What are Lab Grown Diamonds?
As stunning as naturally occurring diamonds, lab grown diamonds are equally desirable. In contrast to mined diamonds, which are formed by nature, they are, of course, made in a laboratory.
We know that the concept of producing diamonds in a laboratory may be a little complicated, and you may have many doubts about it. However, to simplify it, we can start by saying that Lab Grown Diamonds are produced by simulating the natural process that gives rise to diamonds in a controlled setting.
How are Lab Grown Diamonds Made?
Now that you know what lab grown diamonds are, you may wonder how we can create an authentic diamond in a laboratory.
For a better explanation, we can answer this question by considering how mineral diamonds are formed in nature.
The process that natural diamonds go through takes several billion years to complete.
It occurs when carbon deposits deep below the earth’s surface are exposed to high temperatures and pressure causing the carbon atoms to bond together and slowly form a crystal.
A diamond formed in a laboratory is grown using state-of-the-art technology which imitates the growing process of a natural diamond under the earth. Consequently, the diamond created is one that is man-made but is chemically, optically, and physically the same as the diamonds which are grown beneath the surface of the earth.
Difference
The only thing which makes a Lab Grown Diamond different from a Natural Diamond is how it originated.
A diamond formed in a laboratory is grown using innovative technology which imitates the growing process of a natural diamond.
Consequently, the diamond created is one that is man-made. It is chemically, optically, and physically the same as the diamonds which are grown beneath the surface of the earth.
Process
There are two different ways to create diamonds in the lab: Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT).
The chamber is then filled with a carbon-rich gas mixture such as Methane and these gases are then ionized into plasma by means of technology. The ionization breaks molecular bonds in gases and the diamond seeds slowly crystallize.
In the High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) process the diamond seed is exposed to extreme temperatures and pressure . As the carbon melts, a diamond forms around the seed. Once it has cooled, a diamond is created as beautiful as the one made in nature.
To learn more details see our section on How Lab Created Diamonds are Made.
Difference
Why are lab created diamonds considered ethical?
After all, there are many reasons why laboratory-grown diamonds are even a better alternative and are considered ethical luxury. In addition to all their unparalleled beauty, they are much more environmentally friendly than their equivalents from mining – it's impossible not to appreciate them.
We have a wide selection of loose diamonds for you to browse. You're just one click away from finding beautiful and earth-friendly gems for your loved ones.
There are two different ways to create diamonds in the lab:
Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)
When it comes to Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), a tiny "seed" diamond used in chemical vapor deposition is heated to a high temperature inside a tightly closed chamber.
The chamber is then filled with a carbon-rich gas mixture and starts multiple chemical processes, making it possible for pure carbon to adhere to the diamond seed. In the end, you get a real diamond, with a process of a couple of months instead of a million years.
A CVD diamond is one which begins as a thin diamond seed slice that’s originally an HPHT created diamond. This diamond seed is positioned inside a closed cavity and heated up to 800 degrees. This cavity is filled up with carbon-rich gases such as Methane. These gases are then ionized into plasma by means of technology. The ionization breaks molecular bonds in gases and the diamond seeds slowly crystallize.
High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT).
Regarding the High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT), the process is different but also a way of simulating the earth's natural process of forming mineral diamonds.
The diamond seed is exposed to extreme temperatures and pressure in this case. As the carbon melts, a diamond forms around the seed. The diamond is then created once it has cooled, as beautiful as the one from nature.
It uses any of the three manufacturing processes including the cubic press, a belt press, and a split-sphere press. These procedures are meant to form an environment of exceptionally high temperature and pressure which is favorable to the growth of diamonds.
We have a content with more details if you wish to learn more about these 2 processes.
There are two different ways to create diamonds in the lab:
Ethical
Because Lab Grown Diamonds are man-made in a lab, they are conflict free and socially responsible.
Beauty & Quality
Lab Grown Diamonds have the same physical, chemical and optical properties as mined diamonds.
Value
Lab Grown Diamonds offer excellent value and are more affordable than natural diamonds of comparable size and quality.
Lab Created Diamonds vs Mined Diamonds
| Compare the Differences | Mined Diamond | Lab-Created Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Is It considered a Diamond? |  |
|
| Chemical Composition | |
|
| Source | The Earth | A Laboratory |
| Time Taken to Create | 1 to 3 Billion Years | Several Weeks to Months |
| Independently Created | |
|
| 100% Conflict-Free | Depends on Source | |
| Does it test as a real diamond vs simulated diamond? | |
|
| Price Compassion (of compactable quality and size & quality) | $$$$ | $$ |
| Compare the Differences | Mined Diamond | Lab-Created Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Is It considered a Diamond? | |
|
| Chemical Composition | |
|
| Source | The Earth | A Laboratory |
| Time Taken to Create | 1 to 3 Billion Years | Several Weeks to Months |
| Independently Created | |
|
| 100% Conflict-Free | Depends on Source | |
| Does it test as a real diamond vs simulated diamond? | |
|
| Price Compassion (of compactable quality and size & quality) | $$$$ | $$ |
As previously said, diamonds made in the laboratory have the main difference in their form ation. Still, this distinction is already a significant benefit over minerals, and it implies a variety of qualities.
Our Lab Grown Diamonds display the same physical, chemical and optical characteristics as natural diamonds and exhibit the same fire, scintillation and sparkle. Using a loupe, man-made diamonds are nearly impossible to differentiate from natural diamonds.
Lab Grown Diamonds may exhibit different trace elements than natural diamonds that do not affect the overall appearance of the diamonds.
- Lab Grown Diamonds can be distinguished from natural diamonds only with tests using specialized equipment. Lab Grown Diamonds available for purchase should always come with a gem certification identifying them as Lab Grown.
- Because they are made in laboratories, there is no need to extract diamonds from nature, making them a modern luxury, ethical, and stunning eco-friendly alternative to mined diamonds.
- In addition to being a better option for the planet, man-made diamonds are also an option that works better for your budget because they cost 50% less than minerals with the same appearance.
- It also means that you can get twice the size of the diamond by spending the same amount – turning them into wonderful pieces for you and future generations!
Grading Certificate
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds in every sense. All the physical, chemical, optical, and atomic properties of a Lab Grown Diamond are identical to those of a naturally mined one.
Thus, they are also graded by certified gemological institutes on the 4 Cs used for grading naturally mined diamonds. It means that each diamond's parameters, including its color grade, carat weight, clarity grade, and cut grade, are verified by a diamond certificate.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the American Gem Society (AGS), and principally the International Gemological Institute (IGI) are the most well-known grading laboratories that provide that kind of certificate.
Our Certificate
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds in every sense. All the physical, chemical, optical, and atomic properties of a Lab Grown Diamond are identical to those of a naturally mined one.
Thus, they are also graded by certified gemological institutes on the 4 Cs used for grading naturally mined diamonds. It means that each diamond's parameters, including its color grade, carat weight, clarity grade, and cut grade, are verified by a diamond certificate.
TThe Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the American Gem Society (AGS), and, principally, the International Gemological Institute (IGI) are the most well-known grading laboratories that provide that kind of certification.
