Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?
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Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?

Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. The only difference between natural and lab grown diamonds is that one is found in the earth, and one is created in a lab - they share the same chemical and physical properties.

However, taking into consideration the affordability, accessibility, and sustainability credentials, as well as sharing the same strength and beauty as natural diamonds – we understand the skepticism that surrounds lab grown diamonds. 

What is a lab created diamond?

Exactly what it sounds like – a lab grown diamond is produced in a controlled setting that mimics the natural formation of a diamond in a lab. Sharing the same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds possess the same structure, level of hardness, and sparkle that give diamonds appeal. 

Are lab grown diamonds considered “real diamonds”

How are lab grown diamonds different from natural diamonds? 

The key difference between a lab and natural diamond is how they are grown. Lab grown diamonds only take a couple of months to produce, as opposed to their natural counterparts which can take billions of years to grow. 

Comparing the two visually, a lab grown diamond has no physical difference to the naked eye. Lab grown diamonds have the same foundational makeup of a natural diamond, and it is impossible to tell them apart without laboratory equipment. 

Are lab grown diamonds considered “real diamonds”?

Yes, diamonds grown in the lab are considered as real as naturally grown diamonds. Lab grown diamonds have the same physical and chemical properties as diamonds mined from the Earth, which are therefore graded by their shape, size, colour, and clarity – just like a natural diamond. 

Both lab grown and natural diamonds are crystallised carbon that is created under immense pressure and high temperature. In fact, well-known institutes like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) certify diamonds whether they’re grown in the lab or mined from the Earth – certifying lab grown diamonds as “real” diamonds.  

How are lab made diamonds created?

The highly advanced technology used to produce a lab diamond recreates the level of heat and pressure needed for diamonds naturally created in the Earth. There are two different methods which emulate these growth conditions in the lab: Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) and High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT)

  • Chemical Vapor Deposition Diamonds (CVD): The CVD process begins with a diamond seed, which is pure carbon, that is inserted into a sealed vacuum and exposed to high pressure, temperature, and gas (often methane). The gas element will break down carbon atoms, which will latch on to the diamond seed to form more crystals. It will usually take a month to create 1 carat using the CVD method. 
  • High Pressure High Temperature Diamonds (HPHT): The HPHT process was designed to simulate the Earth’s process in forming a diamond. Exposing a carbon material (often graphite combined with iron, nickel, or cobalt) to extreme high pressure and temperature – the materials will form into diamond crystals. As opposed to natural diamonds which take billions of years, the HPHT process only requires a fortnight to create a 1 carat diamond.
  • CVD and HPHT – which is better? The naked eye cannot tell the difference between CVD and HPHT diamonds – so determining which is better is dependent on personal preferences. Generally, CVD diamonds have higher clarity and fewer inclusions, making them the preferred choice for those looking for clear, colourless diamonds. However, because CVD diamonds typically score higher in clarity, they tend to be more expensive in comparison to HPHT diamonds. 

How are lab made diamonds created?

Why lab grown diamonds are becoming more popular

From affordability to sustainability, lab grown diamonds are becoming more popular – especially across younger buyers. 

To reiterate (we can never say it enough!), lab grown diamonds are real diamonds – possessing the same aesthetic and durable appeal as natural diamonds, however, lab grown diamonds cost considerably less. In fact, a lab grown diamond with the same attributes of a natural diamond can cost 30 to 40% less, as the process itself is less costly in both time and money. 

Extracting natural diamonds involves mining from Marine, open-put, and underground mines which releases greenhouse gases and can damage local ecosystems. On the other hand, diamonds grown in the lab have more control over their carbon footprint. Cutting out the need for mining altogether, companies can use renewable energy sources to create lab grown diamonds. 

With younger generations growing more concerned around sustainability and being generally more aware of the economy – lab grown diamonds respond to these considerations.

Should you choose a natural or lab grown diamond?

There is no right or wrong choice between a natural or lab grown diamond – it all depends on what you prefer. 

Lab-grown diamonds are appealing for those who are intrigued by the innovative technology and sustainability credentials, as well as appreciating the precision that lab grown diamonds offer at an affordable price. What natural diamonds offer that lab grown diamonds can’t is history and emotional value. Due to the rarity of natural diamonds, natural diamonds have a one-of-a-kind edge that is priceless for many people. 

Both lab grown and natural diamonds hold up in beauty and strength, however, each has its own attributes that goes beyond quality and looks. If you’re in the market for diamond jewellery, GS Diamonds are Australia’s leading provider of diamonds, at wholesale prices. 

 

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