What Is A Lab Grown Diamond?

Lab-grown diamonds are an ecologically friendly and economical alternative to natural diamonds. They are sourced ethically, priced at a lower price point, and have the same physical, chemical and optical properties as a mined diamond. 

Being the ‘Real’ diamonds they are, lab-created diamonds have successfully disrupted the traditional diamond industry in the last few decades. Many consumers choose lab-grown diamonds over natural diamonds because of their ethical origin and cost-effectiveness while not having to miss out on the elegance and timeless beauty a diamond promises. 

One reassuring fact about lab-created diamonds is that they also score 10 on Moh’s scale, similar to the mined diamonds, signifying similar optical, chemical, and physical properties. 

The point of origin is one major difference that sets lab-created diamonds apart from natural diamonds. The lab-grown diamonds are neither mined from deep within the Earth and are neither billions of years old.

With the growing consciousness among modern consumers about sustainability and ethical sourcing, it’s no wonder that the demand and popularity of lab-created diamonds have been surging in recent times. 

Whether you’re looking for lab-made diamond rings or any other type of diamond jewelry, rest assured, lab-created diamond jewelry will look just as beautiful, stunning, and elegant.

The History and Evolution of Lab-Grown Diamonds

The best way to answer – what a lab-grown diamond is – is to dive into the history of how the lab-grown diamonds came into existence. 

Understanding the history of cultivated diamonds will help you better understand the dynamics of lab-created diamonds and assist you with making an informed decision about why you should choose lab-grown diamonds.

Shaping The Diamond Industry

If you’re in the market to buy diamond jewellery, you’ll come across a wide range of options at different price points. From diamond simulants to fake and natural diamonds to lab-grown diamonds, you have a vast array of options available. 

Doing due diligence and research is essential if you opt for natural diamonds. This is because conflicts and controversies have surrounded the sourcing of mined diamonds for ages. 

Many diamond companies claim their diamonds are ethically sourced and conflict-free, but that’s not always true. If you’re concerned about the origin and ethics of how the diamonds that adorn your beauty are sourced, check and verify the company’s claim before purchasing. 

The better and more modern alternative to mined diamonds is lab-created diamonds, where you don’t have to worry about ethical sourcing, exorbitant pricing or authenticity. 

These reasons collectively symbolize lab-grown diamonds as the future of the diamond industry, reshaping the otherwise traditional diamond realm.

Brief History of Lab-Grown Diamonds

The fact that diamonds are made of pure carbon was first discovered in the year 1797. This marked the beginning of the race towards creating synthetic diamonds among scientists from different parts of the world. 

Since then, many attempts were made to create diamonds artificially in a laboratory. In 1954, GE finally accomplished its mission of creating synthetic diamonds through a project called Superpressure. 

Scientists tried various methods to create lab diamonds, including using a high-pressure belt press in which minuscule seed carbon crystals were subjected to high pressure of 100,000 atm and temperatures of 1,600 degrees Celsius. 

Graphite, also a mineral made of pure carbon, was dissolved in other metals, such as nickel, cobalt and iron, to accelerate the process of diamond formation. 

The material made from this process had a Mohs hardness of 10 and replicated properties of natural diamonds, confirming what the scientists made was actually a diamond. 

The credit for this discovery was given to Howard Tracy Hall and Herbert Strong, who led the team at GE. 

It needs to be mentioned here that initially, the diamonds created using the Hall Belt Press were only suitable for industrial purposes until lab-grown diamonds were successfully made in 1971 after refining the original HPHT (High-Pressure, High-Temperature) process.

Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real?

Yes, lab diamonds or artificial diamonds, as many call them, are ‘real’ diamonds.  Lab-grown diamonds are neither fakes nor diamond simulants like Moissanite or CZ (cubic zirconia).

Once grown, the lab diamonds are cut and polished using the same tools as natural diamonds. 

In 2018, the FTC officially recognized lab diamonds as real diamonds.

Are Lab-Created Diamonds Recognizable?

No, you can’t distinguish between natural and lab-grown diamonds when you see them through the naked eye. However, professional gemologists use advanced tools to identify lab-grown and natural diamonds. 

Each of these diamonds has unique identifiers, which helps gemologists identify them. 

Natural diamonds usually show some feathering and clouds, whereas lab-grown diamonds may contain some metals. Often, grading reports are used to determine if the diamond is natural or artificial.

Should You Buy a Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Yes!

The lab-grown diamonds are as much ‘real’ as the natural diamonds, and even FTC has officially recognized lab-created diamonds as real.  

Whether you’re looking to buy a stunningly beautiful diamond pendant, ring, or any other type of jewelry for your loved one, choosing a lab-created diamond ring is a much more economical option.

Lab Grown Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds

There’s no difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds in aesthetics, allure, and brilliance. With that said, there are some differences worth noting!

Origin

Lab-grown diamonds are produced in a controlled setting in a laboratory. Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle over the course of billions of years.

Formation

Lab diamonds are created using advanced technologies, including high pressure, high temperature (HPHT), or chemical vapour deposition (CVD) methods. These processes mimic the high temperature and pressure similar to what’s found deep within the Earth, forming diamonds.

Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle, where carbon is subject to high pressure and temperature over billions of years, creating diamonds.

Environmental Impact

Manufacturing lab-created diamonds need a good amount of energy but leaves a relatively lower carbon footprint than what’s involved in mining natural diamonds. 

So, if you’re environmentally conscious, lab-grown diamonds are a more sustainable and affordable option.

Ethical Sourcing

It is a well-known fact that most diamonds aren’t always ethically sourced, making the term ‘conflict diamonds’ widespread in the diamond industry. 

Lab-grown diamonds are produced in licensed and registered modern laboratories using advanced machines and technologies, eliminating the possibility of any unethical practices involved in the process. This makes it nearly impossible to distrust the sourcing of lab-grown diamonds.

Price

Ideally, the cost of lab-grown diamonds is around 30 to 50 percent lower than that of natural diamonds.

As the natural diamonds are formed deep within Earth’s mantle over the period of billions of years, they’re priced a bit higher for their unique antiquity and rareness.

Final Thoughts

We hope this article answers your question: What is a lab-grown diamond? 

The diamond industry has witnessed many new trends coming and going over the past many decades. However, one can undoubtedly affirm that the dominance and popularity of lab-grown diamonds are here to stay. 

Lab-grown diamonds are sustainable, affordable, and ethical in their genuine sense without compromising on allure and elegance, making them the worthy torchbearer of the diamond industry’s future. 

At Donj Jewellery, we have an extensive collection of lab-grown diamond jewellery, including lab-made diamond rings, lab-grown diamond engagement rings, and more. 

With our exquisite collection of lab-grown diamond jewellery at Donj Jewellery, we aim to bring you the best of both worlds without burning a hole in your pocket or compromising the values you hold dear.

Indulge in opulent luxury in style and make a fashion statement by embracing lab-grown diamond jewelry.