Explore the Meaning Behind Lab-Grown Diamonds
Over the years, lab growndiamonds are also called man-made diamonds or engineered diamonds. They have continued to enjoy more popularity and on many occasions, are now being used instead of mined diamonds.
Lab grown diamonds have arisen to meet the demand for elegant diamond jewelry and are especially popular among the younger generation who are always seeking to try more eccentric and modern pieces.
This group is also known to be gradually ditching natural diamonds because of environmental concerns and sensitivity towards practices that are considered not eco-friendly such as mining.
What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds as the name suggests are diamonds that are grown in the laboratory under controlled conditions, using high-level technology.
However, based on the method of production, lab growndiamonds can be classified into two groups,
- Diamonds produced through Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)
- Diamonds are produced through the high-pressure, high-temperature system (HPHT).
Under the HPHT method, a small piece of natural diamond is subjected to high temperature and pressure which causes the carbon to start melting around the small diamond, consequently resulting in a bigger diamond as it cools.
The CVD method also begins with a small diamond, subjected to high temperature and pressure within a sealed chamber. The activities within the chamber break down the glasses, which then allows pure carbon to stick to the small diamond seed.
The whole point is to mimic the conditions that exist below the earth’s crust and cause the chemicals to react in the same way as they do in the natural setting and consequently produce the same result.
Lab grown diamonds are neither fake nor inferior to mined diamonds. They are physically, chemically, and optically identical to mined diamonds and emit the same brilliance, fire, and sparkle. Sometimes they turn out even more beautiful due to perfectly manipulated conditions.
How Lab Created Diamonds Differ From Natural Diamonds
The only difference between lab grown diamonds and mined diamonds is the location where they’re formed. While mined diamonds are formed within the mantle, under the earth’s crust, lab grown diamonds are created in laboratories under controlled environmental conditions.
Lab grown diamonds are just as valuable and certified as mined diamonds, provided they meet the same quality standards. As it turns out, there is no real difference between lab grown diamonds and mined diamonds. They both undergo the same certification process – they need to be certified as being of high quality and meeting all the standards required for diamond production.
In fact, many people believe that lab grown diamonds may even be better than mined diamonds because they’re not subject to the environmental challenges that come with mining.
Why You Should Choose Lab Grown Diamonds
As the desire for diamond jewelry keeps growing, engineered diamonds keep finding their way into the collection of more people, largely due to their unique features and ease of procurement.
And so, here are 6 reasons why you should choose lab grown diamond jewelry over natural diamonds.
1. Lab Diamonds Are Inexpensive
Unlike natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds do not take several years to produce. Also, it costs much more to get natural diamonds to the market than is required for Lab grown diamonds.
These factors account for price differences, which is why Lab grown diamonds generally retail for 30 to 40% less than mined or natural diamonds, and considering that you get the same quality of the gems, it makes economic sense.
2. Lab-Created Diamonds and Mined Diamonds Look the Same
Contrary to the erroneous opinion that Lab grown diamonds are synthetic or fake, they are not different from mined or natural diamonds.
The materials and procedures that produce both diamonds are the same, with both involving the bonding of carbon crystals under high temperature and pressure and so the results are the same.
A lot of the elegant diamond engagement rings in the market today are made from lab grown diamonds and they are just as beautiful and perfect as those made from natural diamonds.
3. Lab Grown Diamonds are Environment-Friendly
The chemical processes involved in the mining of natural diamonds can cause significant disturbance and injury to the environment.
In contrast, Lab grown diamonds are manufactured using fewer resources and processes, and these activities are kept within the confines of the laboratory, thereby minimizing environmental impact.
This is one of the strongest reasons behind the growing popularity of lab grown diamonds in the market.
4. Lab Grown Diamonds Are Better in Clarity
Lab grown diamonds are better than traditional diamonds because they have a higher clarity. They’re also less likely to contain impurities and to look imperfect.
This is thanks to the way that diamond factories work. Traditional diamond production involves heating and pressure-rating rocks until they become diamonds. This process creates lots of tiny defects, which can cause your diamond to have a low clarity or even be non-existent.
Lab grown diamonds, on the other hand, are made using a different method – a high-pressure chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. The result is a much higher level of clarity than traditional Diamonds, as well as fewer imperfections.
They are also easy to maintain, convenient to clean, and long-lasting. You can complement your look for a business dinner with a classic pair of white studs or a souffle pink pendant when you want to add a splash of color.
5. Lab grown Diamonds are Conflict-free
Where natural diamonds come from is a source of concern for a lot of people. There is increasing uncertainty about the humanitarian and environmental consequences of natural diamond mining processes.
Many people do not want to be associated with diamonds from war-torn zones or places where human labor is being abused or treated poorly.
As these issues continue to come up more frequently, jewelers are tasked with the duty to affirm that their natural diamonds are ethically mined.
Lab grown diamonds on the other hand are free from these conflicts, being manufactured by skilled and qualified professionals, with no question about their source.
6. More Unique Colors
Colors that are hardly found in naturally mined diamonds can be created in the laboratory, making it easier to get unique and desirable pieces. The colors are made by using different techniques to alter the crystal structure of the lab grown diamond. The most common colors are yellow, blue, black, and pink.
So if you’re looking to get diamond pendants, bracelets, and earrings in unique colors that blend perfectly with your outfits and reflect your personality and lifestyle, lab grown diamonds are the smart choice.
Conclusion
Lab grown diamonds are taken through the same grading and certification process as natural diamonds. They are sent to independent gem labs who then certify that they have met the standards, so rest assured that every piece of lab grown diamond you pick is of top quality and as special as natural diamonds.
So feel free and confident to gift yourself or someone special a unique and stunning piece of lab grown diamond jewelry.