Lab diamonds, also known as grown or cultured diamonds, are diamonds created in a laboratory setting. In this process, scientists use advanced technologies that mimic the natural diamond growth process in which carbon atoms crystallize under extreme heat and pressure. The result is a chemically, physically, and optically identical diamond to those that are mined from the Earth’s crust.
The two main sources of diamonds have traditionally been natural mines and synthetic laboratories. But with the advent of laboratory-grown diamonds, consumers face an even more daunting choice. So, how does one decide between traditionally mined and lab-created diamonds?
In this article, we’ll examine the differences between lab-created diamonds and mined diamonds to help you decide which one is right for you.
The Benefits of Lab-Created Diamonds
Lab diamonds offer several benefits over mined diamonds. Here are some of the most notable:
• Cost: Lab-created diamonds are typically much less expensive than mined diamonds, as they do not incur the same costs associated with mining, such as labor and transportation.
• Ethics: Ethical concerns are always a major factor when it comes to diamonds. Lab-created diamonds do not involve any of the human rights issues that plague the diamonds from conflict regions, and they are produced using renewable energies.
• Quality: Lab-created diamonds are just as hard and durable as mined diamonds, making them just as perfect for use in jewelry.
The Drawbacks of Lab-Created Diamonds
Just like mined diamonds, lab-created diamonds also come with drawbacks. Here are some of the most common:
Resale value: Lab-created diamonds generally have a lower resale value than mined diamonds.
Rarity: While they may look similar to mined diamonds, they do not possess the same rarity or “investment potential” as their mined counterparts.
Uniqueness: Lab-created diamonds may lack the unique aspects that are often found in natural mined diamonds.
How are lab diamonds made?
The main two processes used to produce lab grown diamonds are chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT). In the CVD process, a tiny diamond seed is placed in a chamber with a carbon-rich gas. A microwave generator then adds energy to the gas which breaks down the gas in the chamber and creates plasma. The plasma is drawn onto the diamond seed and builds a diamond layer by layer.
In the HPHT process, diamond ‘seeds’ are heated to a very high temperature and then placed into a chamber that is pressurized to a level almost equal to the deepest ocean. This high pressure and temperature encourages carbon atoms from the ‘seeds’ to assemble and form a diamond structure.
Are lab grown diamonds real?
Lab grown diamonds are authentic, real diamonds. They are assessed and graded for color, clarity, cut and carat weight and possess the same physical, chemical and optical characteristics as mined diamonds. The only difference between a lab grown diamond and mined diamond is their origin.
Can You Tell the Difference Between a Lab-Made Diamond and a Natural One?
Yes and no. Lab grown diamonds possess the same optical and physical properties as natural diamonds and are chemically and optically identical. Therefore, it is impossible to tell the difference between lab grown and mined diamonds without the use of specialized equipment, like a diamond scope, by a trained diamond expert.
Are lab-grown diamonds valuable?
Lab grown diamonds are just as valuable as mined diamonds. While prices will and do fluctuate, the value of a lab grown diamond is determined by the same diamond quality parameters (versus diamond size) as all other diamonds.
Can a jeweler tell if a diamond is lab created?
Some diamond experts and jewelers may be able to identify the origin of a diamond as lab created, as long as they are using the right tool such as an electronic diamond tester. However, without specialized equipment, it is not possible to detect a lab grown diamond from a mined one.
Lab-Created Diamonds vs Mined Diamonds
When it comes to cost, it is worth noting that lab-created diamonds are typically 15-30% cheaper than mined diamonds. There are various factors that go into determining price and value, such as carat, color, clarity, etc.
The main differences between mined diamonds and lab-grown diamonds are related to their origin and production method. Mined diamonds come from the earth, bear their own unique characteristics, and take millions of years to form. Lab-made diamonds are manmade products produced in a simulated natural environment.
What Are Mined Diamonds?
Mined diamonds are diamonds extracted from the Earth using specialized mining equipment. They are found in areas known as diamondiferous regions or diamond fields, which can span acres in size and depth.
The quality and size of mined diamonds can vary, but they tend to be higher quality than lab-created diamonds.
The Benefits of Mined Diamonds
Mined diamonds offer a number of benefits, including:
Rarity: Natural, mined diamonds are rare, making them a desirable commodity.
Investment potential: There is an established market for diamonds which allows consumers to buy and sell diamonds at prices that can appreciate or depreciate based on demand.
Resale value: Because of their rarity, mined diamonds tend to hold their value better than lab-created diamonds.
The Drawbacks of Mined Diamonds
Mined diamonds also come with drawbacks of their own, including:
Cost: Mined diamonds tend to be significantly more expensive than lab-created diamonds due to their cost of mining.
Ethical concerns: There are ethical concerns about mined diamonds from conflict regions, as they are often associated with human rights violations.
Environmental damage: The process of diamond mining can cause serious environmental damage due to the destruction of habitats.
How Much Cheaper are Lab Diamonds?
Typically lab-created diamonds are priced about 15-30% less than their mined counterparts. This can vary, however, as different factors go into determining the value of a diamond.
The bottom line is that, despite the price difference, lab-grown diamonds are just as valuable and reliable for our luxury jewelry as their mined peers.
In conclusion, lab grown diamonds are real diamonds worthy of every respect. They have the same physical, optical, and chemical properties as a mined diamond and can also be graded and certified by gemological labs.
And while lab grown diamonds are typically 15-20% cheaper than their mined counterparts, they still maintain their same value and shine. With the ever-advancing technology, lab diamonds will continue to become even more beautiful, and you can be sure that they won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.
