Across continents and cultures, diamonds have long been considered a symbol of everlasting love, commitment, and luxury. Traditionally, natural diamonds have dominated the market, but the choice of lab-grown diamonds is becoming increasingly popular for engagement rings and fine jewelry alike. As their popularity rises, so do the myths and misconceptions surrounding them.
Below, you will find an exploration of what lab diamonds are, how they’re made, and a handy debunking of some of the most common myths that may be influencing your decision when it comes to choosing the perfect diamond. Let's dive into the truth about this advanced technology!
What Are Lab Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds, also known as lab-created, synthetic, or man-made diamonds, are real diamonds produced in a highly specialized laboratory setting. Unlike diamond substitutes such as cubic zirconia, which merely mimic the appearance of diamonds, lab-grown diamonds share the same physical, chemical, and visual properties as natural diamonds. This means they’re composed of carbon atoms arranged in the same crystalline structure, making them visually and scientifically identical to diamonds that have been mined from the earth.
Though lab diamonds are created in a controlled environment, they undergo the same growth process as natural diamonds, just at a much faster pace! The result is a real diamond that’s nearly impossible to distinguish from a natural one, even by a trained diamond expert.
How Are Lab Diamonds Made?
There are two primary methods used to create lab diamonds, High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).
HPHT Method
This process mimics the natural conditions under which diamonds form in the earth, using extremely high temperatures and pressure to transform carbon into diamonds. A small diamond 'seed' is placed in a chamber where it is exposed to temperatures exceeding 2000°C and pressure equivalent to what is found deep within the earth’s mantle. As the carbon atoms bond to the seed, a larger diamond begins to grow.
CVD Method
The CVD method uses a different approach, relying on a chamber filled with carbon-rich gas. A diamond seed is placed inside the chamber, where the gas is heated until the carbon atoms break down and form a layer of diamond on the seed. The CVD method allows for more precise control over the diamond's growth, making it easier to produce high-quality diamonds.
Both modern technology methods result in diamonds that are chemically identical to natural diamonds in the diamond industry, offering the same brilliance, hardness, and durability.
Differences Between Lab And Natural Diamonds
At first glance, lab-grown and natural diamonds may seem indistinguishable. However, there are a few key differences between the two that should be remembered.
Origin
The main difference lies in how they’re formed. Natural diamonds are created over billions of years deep within the earth, while lab-grown diamonds can be formed over a matter of weeks in a laboratory!
Price
Lab-grown diamonds are generally more affordable than their natural counterparts, often costing 20-40% less for diamonds of comparable quality. This price difference is due to the streamlined production process of lab diamonds versus the complex and resource-intensive process of mining.
Environmental Impact
Lab-grown diamonds are considered a more eco-friendly choice for the conscious consumer as they don’t require the same amount of land disruption, habitat destruction, water usage, soil erosion, and energy as mining natural diamonds, therefore creating a much lower carbon footprint.
They also avoid some of the peace of mind ethical concerns associated with diamond mining, such as unfair labor practices and conflict blood diamonds. This is arguably one of the biggest advantages of lab diamonds over traditional diamond mining. A more responsible choice, no doubt.
Myths And Misconceptions
Despite their increasing popularity, lab-grown diamonds are often surrounded by myths and misunderstandings. Let’s debunk some of the most common ones to make sure that you can make the most informed decision possible for your diamond jewelry!
'Lab Grown Diamonds Are Lower Quality And Fake'
One of the most persistent myths is that lab-grown diamonds are fake, like cubic zirconia or moissanite. This is simply untrue. In terms of quality, lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, with the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties as natural diamonds. The only difference is their point of origin; lab-grown diamonds are created in a laboratory, while natural diamonds are formed in the earth.
Lab-grown diamonds are held to the same quality standards as natural diamonds, and they’re graded by the same institutions (such as the GIA or IGI) for cut, clarity, color, and carat weight. Just like natural diamonds, lab diamonds can range in quality from flawless to imperfect, depending on the conditions during their growth process. Rest assured, lab-grown diamonds are not of inferior quality in any way!
'Lab Grown Diamonds And Natural Diamonds Look Different'
Another common misconception is that lab-grown diamonds somehow look different or less brilliant than natural diamonds. In reality, synthetic diamonds boast identical optical properties to natural diamonds. They have the same sparkle, fire, and brilliance, and without specialized equipment, it’s nearly impossible to tell the two apart!
Even experienced jewelers often can’t distinguish between a lab-grown diamond and a natural one without using advanced tools. The cut, clarity, and overall appearance of a diamond are based on the individual stone’s quality, not its origin. Whether it’s grown in a lab or a product of the traditional diamond mining industry a diamond’s beauty remains the same.
'Lab Grown Diamonds Are Less Durable Compared To Natural Diamonds'
Some people believe that lab-grown diamonds are less durable or less hard than genuine diamonds. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Lab-grown diamonds have the same hardness and durability as natural diamonds, ranking a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This makes them one of the hardest materials on earth, capable of resisting scratches and maintaining their shine over time.
Just like natural diamonds, lab diamonds are built to last a lifetime. Whether you’re wearing them in an engagement ring, pendant, or earrings, lab diamonds can withstand everyday wear and tear, making them a durable choice for fine jewelry.
'Lab Grown Diamonds Are Not Valuable, And Don't Have A Good Resale Market'
Many people worry that lab-grown diamonds don’t hold their value like natural diamonds, and therefore won’t have a resale market. While it’s true that natural diamonds have historically held higher resale values, the lab-grown diamond market is still relatively new and growing. Lab-grown diamonds are valuable in their own right, and their resale market is evolving as more people start to embrace this modern option in the jewelry industry.
The lower initial cost of lab-created diamonds may make them less expensive to resell, but this doesn’t mean they are valueless. As consumer awareness and customer demand for lab-grown diamonds increase, it’s likely that a more established resale market will emerge. Plus, the value of any diamond, lab-grown or natural, depends on its quality, size, and market conditions at the time of sale.
At Global Rings Jewelry we believe in the power of customer choice. We stock not only a ready-to-wear fine jewelry collection including engagement rings and wedding bands but also a simple service where you can choose your own natural or lab-grown diamond to fit one of our customizable rings. There’s also the option of choosing our custom design service if you have a vision you want to see brought to life.