What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?
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What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?

The conversation around lab grown diamonds has become more frequent in recent years. With the quality of these manufactured diamonds increasing, and prices lowering, more jewellers, collectors, and consumers are considering utilising and purchasing lab grown diamonds than ever before.

Your Essential Guide to Lab Grown Diamonds For 2023

Diamonds of any nature are a timeless investment. With exquisite lab grown diamonds starting to hit the market, we’re here to take a look at the important questions surrounding man-made diamonds and jewellery, including what a lab grown diamond actually is, how lab diamonds are manufactured, and all importantly, how much lab grown diamonds cost in 2023.

What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?

Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds that are created in a laboratory environment. They are also sometimes called man-made diamonds, synthetic diamonds, or cultured diamonds. While lab grown diamonds have the same chemical composition and physical properties as natural diamonds, they are produced in a controlled setting using advanced technological processes.

Lab grown diamonds first became available in the early 1900s, but it wasn't until the 1950s that they were used for jewellery purposes. In the past few years, lab grown diamond production has increased exponentially, making them more widely available and affordable than ever before.

There are two main methods for growing lab grown diamonds: high pressure high temperature (HPHT) and chemical vapour deposition (CVD). HPHT is the most common method and involves using a seed diamond and subjecting it to high pressures and temperatures until it grows into a larger diamond. CVD is a newer method that involves breaking down a carbon-containing gas into its component parts and then depositing those onto a diamond "seed" in order to grow a larger diamond.

Lab grown diamonds have numerous benefits over natural diamonds. They are less expensive, they are ethically sourced (since no one is harmed in the mining process), and they have fewer impurities than natural diamonds. Additionally, lab grown diamonds can be created in a variety of colours. 

Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?

Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds, just like the ones that are found in nature. The only difference is that they have been created in a laboratory setting. Just like natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds are made of carbon atoms that have been bonded together under extreme pressure and heat. This results in a diamond that is chemically, physically, and optically identical to a natural diamond. In fact, even experts cannot tell the difference between a lab grown diamond and a natural diamond with the naked eye.
 

The main benefit of choosing a lab grown diamond over a natural diamond is that they are much more affordable. Lab grown diamonds cost on average 20-30% less than natural diamonds. So, if you're looking for a beautiful diamond engagement ring or other piece of jewellery, but don't want to spend a fortune, then a lab grown diamond is a great option.

Are Lab Grown Diamonds Gia Certified?

While lab grown diamonds are real diamonds, there are some important things to know.

First, not all lab grown diamonds are GIA certified. In order to be certified, a lab grown diamond must go through a rigorous testing process to ensure it meets the strict standards of the GIA. GIA has only started to certify lab grown diamonds the same way as natural diamonds recently, prior to this, the certification for lab grown diamonds only covered grading categories.

Second, even if a lab grown diamond is GIA certified, it will likely be graded differently than a mined diamond. This is because there are some subtle differences between the two types of diamonds.

For example, like natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds may have slight variations in their colour or clarity. These variations are usually not detectable to the naked eye, but they can affect a diamond's grade.

So, if you're considering a lab grown diamond, be sure to ask about its laboratory certification. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your diamond has been vetted by the world's leading authority on diamonds.

How Do They Make Lab Grown Diamonds?

Lab grown diamonds are created by replicating the natural process that forms diamonds underground. Scientists start with a small piece of diamond, known as a "seed," and then subject it to extreme heat and pressure in a special chamber. This causes the atoms in the seed to rearrange themselves into the same crystal structure as a natural diamond.

It can take weeks or even months to grow a single lab grown diamond, depending on its size. Once it is finished growing, the diamond is cut and polished just like any other diamond.

The main difference between lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds is how they are formed. Natural diamonds are created over millions of years deep within the Earth's mantle, while lab grown diamonds are created in a matter of weeks or months.

Despite their different origins, lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds are identical in every way. They have the same chemical composition, physical properties, and optical characteristics. In fact, even experienced diamond experts cannot tell them apart without special equipment.

The only way to be sure you are getting a natural diamond is to buy from a reputable source and have it certified by an independent laboratory. For lab grown diamonds, look for a certification from the International Gemmological Institute (IGI) or the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA). Both of these organisations have strict standards for grading and certifying diamonds.

Can You Tell If a Diamond Is Lab Grown?

When it comes to diamonds, many people believe that the only way to tell if a diamond is real is by taking it to a professional jeweller. However, there are actually several ways that you can tell if a diamond is lab grown.

One way to tell if a diamond is lab grown is by looking at the structure of the diamond – however, crystal structure will not be able to be identified unless the gemstone is uncut.

You can also tell if a diamond is lab grown by looking at its price. Lab grown diamonds will often be much cheaper than natural diamonds. This is because they are created in a laboratory, which is much less expensive than the process of mining for natural diamonds.

If you are interested in purchasing a diamond, it is important to keep these things in mind. Knowing how to tell if a diamond is lab grown can help you make sure that you are getting the best possible deal on your purchase.

How Much Do Lab Grown Diamonds Cost?

Lab grown diamonds are typically 20-30% cheaper than natural diamonds of the same quality. However, considering lab grown diamonds are still a relatively new product, their prices can vary based on market activity.

Some jewellers will offer lab grown diamonds at a discount to natural diamonds, while others charge the same price for both.

If you're interested in purchasing a lab grown diamond, be sure to do your research and compare prices from different retailers before making a purchase. With a little bit of effort, you should be able to find a great deal on a beautiful lab grown diamond!

Should I Buy a Lab Grown Diamond?

The decision to purchase lab grown diamonds vs. natural diamonds will come down to the individual and what they are looking for in a diamond.

Lab grown diamonds have the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds, but in a like for like setting, they are much more affordable. So, if you're looking for a beautiful diamond ring without spending a fortune, a lab grown diamond may be the way to go.

Of course, there are some things to keep in mind before you purchase a lab grown diamond. First, be sure to do your research and buy from a reputable dealer like GS diamonds where all lab grown diamonds are certified. Second, keep in mind that because these diamonds are not mined from the Earth, they may not have the same value as a natural diamond. However, many people believe that lab grown diamonds are actually more pure and beautiful than their natural counterparts.

So, should you buy a lab grown diamond? If you're looking for a beautiful, high-quality diamond at an affordable price, then the answer is probably yes!

Wrapping up

For believers in the notion that diamonds are a powerful gift from the earth, then the idea of a lab grown diamond might not appeal to you. However, these manufactured diamonds maintain the same unbreakable disposition as their naturally-formed cousins. There is no doubting the quality and value of this new style of diamond. Sustainably made and conflict-free, lab grown diamonds represent the pinnacle of human ingenuity. Here at GS Diamonds, we love lab grown diamonds and are proud to offer a selection for your engagement rings and fine jewellery.

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