Lab-grown diamonds are just like natural diamonds in every way—optically, chemically, and physically. These stunning gems, identical to their natural counterparts which formed deep within the Earth billions of years ago, are virtually indistinguishable once they’re cut and polished.
In fact, only trained experts with advanced tools can tell them apart. They’re evaluated using the same criteria as natural diamonds, known as the 4Cs: carat, color, clarity, and cut. Let’s know everything there is to know about lab grown diamonds.
What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?
A lab-grown diamond is just as real as one that comes from the earth, but instead, it’s crafted in a lab over several weeks using one of two advanced growth techniques.
The first technique, known as High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT), mimics the intense conditions found deep within the earth during the supercontinent cycle, which is how natural diamonds formed over billions of years.
The second technique, Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), involves heating hydrocarbon gas until it turns into plasma, which breaks down the carbon atoms and allows them to build a lab-grown diamond crystal, layer by layer.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real?
Absolutely! Lab-grown diamonds are as real as diamonds can get. They’re not just simulants like cubic zirconia or Moissanite; they’re genuine diamonds, not “fakes” at all. Aside from some minor differences in carbon structure, they’re chemically the same as natural diamonds.
The only real distinction is that they haven’t been around for billions of years. These diamonds are created in factories through advanced chemical processes that take about 1 to 4 weeks. Once they’re ready, they’re polished using the same tools and sold just like natural diamonds.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Synthetic?
Technically yes. lab grown diamonds are created using chemical synthesis, but the FTC considers that term confusing. This is logical, since water is technically H2O, but in a restaurant we ask for “water.” So, while you may see the term synthetic diamond in science journals and research papers, the diamond and jewelry industries widely use the term “lab grown diamond.”
Do Lab Grown Diamonds look the same?
Absolutely! Lab-grown diamonds share the same refractive index and optical properties as their natural counterparts. They’re even graded on the same color and clarity scales.
While seasoned gemologists and jewelers might spot certain traits that indicate a lab-grown origin, to the untrained eye, these diamonds look just like natural ones. You really can’t tell them apart without expert analysis and some high-tech tools!
Is Lab Grown Diamond jewelry less expensive?
Absolutely! Lab grown diamonds and lab diamond jewelry are typically priced much lower than their natural counterparts. The idea of accelerating change suggests that as technology advances, producing lab-grown diamonds could become even more affordable.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Eco-Friendly?
No, the truth is that most lab-grown diamonds aren’t exactly sustainable. The processes involved in creating them, like the presses and reactors, consume a massive amount of energy, and unfortunately, many of these operations rely on fossil fuels. So, terms like “sustainable,” “green,” and “eco-friendly” don’t really fit with lab-grown diamonds at this point.
However, there are a few producers out there who are using renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power to create what they call “sustainable” lab-grown diamonds. These producers usually have certifications from third-party sustainability auditors to back up their claims. If you’re on the hunt for eco-friendly gemstones, make sure to look for that kind of proof in your search!
How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Made?
Lab Grown Diamonds are essentially diamonds that are crafted in controlled lab settings through two main methods. One method mimics the intense pressure and heat that natural diamonds experience over millions of years, while the other uses energy to build diamond crystals, atom by atom.
Once they’re cut and polished, these lab-grown diamonds are chemically and physically identical to their mined counterparts, showcasing the same sparkle, brilliance, and cutting precision. The key difference? It all comes down to their origin and the speed of creation—lab-grown diamonds can be produced in just weeks, whereas natural diamonds take eons to form deep underground.
Are There Fake Lab Grown Diamonds as Well?
For sure. There are numerous knock offs of lab grown diamonds. A fake lab grown diamond isn’t really a diamond at all. It’s actually an imitation stone crafted to resemble a diamond. You’ll often find materials like cubic zirconia and moissanite being used for these imitations.
While they can look quite similar to a diamond at first glance, they don’t possess the unique qualities that make real diamonds special. That’s why it’s so important to know the differences, so you don’t end up getting tricked or scammed when you’re shopping for one.
Key Differences Between Real and Fake Lab Grown Diamonds
Telling apart a genuine lab-grown diamond from a fake one can be quite tricky. Here are a few key traits to consider:
- Composition and Hardness: When it comes to composition and hardness, real diamonds—whether they’re mined from the earth or lab-grown—are made up of pure carbon and score a perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which measures mineral hardness from 1 (the softest) to 10 (the hardest). On the other hand, simulants like cubic zirconia are a bit softer, typically falling between 8.5 and 9.
- Light Reflection: Now, let’s talk about light reflection. Genuine diamonds have a special way of refracting light that gives them a distinctive sparkle, while imitation stones often miss out on that dazzling brilliance.
- Thermal Conductivity: When it comes to thermal conductivity, diamonds really shine as excellent heat conductors. Tools like thermal conductivity testers can easily tell apart real diamonds from their simulants.
- Clarity and Inclusions: Lastly, let’s consider clarity and inclusions. Authentic lab-grown diamonds, particularly CVD diamonds, usually have minimal to no inclusions when viewed under magnification. In contrast, fake lab-grown diamonds or simulants might look too perfect to be true.
Fake Who? Lab-Grown Diamonds Are the Real (Ethical) Deal!
So, are lab-grown diamonds the real deal or just a clever imitation? Let’s clear things up—they’re definitely the real thing. In terms of chemistry, physics, and optics, lab-grown gems are identical to their mined counterparts. They just skip the whole “millions of years of pressure” part and go straight to shining bright. Created in a lab rather than pulled from the ground, they still ace every diamond test out there.
What really makes them special, though, is the value they offer beyond just looking pretty—lab diamonds are more budget-friendly, environmentally friendly, and gentler on both the planet and its people. So if you’re worried that opting for lab-grown means compromising, relax. You’re not settling for a fake; you’re choosing a smarter, more brilliant future.
