Lab created diamonds have taken the jewellery industry by storm. They’re beautiful alternatives to natural diamonds and offer the same amount of fire and sparkle so if they look the exact same? Why are they so loved? Read our lab grown diamond buying guide to learn more about these lovely gemstones.
What is a Lab Grown Diamond?
In simplest terms, lab grown diamonds are diamonds created in high-tech laboratories using advanced tools and technical methods instead of being mined from the Earth. To create lab diamonds, scientists imitate the geological processes in which a natural diamond is formed. That’s why they are identical to mined diamonds in terms of their optical, physical and chemical properties. Just like naturally formed ones, lab-grown diamonds are also made entirely of tiny carbon atoms, which makes them just as durable and sparkly. The bottom line is, lab created diamonds might not directly come from deep underground, but they still have all the flashy sparkle and quality you expect from a diamond.
Why buy Lab Created Diamonds?
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Value
Lab created diamonds can be up to 30% cheaper than the natural variety. Perfect if you are on a tighter budget or wish to maximise the size of your diamond for the same cost.
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Quality & Beauty
Lab created diamonds exude the same beauty and quality as the natural variety - in fact, they are visually and chemically identical.
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Ethical
Lab diamonds are excellent options for engagement rings. Not only for their beauty and availability but also as being considered an eco-friendly alternative to natural diamonds due to there being a lot of scrutiny over mining practises in the past.
How are Lab Grow Diamonds Made?
Lab grown diamonds are made from small carbon seeds from pre-existing diamonds. To simulate natural diamond production, scientists employ modern technologies such as intense pressure and heat or a unique deposition process known as chemical vapor deposition (CVD). A rough diamond forms over a period of six to 10 weeks. Then it's cut, polished, and set in lab diamond jewelry like earrings, necklaces, or bracelets.
1) There Are Two Main Methods For Creating Lab Diamonds:
1. High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT): This process replicates the circumstances under which natural diamonds originate within the earth. To create the lab diamond, a massive machine is fed a specific amount of carbon material, which is then crushed at pressures of more than 870,000 pounds per square inch at severe temperatures ranging from 1300 to 1600 degrees Celsius.
2) Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): CVD occurs when a seed diamond is placed in a tiny vacuum chamber containing heated hydrogen and carbon-bearing gases. At a particular temperature, the gas molecules are broken down, and layers of crystallized carbon begin to form around the seed, resulting in a larger diamond. After being developed, some CVD-created lab diamonds may be subjected to pressure and heat treatment.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real?
Yes — lab-grown diamonds are just as real as natural diamonds. Despite common misconceptions, they share the same chemical, physical, and optical properties.
Some of the most common myths include:
- Lab-grown diamonds are “fake.”
This is false. Lab-grown diamonds are genuine diamonds with the same atomic structure as natural diamonds. - Lab-grown diamonds look different.
This is untrue. To the naked eye, and even to trained professionals, lab-grown and natural diamonds are indistinguishable without specialized equipment. - Lab-grown diamonds are less durable.
This is incorrect. Lab-grown diamonds have the same hardness as natural diamonds — a 10 on the Mohs scale. - Lab-grown diamonds are flawless.
Not true. Like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds can contain inclusions and natural variations.
The only true difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds is how they are formed. Lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled laboratory environments, while natural diamonds develop deep within the Earth over millions of years. In every other way, lab-grown diamonds are identical — and 100% real.
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 |
Benefits of Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds are a compelling option for those looking to purchase fine jewelry — these benefits explain why.
- Support for Sustainable Practices: Lab diamonds are a responsible choice as they are grown with precise technology that doesn't involve mining. Their production typically has a smaller carbon footprint and less environmental disruption, making them a responsible choice for conscious consumers.
- Identical to Natural Diamonds: Lab diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds.
- Available in Various Colors: Lab diamonds are easily created in unique and vibrant hues like pink, yellow, and blue. These stunning color options are more affordable than their natural counterparts, giving buyers more creative freedom to select a diamond that matches their personal style.
- Value: Lab diamonds are generally more affordable than mined diamonds of the same size and quality. This means you can invest in a larger or higher-quality diamond at the same budget, making it an attractive choice for those seeking luxury at a more accessible price point.
Which Are Better: Lab Grown or Natural Diamonds?
Neither lab grown nor natural diamond is inherently better. The choice between lab grown and natural diamonds ultimately depends on your personal values and priorities:
- Our Belvoir Jewels gemologists recommend choosing lab grown if: You prioritize affordability and want a larger stone for your budget.
- They recommend choosing natural if: You value tradition, or the romantic notion of a diamond formed over billions of years and rarity.
Whether you choose a lab grown diamond or a natural diamond, you’re selecting a timeless gem that’s beautiful and brilliant.
Lab Grown Diamond FAQ
What’s the main difference between lab grown and natural diamonds?
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.
Are lab grown diamonds cheaper?
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.
Are lab grown diamonds as hard as natural diamonds?
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.
Are lab diamonds as good as real diamonds?
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.
Are lab diamonds the same as natural diamonds?
Yes, lab diamonds are chemically, optically, and physically the same as natural diamonds. The only difference is their origin.
Can jewelers tell the difference between diamonds and lab created diamonds?
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.