Lab Grown Diamond Guide
Lab Grown Diamonds versus Natural Diamonds
In terms of quality, lab grown diamonds can be comparable to natural diamonds. They have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds and can exhibit similar levels of brilliance, fire, and scintillation.
Lab-grown diamonds are graded using the same standards as natural diamonds, which include the 4 Cs (carat weight, colour, clarity, and cut). The International Gem Institute (IGI) grading report offers a comprehensive analysis of the distinctive properties inherent in lab-created diamonds.
Lab grown diamonds have some advantages over natural diamonds in terms of colour and clarity. Because they are grown under controlled conditions, lab grown diamonds can have fewer inclusions and more uniform colour than natural diamonds, making them an attractive option for those looking for a high-quality diamond at a more affordable price.
What are lab grown diamonds?
Lab Grown diamonds are diamonds that are created in a laboratory using advanced technological processes. They are made by duplicating the high-pressure, high-temperature conditions that occur in the earth's mantle, where natural diamonds are formed over millions of years.
What are natural diamonds?
Natural diamonds are diamonds that are formed deep within the earth's mantle under high pressure and high-temperature conditions over millions of years. They are composed of pure carbon atoms arranged in a crystalline structure and are found in various deposits, including kimberlite pipes, alluvial deposits, and marine deposits.
Natural diamonds are mined from the earth's crust using various methods, including open-pit mining, underground mining, and alluvial mining. The diamonds are then sorted and graded according to the four Cs (carat weight, color, clarity, and cut), which determine their quality and value. Natural diamonds are highly valued for their rarity, beauty, and durability, and have been used for centuries in jewelry, art, and industry. However, the diamond mining industry has been criticized for its negative environmental and social impact, and alternative options such as lab-grown diamonds are becoming more popular.
How are lab grown diamonds made?
Lab-grown diamonds are made using two main methods: high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT), and chemical vapor deposition (CVD).
The HPHT method involves placing a small diamond seed in a metal solvent or flux and subjecting it to intense heat and pressure to dissolve carbon atoms and grow a diamond around the seed. This process takes several weeks to months and can produce diamonds of different colors and sizes.
The CVD method involves heating a carbon-rich gas in a vacuum chamber and using plasma to break the gas molecules and deposit carbon atoms onto a substrate, where they grow into a diamond. This process takes a few weeks and can produce high-quality, large, and colorless diamonds.
Both methods result in diamonds with the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, which can be used in jewelry, industrial, and scientific applications.
How are natural diamonds formed?
Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth's mantle under high pressure and high-temperature conditions over millions of years. Carbon that is subjected to extreme heat and pressure forms a crystalline structure. Most natural diamonds are formed in the Earth's mantle, which is located about 150 to 200 kilometers below the Earth's surface. The pressure in the mantle is approximately 725,000 pounds per square inch, and the temperature is around 2,200 to 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit. Under these extreme conditions, carbon atoms bond together to form diamond crystals. Over time, the diamonds are brought to the Earth's surface through volcanic activity.
What is the difference in appearance between lab grown and natural diamonds?
Lab Grown diamonds are virtually identical to natural diamonds in terms of appearance. Both types of diamonds are composed of pure carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure, and both can exhibit a range of colours and clarities. However, some experts suggest that trained gemologists can detect subtle differences in the inclusions and colour distribution of lab grown diamonds compared to natural diamonds, however specialised equipment is still required to accurately identify whether it is lab grown or natural. For example, lab grown diamonds may have fewer inclusions or different patterns of inclusions than natural diamonds, and they may have a slightly different colour distribution due to the growth process. In general, most people cannot tell the difference between lab grown and natural diamonds without specialised equipment.
What is the difference in cost between lab grown and natural diamonds?
Lab Grown diamonds are generally less expensive than natural diamonds of comparable quality and size. The cost of a natural diamond depends on several factors, including its carat weight, colour, clarity, and cut. In addition, natural diamonds are subject to supply and demand fluctuations, which can affect their price. On the other hand, the cost of lab grown diamonds is primarily based on the cost of production and distribution, which tends to be more predictable and stable. As a result, lab grown diamonds are often priced at a discount compared to natural diamonds. However, prices for both types of diamonds can vary widely depending on the specific diamond and the retailer.
Are lab grown diamonds certified?
Yes, lab grown diamonds can be certified just like natural diamonds. The International Gem Institute (IGI) is a reputable globally recognised institute that offers grading reports for lab grown diamonds and provides information on the diamond's quality, including its carat weight, colour, clarity, and cut. The reports also typically include information on the diamond's origin, growth method, and treatment history. Certification helps consumers evaluate and compare the quality and value of different diamonds, regardless of whether they are natural or lab grown. When purchasing a lab grown diamond, it's important to look for a reputable dealer who can provide a certificate from a trusted gemological laboratory.