What is a lab grown diamond? It’s a real diamond identical to mined diamonds, crafted not beneath the earth’s crust, but in a high-tech laboratory. Dive into this article to understand their creation process, how they stack up against mined diamonds, and the ethical and environmental advantages they offer.
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Defining Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds are dazzling alternatives to their mined counterparts. What sets them apart? Well, despite being grown in a lab, these beauties are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds, sharing the exact crystal structure and hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale. Crucially, they are not diamond simulants but the real thing.
Even when it comes to the all-important sparkle, both lab grown and mined diamonds stand toe-to-toe, displaying a full range of quality characteristics. So, the next time you come across a lab grown diamond engagement ring, remember, its origin might be the only difference from real diamonds.
Appearance and Sparkle
Shifting our focus to appearance, lab grown diamonds are visually indistinguishable from mined diamonds. That’s right, to the naked eye, a lab grown diamond and a mined diamond look exactly the same. Both will sparkle provided they are cut well, a testament to the craftsmanship involved.
From small to large sizes, lab grown diamonds maintain high clarity and colour, contributing to their visual appeal and sparkle. So when you wear that lab created diamond jewellery, rest assured, you’re wearing the epitome of human innovation and beauty.
The Creation Process of Lab Grown Diamonds
The journey from a carbon seed to a sparkling lab grown diamond involves several steps. The answer lies in two primary methods: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) . These methods, inspired by nature’s way of creating diamonds, use tiny carbon seeds from pre-existing diamonds and mimic the mined formation of diamonds under extreme conditions.
The inclusion of specific trace elements during the growth phase can yield man-made fancy coloured diamonds, a process highly similar to natural occurrences. Each method has its unique attributes, adding to the diversity of lab grown diamonds.
There are two primary methods for creating a lab grown diamond: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD).
High Pressure High Temperature (hpht)
The HPHT method has a historical edge, being the original technique for creating lab grown diamonds, established in the 1950s. This process simulates the mined diamond formation environment by exposing a small diamond seed to conditions exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius and 1.5 million PSI.
Mimicking nature, the HPHT method doesn’t guarantee flawless outcomes. You might find some HPHT diamonds with a yellowish hue due to nitrogen exposure, replicating the diverse colours found in mined diamonds.
Chemical Vapour Deposition (cvd)
Contrastingly, Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) starts with a diamond seed placed in a vacuum chamber brimming with carbon-rich gases. These gases are heated to approximately 800 degrees Celsius, leading to gas ionisation into plasma and subsequent carbon layering onto the diamond seed.
Compared to HPHT, the CVD method operates under less pressure, utilises smaller equipment, and is preferred for its ability to deliver diamonds with greater clarity and precision in proportions.
Lab Grown Diamond vs. Natural
Here’s how a lab grown diamond and a natural diamond compare:
| Lab Diamond | Natural Diamond | |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | 10 on the Mohs scale | 10 on the Mohs scale |
| Brilliance | Refractive index ranges from 2.417 to 2.419 | Refractive index ranges from 2.417 to 2.419 |
| Color | Primarily colorless, but can also occur in many color options that are often more vivid than natural options | Primarily colorless, but can also occur in many color options including pink, blue, and yellow |
| Grading | Graded on cut, color, clarity, and carat | Graded on cut, color, clarity, and carat |
| Certification | Certified by reputable gemological institutions | Certified by reputable gemological institutions |
| Origin | Grown in controlled laboratories over several days to weeks, then cut and polished | Formed deep in Earth over billions of years, mined, cut, and polished |
| Rarity | Can be produced in increasing quantities as technology advances | Limited quantities based on geological conditions |
| Price | Lower cost due to availability | Higher cost due to mining and rarity |
Ethical and Environmental Benefits
Opting for lab grown diamonds transcends beyond sparkle; it’s a conscious decision. These diamonds offer a sustainable alternative to mined diamonds, significantly reducing environmental impact by eliminating extensive mining operations and geological disruptions.
Moreover, certain labs have adopted renewable energy sources such as solar energy to minimise the carbon footprint during the diamond growth process. Also, lab grown diamonds ensure ethical production, providing consumers with peace of mind about the absence of human rights abuses commonly associated with diamond mining. However, the challenge remains to reduce carbon emissions in regions where fossil fuels are the primary source of energy, which Cullen Jewellery has done by offering 100% carbon neutral lab grown diamonds in partnership with Clear Neutral .
Lab Grown Diamond Jewellery Options
Lab grown diamonds, also known as lab diamonds, present a myriad of jewellery options, whether your interest lies in engagement rings or earrings, or you’re inclined towards vintage or halo rings. You can even create custom lab grown diamond jewellery online, selecting specific attributes such as colour, carat, shape, cut, and clarity for a personalised and unique design.
With more brands like Cullen Jewellery offering lab grown diamond jewellery, both in-person and through international e-commerce platforms, these diamonds are becoming increasingly accessible.
Summary
From their creation to their composition, and from their value to their future, lab grown diamonds are a testament to human ingenuity and innovation. They offer a dazzling, ethical, and environmentally friendly alternative to mined diamonds, without compromising on quality or sparkle. As technology advances and consumer mindsets evolve, lab grown diamonds continue to sparkle brighter on the horizon of the jewellery industry.
Lab Grown Diamond FAQ
The only real difference between lab and natural diamonds is their origin: lab diamonds are grown in laboratory settings, while natural diamonds form deep within the Earth. Otherwise, lab diamonds are identical to natural diamonds and 100% real.
Yes, lab grown diamonds are cheaper than natural diamonds. Lab diamonds cost less than natural diamonds because they can be produced on demand, while natural diamonds are a limited resource.
Yes, lab grown diamonds are as hard as natural diamonds, with a rating of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. This hardness makes both lab and natural diamonds highly resistant to scratching and ideal for long-lasting jewelry.
Yes, lab diamonds are as good as real diamonds. Lab grown diamonds match natural diamonds in brilliance, durability, and quality, making them an excellent choice for those looking for a genuine diamond at a more affordable price.
Yes, lab diamonds are chemically, optically, and physically the same as natural diamonds. The only difference is their origin.
Most jewelers cannot tell the difference between lab created and natural diamonds without specialized tools. Gemologists use advanced equipment, like UV light and high-magnification microscopes, to detect growth characteristics unique to lab diamonds.