THE TRUTH ABOUT LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds real diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds share the same physical, chemical and optical properties as their mined counterparts. lab-grown diamonds have ushered in a new era of sustainability, offering an environmentally friendly choice at affordable pricing. DeBeers, the largest diamond mining company in the world for mined diamonds, produce their own range of Lab-grown diamonds and jewellery. This only ads to the fact that lab-grown diamonds are 100% Diamond.
Is it possible to tell the difference between lab-grown and mined diamonds?
To the naked eye, distinguishing a lab grown diamond from a mined one is impossible. It’s highly unlikely a Jeweller in the professional diamond industry could determine if a diamond is Lab-grown or mined.
What Is a Lab-Grown Diamond?
Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds that are produced by two methods: chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or high pressure, high temperature (HPHT). While both offer a controlled environment, the HTHP is more costly and less energy efficient. CVD is a more economical and sustainable process, using vacuum chambers to convert carbon-heavy gasses into plasma with less energy consumption.
What Is A “Natural” or “Mined” Diamond?
A “natural” diamond is another name for a mined diamond. Officially, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) defines a diamond as “A mineral consisting essentially of pure carbon crystallized in the isometric system.” Whether a diamond is mined or created, both share this chemical composition. The difference and designation between lab-grown and mined diamonds lie in the way in which it is created. Titles like “lab-grown” and “mined” designate origin. Lab-grown diamonds are also known as man-made or created diamonds. They are produced in a laboratory setting without the negative environmental or human impact of mining. Lab-created diamonds grow in the same way that mined diamonds do, they begin as carbon atoms under extreme heat and pressure, then bond together to form a crystalline lattice structure. They are cut and polished once fully formed to reveal maximum brilliance. And just like mined diamonds, they come in a variety of colour and clarity grades. Lab-grown diamonds are not “synthetic diamonds”. “Synthetic diamonds”, such cubic zirconia and moissanite, are not diamonds and are made from synthesized materials. certain circumstances. What are the advantages of buying a lab-grown diamond? There are several advantages to buying a lab-grown diamond over a mined diamond. Lab-grown diamonds are often more sustainable, and affordable than mined diamonds, with guaranteed quality and origin.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Better Than Mined Diamonds?
Physically, lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds are equal – one is not better than the other. However, when it comes to human and environmental toll, lab-grown diamonds are better than mined diamonds. The diamond industry has long been linked to human rights abuses and environmentally destructive mining methods. Mined diamonds can never transparently say they are conflict-free. Our Lab-grown diamonds are sold loose or set in jeweller. We have a wonderful selection of loose diamonds for you to choose from as well as a large selection of jewellery designs to view. We can custom make any design, from rings, to pendants, earrings, and necklaces.
What are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab-Grown Diamonds are chemically, optically and physically similar to earth-mined diamonds but are created in a controlled environment making them more ethical and affordable.
These diamonds are “grown” inside a lab using cutting-edge technology that replicates the earth’s natural processes to form diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are indistinguishable by the naked eye from mined diamonds and are 100% conflict free and sustainable.
How are lab grown diamonds made?
While mined diamonds are formed deep in the Earth’s crust over millions of years, lab grown diamonds are grown using cutting edge technology within weeks. Lab grown diamonds can be made using two processes:
High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)
The HPHT method:
A “diamond seed” is placed along with carbon in containment chambers. High pressure and high temperatures are applied to mimic the conditions under which mined diamonds are formed. The carbon melts and is carefully cooled to form diamond crystals. The HPHT process can take from hours to weeks, depending on the desired size and quality of the stones.
Difference between Mined Diamonds and Lab Grown Diamonds
How are Lab Grown Diamonds Evaluated?
The 4C’s, colour, cut, carat weight and clarity, together, are used to evaluate the quality of diamonds, and subsequently the value and rarity of the diamond. These characteristics can vary from diamond to diamond and each of the 4C’s contribute equally to the beauty and shine you see on the final finished diamond.
Colour
Diamonds come in a variety of colours ranging from colourless to light yellow to brown. GIA’s D-to-Z scale is the industry standard for colour grading diamonds. Lighter the colour, the more rare the diamond. Many colour distinctions are unnoticeable to the human eye, but these subtle differences can dramatically affect diamond value.
Cut
Often confused with shape, the cut of a diamond refers to how well a diamond’s facets interact with light. The quality of the cut is crucial to determining its value. GIA evaluates the cut of a diamond on seven components. The first three; brightness (white light reflections), fire (flashes of colour) and scintillation (areas of light and dark), are concerned with the outer appearance. The other four; weight ratio, durability, polish and symmetry, focus on the diamonds internal design and craftsmanship.
Carat Weight
The diamond carat weight is a measurement of how much the diamond weighs, and a ‘carat’ is defined as 200 milligrams. The metric ‘carat’ can be divided into 100 points which allows for very accurate measurements. While each of the 4C’s should be taken into consideration for evaluating the value of a diamond, the price of a diamond increases as the carat weight increases.
Clarity
A diamond’s clarity refers to the presence of impurities on and within the stone. These imperfections, called flaws or inclusions, may be present even when grown in a lab. Evaluating the clarity involves determining the degree to which the size, number, and position of these inclusions affect the overall appearance of the diamond. The fewer the flaws, the higher the value and price of the diamond. The GIA Clarity Scale is 6 main categories which can be further divided into 11 subcategories of grades. Most of these flaws are not visible to the naked eye and require a skilled professional to use about 10x magnification.
