Lab Grown Diamonds Guide
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Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds produced in a controlled laboratory setting. Chemically, physically, and optically, lab diamonds are identical to natural diamonds, with the same hardness, brilliance, and fire. Unlike natural diamonds that form over billions of years deep within the Earth’s mantle, lab diamonds can be created in just weeks to months.
Lab diamonds start as tiny carbon seeds from pre-existing diamonds. There are two primary techniques used to create lab diamonds: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).
Both methods simulate part of the natural diamond-forming process, resulting in high-quality diamonds that are identical to mined diamonds in every way. After several days, a rough diamond is created, then cut, polished, and set in jewelry. Both methods yield real diamonds with no differences in durability or quality, differing only in growth patterns and production time.
With the naked eye, it’s impossible to differentiate between natural diamonds, HPHT lab diamonds, and CVD lab diamonds; only experts can identify subtle markers related to growth patterns.
Yes, lab grown diamonds are as real as natural diamonds are. There are many misconceptions about lab diamonds, a few of the most common being:
The only real difference between lab and natural diamonds is their origin: lab diamonds are grown in laboratory settings, while natural diamonds form deep within the Earth. Otherwise, lab diamonds are identical to natural diamonds and 100% real.
Here’s how a lab grown diamond and a natural diamond compare:
| Lab Diamond | Natural Diamond | |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | 10 on the Mohs scale | 10 on the Mohs scale |
| Brilliance | Refractive index ranges from 2.417 to 2.419 | Refractive index ranges from 2.417 to 2.419 |
| Color | Primarily colorless, but can also occur in many color options that are often more vivid than natural options | Primarily colorless, but can also occur in many color options including pink, blue, and yellow |
| Grading | Graded on cut, color, clarity, and carat | Graded on cut, color, clarity, and carat |
| Certification | Certified by reputable gemological institutions | Certified by reputable gemological institutions |
| Origin | Grown in controlled laboratories over several days to weeks, then cut and polished | Formed deep in Earth over billions of years, mined, cut, and polished |
| Rarity | Can be produced in increasing quantities as technology advances | Limited quantities based on geological conditions |
| Price | Lower cost due to availability | Higher cost due to mining and rarity |
To the naked eye, lab grown and natural diamonds are indistinguishable. Only gemologists can detect the following minor differences using specialized, high magnification equipment:
Do you think you can tell the difference between lab grown and natural diamonds just by looking? Test your eye with these six side-by-side diamond images and see how well you do.
Could you tell that the center diamond in the top row and the left diamond in the bottom row are natural diamonds? The other four diamonds are lab grown. Most people find it nearly impossible to distinguish between lab grown and natural diamonds with just their eyes. This similarity is part of what makes both options so appealing.
Lab grown diamonds are a compelling option for those looking to purchase fine jewelry — these benefits explain why.
Both lab grown and natural diamonds undergo the same grading and certification process from reputable gemological labs, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI). The certification process for lab grown diamonds grades quality while ensuring authenticity. A certified lab diamond has undergone an evaluation by a recognized gemological laboratory like IGI or GIA. These gemological laboratories use specialized equipment to grade the diamond’s quality and verify authenticity, while detailing its cut, color, clarity, carat weight, and other unique characteristics or treatments so buyers have accurate information about their diamond.
Neither lab grown nor natural diamond is inherently better. The choice between lab grown and natural diamonds ultimately depends on your personal values and priorities:
Whether you choose a lab grown diamond or a natural diamond, you’re selecting a timeless gem that’s beautiful and brilliant.
The only difference between lab grown and natural diamonds is origin: lab grown diamonds are created in laboratories, while natural diamonds are mined from the Earth.
Lab diamonds cost less than natural diamonds because they can be produced on demand, while natural diamonds are a limited resource.
Comparing the ethics of lab grown and natural diamonds involves weighing their distinct impacts:
Yes, lab grown diamonds are as hard as natural diamonds, with a rating of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. This hardness makes both lab grown and natural diamonds highly resistant to scratching and ideal for long-lasting jewelry.
Yes,lab diamonds will test as real diamondsbecause they have the same chemical composition as natural diamonds.
Lab diamonds match natural diamonds in brilliance, durability, and quality, making them an excellent choice for those looking for a genuine diamond at a more affordable price.
Yes, lab diamonds are chemically, optically, and physically the same as natural diamonds. The only difference is their origin.
Most jewelers cannot tell the difference between lab created and natural diamonds without specialized tools. Gemologists use advanced equipment, like UV light and high-magnification microscopes, to detect growth characteristics unique to lab diamonds.
Earrings
