Diamonds have become the hallmark stone of engagement and wedding rings across the globe. They have taken the world by storm and become the most popular gemstone in all categories. However, diamonds come at a hefty price as both their growing popularity and rarity contribute to the markup. So, it's no surprise that sociality would evolve and develop a way to manufacture these beautiful diamonds in a lab. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about lab-grown diamonds.
What defines a lab-grown diamond?
A Lab grown diamond has the exact same chemical composition and physical appearance as a mined diamond. Lab diamonds, also known as man-made diamonds, are created in a highly controlled laboratory where they are cultivated to experience the same process that a mined diamond would. These diamonds essentially get a mock experience of what it would be like to be developing in the Earth's mantle. It's important to know that lab-grown diamonds are indistinguishable from mined diamonds unless placed under special machinery. Without this machinery, even an expert-gemologists won't be able to tell the difference.
How are they made? (step by step)
- Lab diamonds actually start their life just like a lot of living things do, with a seed! First, a lab-grown diamond begins as a carbon seed. Many of these seeds are then placed into a high-pressure and high-temperature vacuum chamber.
- Plasma Time! After the seeds are placed in the chamber a very high-temperature plasma ball is created. This plasma is basically gas heated to such an extreme temperature that it shifts states. Just like water boils to gas, gas can be heated up into a plasma.
- After being heated even further, methane and hydrogen gases are introduced into the vacuum chamber which then stick to the seeds. Then after 3-4 weeks, the diamond will form.
- The diamonds are logged and monitored by professionals to find the right time to remove the stone from the chamber
- The diamonds come out of the chamber in cubes which are then cut to take the shape of the diamond we recognize today.
- The last step is to put the diamond on a ring and admire its flawless beauty.
Lab-Grown Diamonds vs Mined Diamonds
The difference between lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds tend to waver new diamond buyers. Mined diamonds are seen as “familiar” and generally “more trustworthy”. However, lab-grown diamonds are becoming common practice and are miles more trustworthy than people may think. Plus, lab diamonds and mined diamonds are exactly the same. The only difference between the two is their origin. They will test the same, look the same, and feel the same. In my opinion, I think they even look better as they can be made with fewer inclusions.
Lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds share many similarities in their physical properties, but there are also some key differences between the two. Here's a breakdown of their similarities and differences:
Physical Properties:
Lab-grown diamonds are made of the same material as mined diamonds, which is crystallized carbon. They have the same physical properties, including their hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), specific gravity (3.52), and refractive index (2.42).
Durability:
Both lab-grown and mined diamonds are incredibly durable and can withstand daily wear and tear without scratching or breaking. They are both also resistant to heat and chemicals.
Value:
One of the main differences between lab-grown and mined diamonds is their value. Mined diamonds are rare and take billions of years to form deep beneath the earth's surface. As a result, they are more valuable than lab-grown diamonds, which can be produced in a matter of weeks or months.
However, it's important to note that lab-grown diamonds are still valuable in their own right, especially since they are chemically and physically identical to mined diamonds. In recent years, the demand for lab-grown diamonds has been increasing as consumers become more aware of their environmental and ethical benefits.
Price:
As a result of the differences in rarity, lab-grown diamonds are generally less expensive than mined diamonds. The price of a lab-grown diamond will depend on its size, quality, and color, but they can cost anywhere from 20-40% less than a mined diamond of the same quality.
Color:
Both lab-grown and mined diamonds can come in a range of colors, from colorless to yellow, pink, blue, and even black. However, lab-grown diamonds can be produced in a wider range of colors more easily than mined diamonds, which are more rare in certain colors.
Conclusion:
In summary, lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds share many similarities in their physical properties and durability. However, mined diamonds are more valuable due to their rarity, while lab-grown diamonds are more affordable and offer environmental and ethical benefits. Both types of diamonds have their own unique characteristics and can be a great choice depending on individual preferences and priorities.
Possible drawbacks (not negatives) of getting a lab diamond
If you are worried if there are any drawbacks to getting a lab-grown diamond instead of a mined diamond, you might be in luck because the drawbacks are minimal. The main drawback of getting a lab diamond instead of a mined diamond is its low resell value. If you for some reason need to resell the lab diamond you will come out at a loss. However, I find this problem very minimal. The only time you would need to resell a diamond is if you and your significant other have a falling out and you take the ring back. In this unfortunate scenario you might come out at a loss, but it's not even as close to the loss of your relationship. Plus, the reason the diamonds are resold for cheaper is that they sell for cheaper prices when brand new.
Note: Some people perceive lab-grown diamonds as fake and cheap (though this is slowly diminishing). This is because most people haven't become fully accustomed to the foreign process yet and have thus created a farce that they are lesser than mined diamonds. Don't let these people get to you. Show them this article and it might banish their grievances.
List of benefits of getting a lab-grown diamond.
- A wallet saver: These diamonds will save you a lot more money than people expect as lab-grown diamonds tend to be 30-40 percent less expensive than mined diamonds.
- Fewer inclusions! The diamond will have fewer flaws and blemishes that may cloud your brilliance.
- Fancy Diamonds: My personal favorite benefit to getting a lab diamond is that you can get a colored diamond for budget friendly. Don't get me wrong, fancy diamonds can be expensive no matter the origin, but they are less expensive when grown in the lab. This is because diamonds are a lot easier to grow in a lab than to get lucky and find one while mining in Botswana. So, go get your finance that sky blue diamond they have always wanted without burning too big of a hole in your wallet.
- Environmentally Sustainable: Lab-grown diamonds are considered sustainable as they are not mined from the earth. Plus, their origins are tracked and monitored so you can rest easy that it's not a conflict diamond*.
- Higher beauty: Scientifically, lab diamonds are seen as more “beautiful” as they have a higher purity than mined diamonds. However, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and someone might see something that has more flaws and natural aspects are prettier, such as mined diamonds. Personally, I think diamonds that are created under a scientifically perfected process are becoming the keystone to the future of diamond brilliance.
Lab-grown diamond certification and grading process:
Lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds undergo the same grading process. For example, two diamonds that have the same cut, clarity, color, and carat but have different origins, one born in a lab diamond while the other is a mined diamond, will both have the same GIA rating. Lab diamonds won't be graded higher than mined diamonds, but more lab diamonds have a higher rating as they have slim to no impurities.
Fun fact:
Diamonds grown in the lab are generated much quicker than mined diamonds. A single mined diamond takes between 1 and 4 billion years to form, while it takes only take a few weeks or months for a lab-grown diamond to form.
Index:
*Conflict diamond: diamonds used and sold for funding or supporting an invading war effort.