One question we get a lot at InnerCircle is: “Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?” The answer is a simple “Yes”. Physically and chemically identical to natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are an eco-friendly and ethical alternative to their natural, mined counterparts. So if you’ve been thinking about purchasing a lab-grown diamond, or you’re simply curious as to how they’re made and would like to learn about lab-grown diamonds, keep reading to get the rundown on everything you need to know about these dazzling eco-friendly stones.
What are laboratory-grown diamonds?
Laboratory-grown diamonds have essentially the same chemical, optical and physical properties and crystal structure as natural diamonds. Like natural diamonds, they are made of tightly-bonded carbon atoms. They respond to light in the same way and are just as hard as natural diamonds. The main differences between laboratory-grown and natural diamonds lie in their origin. Think of it this way: laboratory-grown diamonds are like ice from your refrigerator, while natural diamonds are like ice from a glacier. They are both ice, although their formation stories and the age of each are very different.
Photo sourced from GIA.edu
Millions to billions of years ago, natural diamonds originated deep within the Earth's mantle before being propelled to the surface by explosive kimberlite and lamproite volcanic activity, often preserving intriguing inclusions within their structure. Conversely, laboratory-grown diamonds closely mimic the appearance of natural diamonds to the naked eye and typically necessitate examination by specialized laboratory equipment for accurate identification.
These two diamonds, one lab-grown (on the left) and one natural (on the right), are indistinguishable to the naked eye.
What is a Lab-Created Diamond?
A lab-grown diamond is one cultivated in a controlled laboratory setting. Through methods such as Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) or High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT), scientists can now produce diamonds that visually resemble those mined from the Earth, possessing identical chemical and physical properties and even earning certification from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
Are Lab Diamonds Real?
Absolutely. Lab-grown diamonds are as authentic as their naturally mined counterparts. They exhibit comparable characteristics in terms of shape, size, color, and clarity, with both types receiving diamond certifications and sharing identical physical and chemical properties.
Lab Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds – Expert Insights
Visually indistinguishable from natural diamonds and boasting the same level of hardness and durability, lab-grown diamonds gained recognition as genuine by the Federal Trade Commission in 2018. Furthermore, lab-created diamonds undergo testing to confirm their authenticity. For instance, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has been assessing lab-grown diamonds since 2007, discontinuing the use of the term "synthetic" in their reports as of July 1, 2019. GIA's assessments include standard grading scales for color, clarity, and cut for reference purposes.
Lab-Grown Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds
Chemically, physically, and optically identical to diamonds formed naturally within the Earth, the primary distinction between lab-grown and natural diamonds lies in their origin. Despite this seemingly minor difference, the source of a diamond can significantly impact its ethical and environmental footprint. For instance, the production of lab-grown diamonds generates considerably less waste and consumes less water compared to natural diamond mining. Moreover, since lab-grown diamonds bypass the mining process entirely, they guarantee 100% ethical sourcing.
How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Created?
Lab-grown diamonds, sometimes referred to as man-made, synthetic, cultured, or artisan diamonds, are all denoting the same thing—a certified diamond cultivated in a laboratory setting. While the terminology may vary, each phrase signifies a diamond produced through synthetic methods. Occasionally, lab-grown diamonds are labeled as either CVD or HPHT, indicating the specific process employed in their creation.
Lab Made Diamonds - Two Popular Methods
There are two primary processes utilized to create lab-grown diamonds:
Chemical Vapor Deposition Diamonds (CVD):
This process involves placing a "seed crystal," a tiny diamond seed, in a chamber filled with heated gases. As the gases reach the appropriate temperature, layers of carbon accumulate on the seed crystal, facilitating the growth of a square-shaped diamond crystal.
High Pressure High Temperature Diamonds (HPHT):
This method aims to mimic the natural diamond formation process occurring within the Earth. Natural graphite is subjected to extreme pressure and temperatures in a large machine, causing it to transform into a diamond.
What Is the Difference Between CVD and HPHT Diamonds?
Distinguishing between CVD and HPHT diamonds with the naked eye is impossible. Both methods yield real diamonds that closely resemble natural diamonds in terms of chemical and physical properties. When grading lab-grown diamonds, the same criteria—color, cut, clarity, and carat—are applied. Deciding which process is "better" is nuanced, and seeking guidance from an experienced jeweler is advisable.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Beneficial?
In general, yes. A flawlessly cut, internally flawless diamond, whether lab-grown or natural, commands a high price due to its rarity. Both types of diamonds exhibit varying levels of internal inclusions, akin to fingerprints, which are assessed and graded by accredited gemological labs. Lower clarity graded lab-grown or natural diamonds may feature inclusions visible to the naked eye. Additionally, cut and color play significant roles in determining diamond quality, ranging from excellent to poor.
Pros of Buying a Lab-Grown Diamond
Lab-grown diamonds typically cost 30-50% less than natural diamonds of equivalent characteristics, enabling purchasers to acquire larger stones without sacrificing quality. The visual similarity and identical physical and chemical properties ensure that lab-grown diamonds dazzle just as much as their natural counterparts.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Ethical?
Many consider lab-grown diamonds more ethical due to their lack of mining involvement. However, the Kimberley Process, implemented in 2003, has effectively curtailed the flow of conflict diamonds.
Choosing between a lab-grown and a natural diamond depends on various factors, including budget, personal preference, and resale value considerations. Ultimately, the decision rests with you.
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