laboratory |
| Time to Create | 1 to 3 Billion Years | Several Weeks to Months |
| Independently Certified | Yes | Yes |
| 100% Conflict-Free | Sometimes Not | Yes |
| Responsible Sourcing Commitment | Sometimes Not | Yes |
| Environmental Impact | Huge | Extremely Minimal |
| Does It Test As a Real Diamond? | Yes | Yes |
| Price Comparison (of comparable quality and size) | $$$$ | $$ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your lab-grown diamond questions! Learn about the most confusing aspects and make an informed purchase decision.
What are the advantages of a lab grown diamond?
Lab-grown diamonds have several advantages, including their stunning appearance and indistinguishability from natural diamonds. Not only are lab grown diamonds identical to a natural diamond, they are a much more environmentally friendly choice as they are produced in controlled conditions, eliminating the need for destructive mining practices. Lab-grown diamonds can be up to 50% less expensive than their mined counterparts.
Traditional diamond mining can have a negative impact on local ecosystems and wildlife, as well as contribute to soil erosion and water pollution. By choosing a lab grown diamond, you can have a stunning, high-quality diamond without the environmental impact. Lab-grown diamonds are ethically sourced and free of conflict. The process of producing them does not involve harming or taking advantage of diamond miners, so you can rest assured that you will never purchase a "blood diamond".
Traditional diamond mining can have a negative impact on local ecosystems and wildlife, as well as contribute to soil erosion and water pollution. By choosing a lab grown diamond, you can have a stunning, high-quality diamond without the environmental impact. Lab-grown diamonds are ethically sourced and free of conflict. The process of producing them does not involve harming or taking advantage of diamond miners, so you can rest assured that you will never purchase a "blood diamond".
Why does a lab grown diamond cost less than a natural diamond?
Lab-grown diamonds are more affordable than natural diamonds because they do not require the same mining process and are produced in a laboratory setting. The cost of mining natural diamonds can be expensive, and the process itself can be difficult, dangerous and extremely destructive to the earth. Additionally, the price of natural diamonds are artificially inflated due to the control of supply by two major corporations. On the other hand, lab-grown diamonds are produced using advanced technology that replicates the natural process of diamond formation, but in a controlled environment. This results in lower production costs and a larger supply of diamonds, making them more affordable than their natural counterparts.
What is the lifespan of lab grown diamonds?
The renowned phrase "diamonds are eternal" accurately describes their incredible durability. High-quality lab-grown diamonds last forever without losing their shine or brilliance, making it impossible to distinguish them from natural diamonds.
What distinguishes lab grown diamonds from natural diamonds?
The primary distinction lies in their production methods. Natural diamonds are created through a lengthy natural process, whereas lab-grown diamonds are manufactured using more efficient techniques to achieve the same physical, chemical, optical, and atomic properties. Additionally, mining natural diamonds can be challenging while consumers risk purchasing a "blood diamond", while lab-grown diamonds are much more ethical and environmentally friendly.
Are lab grown diamonds fake?
Lab-grown diamonds are not fake diamonds, unlike the historically false diamonds made of glass which are less durable and have less radiance than a well-cut diamond. Lab-created diamonds are just as durable and stunning as naturally mined diamonds since they are real diamonds, the only difference being produced in a laboratory rather than formed in the earth.
Will a lab grown diamond fade over time?
High-quality lab-grown diamonds last forever without losing their shine
or brilliance and will never fade, making it impossible to distinguish them from natural
diamonds.
What is a lab grown diamond certificate?
A third-party certified diamond is important because it assures the buyer of the diamond's authenticity, quality, and value. All diamonds sold by Modern Carats include a certification from a reputable third-party organization, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI), and have a microscopic laser inscription on the diamond itself with the certificate number. The certificate verifies that the diamond has been evaluated and graded by an independent expert using standardized criteria. This evaluation includes an assessment of the diamond's 4Cs - cut, clarity, color, and carat weight, as well as other important characteristics such as fluorescence and symmetry.
Is it possible to obtain insurance for lab grown diamonds?
Certainly. Lab-grown diamonds, like their natural counterparts, are easily appraised and insurable.
Do lab grown diamonds test as real diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, and are visually indistinguishable from natural diamonds. To simplify it, skilled scientists replicate the earth's natural processes to produce these diamonds. Comprising identical DNA and carbon to their mined counterparts, lab-grown diamonds possess the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. In fact, even trained gemologists cannot differentiate between lab-grown and natural diamonds without extremely specialized equipment.
Is it worth buying lab grown diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are definitely worth it considering as they can be up to 50% less expensive than their mined counterparts, while maintaining the same structural composition, brilliance and fire. Essentially, you can get more value for your money by choosing lab-grown diamonds.