Laboratory-Grown Diamonds: A Modern Marvel
Lab-cultivated diamonds stand as authentic counterparts to earth-mined diamonds, exhibiting identical physical and chemical properties alongside official diamond certifications. These lab-grown gems serve as near-perfect replicas of natural diamonds, prompting the question: What sets them apart?
Are lab diamonds considered genuine diamonds?
Diamonds, renowned for their brilliance, durability, and association with engagement rings, were historically sourced exclusively from the earth. However, the landscape has evolved, with lab-grown diamonds gaining prominence in recent years. Are these lab-grown diamonds truly on par with their mined counterparts in terms of authenticity? Despite being cultivated in a controlled environment, lab diamonds mirror the chemical composition of mined diamonds, establishing them as 100% authentic. The growing allure of lab-grown diamonds is reshaping the perception of this classic gemstone, offering a contemporary interpretation of a timeless beauty. While created under controlled conditions, these gems retain the intrinsic value and authenticity inherent in their mined counterparts.
Still seeking clarity? Consider the distinction between natural and lab diamonds as akin to ice. Natural diamonds are akin to ice formed naturally in your driveway after a winter storm or hail, whereas lab diamonds are comparable to the ice cubes in your freezer. While chemically identical, one is naturally occurring and rare to procure, while the other is man-made and readily available. It may be astonishing to realise that natural diamonds predate their lab-grown counterparts by billions of years. Let's delve into the nuances of lab versus natural diamonds, navigating the realm of precious gems as a passionate connoisseur.
Exploring the Origin of Diamonds
Natural Diamonds
Who enjoys intense pressure, extreme heat, and enduringly long periods of waiting? Certainly not us - but diamonds thrive in these harsh conditions! The natural diamonds available in today's market were actually forged within the Earth's crust over a billion years ago, undergoing tremendous heat and pressure that transformed carbon into exquisite diamonds. Subsequently propelled towards the surface through volcanic kimberlite pipes, these diamonds are later excavated, meticulously cut, and presented for sale. A remarkable display of Mother Earth's scientific prowess, indeed. Presently, the majority of mined diamonds originate from regions in Africa, Canada, Russia, and Australia.
Reflecting on the arduous journey a natural diamond embarks on to become a cherished piece of jewelry is undeniably romantic! It comes as no surprise that many couples are still drawn to the allure of natural diamonds.
Lab-Created Diamonds
The term "lab-created diamonds" encapsulates all essential information: these diamonds are meticulously crafted within a controlled laboratory environment, using precise conditions and cutting-edge technology. Skilled artisans employ either HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) or CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) methods to replicate the natural diamond formation process within a lab setting.
HPHT, or 'High Pressure, High Temperature,' expedites the natural diamond formation process by several billion years. Envision carbon subjected to intense heat and pressure, resulting in a diamond-like structure—that's the essence of HPHT. While this process demands significant energy, the outcome is a lab-created diamond that has withstood conditions akin to those of a natural stone.
CVD, also referred to as 'Chemical Vapor Deposition,' commences with a diamond seed crystal placed in a chamber saturated with carbon-rich gases, typically hydrogen and methane. It may sound like the work of a brilliant scientist, doesn't it? By elevating the temperature and energising the gases, molecular bonds are broken down, enabling carbon to crystallise around the seed crystal. CVD has emerged as the preferred method for diamond creation due to its cost-effectiveness and ability to yield high-quality stones.
Comparing Appearance and Quality
Can you distinguish between lab-grown and natural diamonds based on their visual characteristics? Are they graded differently? The unequivocal answer to both inquiries is a resounding "Nope!".
Is it possible to discern lab-grown diamonds from natural diamonds?
Lab-grown and natural diamonds exhibit identical appearances, making it virtually impossible even for a seasoned gemologist to differentiate between the two with the naked eye. To distinguish between lab-grown and natural diamonds, one must refer to the stone's grading report or, in certain instances, scrutinise the inclusions under a powerful microscope. The carbon structures of lab-grown and natural diamonds are indistinguishable, rendering them virtually identical in every aspect, from their dazzling sparkle to their meticulously arranged atoms.
The 4Cs of Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds
Due to their identical physical and chemical properties, lab-grown diamonds are assessed using the same grading criteria applied to natural diamonds.
Cut
The cut of a diamond holds paramount importance in determining its quality, as it plays a pivotal role in enhancing light reflection and refraction for optimal sparkle. Skilled artisans can fashion lab-grown diamonds into various shapes and cuts, yielding results comparable to those of mined diamonds.
Given their typically more uniform rough form, lab-grown diamonds often exhibit fewer inclusions compared to natural diamonds. This characteristic facilitates the optimisation of their cut to yield larger diamonds with exceptional fire, brilliance, and scintillation. In contrast, natural diamonds may contain inclusions that faceters must navigate around. Despite this, natural diamonds can achieve top-tier cut grades, with an excellent-cut natural stone radiating as brilliantly as its lab-grown counterpart. The distinction lies in the additional effort required to achieve this level of brilliance.
Fun Fact: The round brilliant cut reigns as the most popular shape for both lab-grown and natural diamonds due to its ability to maximise brilliance and scintillation.
Clarity
Both lab-grown and natural diamonds are graded using the same clarity scale, ranging from Flawless (F) to Included (I1-I3). Controlled laboratory conditions often result in higher clarity grades for lab-grown diamonds compared to their natural counterparts. While it is possible to find natural diamonds with exceptional clarity grades, they are relatively rare and command a higher price.
The formation process of lab-grown diamonds generates inclusions that differ from those found in natural stones. Lab-grown diamonds may exhibit small metallic or graphite inclusions, whereas natural diamonds can showcase a diverse array of inclusions ranging from tiny crystals of garnet or sapphire to fractures in their carbon structure. However, both lab-grown and natural diamonds can be obtained in eye-clean quality. Although lab-grown diamonds are more likely to be free of visible inclusions, high-quality natural diamonds are also pristine to the naked eye.
Color
Similar to clarity, lab-grown and natural diamonds are graded for color using the same scale, extending from D (Colourless) to Z (Faint Color). Both types of diamonds can exhibit colourless or near-colourless characteristics, with coloured lab-grown diamonds available in hues that mirror those found in natural diamonds, including pink, blue, yellow, and more.
Did You Know? The rarest natural diamond color is red, with red diamonds being so scarce that no major labs reported or graded any between 1957 and 1987! Today, both natural and lab-grown diamonds can undergo treatments to replicate this fiery hue.
Given their grading on identical scales, a lab-grown diamond with a D color grade will exhibit the same level of colourlessness as a natural diamond of equivalent quality.
Carat
Surprisingly, lab-grown diamonds can attain sizes comparable to those of natural diamonds. HPHT diamonds can grow as large as 10 carats, while CVD diamonds can reach sizes ranging from 6 to 9 carats. Nevertheless, this still does not surpass the potential for natural diamonds to achieve extraordinary sizes over their billion-year formation process. For instance, the "Cullinan I" diamond boasts an astounding weight of 530 carats!
While acquiring a diamond of such magnitude may not be within everyone's reach (with a price tag of a mere $400 million), it remains remarkable to acknowledge the minimal constraints on lab-grown diamonds in replicating the characteristics of natural diamonds. The 1 to 3 carat range remains popular for both natural and lab-grown diamonds, with lab-grown stones offering a more cost-effective option.
Additional Considerations When Choosing Between Lab-Created and Natural Diamonds
While lab-created and natural diamonds share identical physical, chemical, and visual characteristics, there are several other factors to contemplate beyond mere aesthetics:
Price and Value
Let's address the elephant in the room: lab-created diamonds typically cost 60-80% less than their natural counterparts of comparable quality. The streamlined production process of lab diamonds results in lower costs, directly influencing their pricing. For example, a 1-carat natural diamond may range from $4000 to $9000, whereas a lab-created diamond of equal quality can be acquired for approximately $450 to $1200.
The affordability of lab-created diamonds opens up a realm of possibilities, allowing for elaborate settings with side stones or the option to opt for a larger diamond at a lower price point. However, if your heart is set on a timeless diamond solitaire, a natural diamond might be the ideal choice for you.
In terms of long-term value and potential resale, natural diamonds hold a slight edge. With the expanding supply of lab-created diamonds and the advancement of production techniques leading to decreasing prices, the value of lab-created stones may diminish over time. Conversely, natural diamonds are more likely to retain 50%-100% of their value within the same timeframe.
It's important to note that the resale value factor may be insignificant if you plan to pass down your ring as a family heirloom. However, if you envision upgrading or selling your ring in the future, this aspect is worth considering.
Durability
When considering the durability of lab-created versus natural diamonds, their identical physical and chemical composition ensures equal resilience. Gemologists assess durability using the Mohs scale of hardness, which ranges from 0 (the most delicate) to 10 (the hardest). Both lab-grown and natural diamonds boast a perfect 10 rating, signifying their ability to withstand daily wear effortlessly.
Given the exceptional scratch resistance of both types of diamonds, concerns about accidental encounters with hard surfaces are minimised. While proper care of your diamond jewelry remains important, rest assured that both lab-grown and natural diamonds are well-equipped to endure the rigours of everyday wear with grace.
Sustainability
Acknowledging the environmental impact and ethical considerations associated with traditional diamond mining, many individuals seek alternatives. While progress has been made in mitigating the adverse effects of mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds offer a sustainable and ethical choice for those prioritising responsible sourcing.
Lab-grown diamonds exhibit a significantly reduced carbon footprint, requiring less energy and water during production. This emphasis on sustainability translates into a more environmentally friendly option and supports favourable working conditions throughout the diamond creation process. Opting for a lab-grown diamond ensures a guilt-free and ethically sourced stone, aligning with conscientious consumer values.
At Mia and Stela Jewelry, we hold a deep appreciation for natural diamonds and exclusively offer conflict-free stones sourced from suppliers adhering to the Kimberley Process. Established in 2003, this initiative aims to eradicate the financing of civil conflicts through diamond sales in Africa and globally.
You can contact us and find out more information about the Select your stone process on our Bespoke page.
Lab-Created versus Natural Diamonds: a personal choice
When it comes down to the choice between lab-created and natural diamonds, the key factor to consider is which option aligns best with your preferences. Remarkably similar in appearance, these two variants are virtually indistinguishable to the untrained eye. While some admire the intricate natural processes that mold genuine diamonds over time, others appreciate the allure of diamonds crafted through human innovation, offering a sustainable alternative with minimal environmental impact.
If you are not sure about whether a diamond is the ideal gemstone for you, rest assured that there exists a multitude of captivating diamond alternatives that may resonate with you even more. Some people may choose a stone according to their birth sign, others might want to choose a shade that matches their eye color. Whatever your wish is, at Mia and Stela Jewelry we have created a personalised consultation process to assist you in discovering the perfect gemstone that speaks to your individual style and values. Feel free to contact us and get started.
