why lab grown?

What are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Laboratory-Grown (or lab-grown) diamonds are real diamonds that are grown inside a lab by scientists and specialists, who work specifically to create these lab-grown diamonds. These diamonds have identical physical, optical, and chemical properties as a natural diamond. Lab-grown diamonds are considered “real” diamonds as they emit the same fire, luster, scintillation, and sparkle.


You may be asking yourself, “So.. What’s the difference, then?” The difference between lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds is how they are made.

Because lab-grown diamonds are cultivated in identical circumstances, they contain crystallized carbon atoms in identical structures that are typical of natural diamonds. While natural diamonds form thousands of miles beneath the Earth’s crust, man-made diamonds are grown in highly controlled laboratory environments. They are grown by using advanced technology to recreate the identical conditions under which natural diamonds develop in the Earth’s mantle, beneath the crust.


lab grown diamond

How are Lab-Grown Diamonds Created? 

There are two main processes used to create lab-grown diamonds. These involve taking a tiny lab diamond seed (made out of repeating lattice of carbon atoms, like any other diamond). These seeds are then placed in chambers to undergo technological processes to create a real man-made diamond. After the rough lab-created diamonds are formed, these are then polished by diamond artisans in the exact way as any natural diamond. 


Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)

In this process, the diamond seed is placed in a plasma reactor chamber. A blend of different carbon containing gasses is released into the reactor at low pressure and microwaves are introduced to heat the gases and release plasma. As the temperatures rise over thousands of degrees, the gas molecules disintegrate and the carbon atoms bond to the seed. As the carbon atoms attach to the seed and crystalize, the seed grows layer by layer eventually forming a rough lab-grown diamond.

High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) 

This method uses large mechanical presses to apply extreme pressure and temperature to the diamond seed. In such conditions, the carbon atoms grow layer by layer over the seed and finally develop into a rough lab-grown diamond.   

why choose lab grown?

value

Lab created diamonds are up to 40% more affordable than earth-mined diamonds


Eco-Friendly

Better for the environment, using less energy and water to produce

Real

Lab-created diamonds are physically and optically identical to mined diamonds


How are Lab-Grown Diamonds Graded and Certified?

Lab-grown diamonds are polished and then graded using the 4 C’s (carat, color, cut and clarity), just like any natural diamond. Lab-created diamonds can also be certified by respectable grading institutes like GIA, HRD and IGI.

Lab-created diamonds have the same physical, optical and chemical traits as earth mined diamonds, which is why it is almost impossible to distinguish them from mined diamonds with the naked eye or even a loupe (microscope). Lab-grown diamonds can be differentiated from natural/mined diamonds only with the use of high-tech, specialized equipment.


Lab grown diamond grading and certification
Lab grown diamond inspection

How much are Lab-Grown Diamonds Worth?

Lab-grown diamonds offer great value, as they are more affordable than natural diamonds of comparable size and quality.

These cultured diamonds can be almost 30% less expensive than mined natural diamonds. The mined diamond industry is largely controlled by diamond cartels and filled with middle-men. With lab-grown diamonds, there is increased transparency that leads to fair pricing and valuations.


Why Choose Lab-Grown Diamonds?  

A Typical Diamond Mine

Lab-Grown Diamonds Vs Mined Diamonds

The known difference between lab grown and earth mined diamonds is their ‘origin’, i.e. one is created in a lab and the other is naturally formed in the earth’s mantle. While lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds are optically, physically and chemically identical, the true difference is the rarity of natural diamonds that sets them apart. There is limited supply of naturally created diamonds present on earth, especially natural diamonds of large sizes and high-quality. On the other hand, lab-grown diamonds can be made in huge quantities over a few weeks. Because of how lab-grown diamonds are manufactured and our ability to keep making more in the future, they are prices lower than natural diamonds.

However, lab grown and natural diamonds are both real and can only be told apart by an expert with a specialized machine. Lab-grown diamonds usually come with a certification that states they are laboratory-grown


Lab- Grown Diamonds Vs Synthetic Stones (Cubic zirconia/Moissanite)  

Though diamond simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite may look similar, they do not share the same chemical composition as natural diamonds. These are completely different stones, made from different materials. Lab-grown diamonds are actually made by mimicking the natural conditions of mined diamonds and made with the same material, structure and composition. This means they possess the identical hardness and sparkle of natural diamonds and are even chemically the same.  

lab grown vs cubic Zirconia (cz)

Both cubic zirconia and moissanite were created as less expensive diamond alternatives with different processes. Cubic zirconia, made from powdered zirconium and zirconium dioxide, is not as hard, lacks the same sparkle, is not considered a gemstone because it is not originally found in nature. 

lab grown vs moissanite

Moissanite, though a naturally occurring mineral, is in fact replicated in a lab to be used as a cheaper diamond substitute. It too lacks the hardness, color and shine of a diamond.  

a diamond by another name

Laboratory-Grown (or lab-grown) diamonds are also called lab-created diamonds, man-made diamonds, cultured diamonds, engineered diamonds, above-ground or above-earth diamonds, synthetic diamonds and conflict free diamonds or ethical diamonds.

Regardless of the name used to describe them, the most important fact remains that these are real diamonds that are identical in optic luster and chemical composition to their natural (below-earth) counterparts.

Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real?

Simply put: Yes. There is no difference between a diamond occurring naturally and a laboratory grown diamond except ‘origin’. They can both be set in gold and are commonly used in fine jewelry like engagement rings, wedding bands, earrings, necklaces and pendants. The most respected global diamond grading laboratories provide diamond grading reports that certify laboratory-grown diamonds are exactly the same as natural occurring diamonds, except that one is formed in a lab. Both natural and lab-created diamonds contain pure carbon in cubic crystalline form that lends the same chemical composition, physical traits and optical luster.

We create gold jewelry such as necklaces, pendants, bracelets, rings, engagement and wedding and love jewelry using real lab-grown diamonds. Shop our jewelry collection today.

Is a Lab-Grown Diamond Right For Me?

Whether you’re purchasing an engagement ring or a piece of fine jewelry, we’ll make sure you know everything upfront so you can decide if a lab-grown diamond is right for you. Purchasing a natural diamond can be a financial challenge for many and a lab-grown diamond is a fantastic alternative. If you want to know the origin of your diamond, purchase an affordable piece of fine jewelry, and contribute towards the sustainable movement of lab-grown diamonds then YES, a lab-grown diamond is right for you. 

Everything You Need To Know About Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring Cuts and Shapes

If you’re sold on a lab-grown diamond for your engagement ring, here’s a few factors to think about before selecting the cut of the diamond.

Round Cut Engagement Rings

A round cut diamond engagement ring is the most classic shape. It won’t go out of style and typically, a round cut diamond is the most sparkly.

Emerald Cut Engagement Rings

An emerald cut engagement ring offers a vintage twist on a classic, glamorous engagement ring. Because of its shape, you’ll want to focus more on the color and clarity to get that sparkly look.

Oval Cut Diamond Engagement Rings

An oval cut diamond is one of our favorites, and in recent years they have been growing in popularity. Oval cut diamond engagement rings create an illusion to make your fingers look slender and long.

Cushion Cut Engagement Rings vs. Princess Cut Engagement Rings

A cushion cut diamond will have rounded edges, whereas a princess cut diamond will have sharper edges.

When purchasing your lab-grown diamond engagement ring, some other shapes to consider are marquise engagement rings, pear cut engagement rings, and radiant cut engagement rings.


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Are lab grown diamonds less expensive than natural diamonds?

Yes! Because man-made diamonds have a shorter and more transparent supply chain, they can be up to 40% cheaper than earth-mined diamonds.

Are lab-created diamonds flawless?

Just like mined diamonds, lab diamonds vary in quality. Some are flawless and some have minor inclusions. 

Why are lab-grown diamonds conflict-free?

Diamonds grown in a lab do not require large amounts of human labor, and as such do not contribute to exploitation and conflict the same way earth-mined diamonds do. 

Can a jeweler tell if a diamond is lab-grown?

Nope! Lab-grown diamonds will test identical to natural earth-mined diamonds even with an average jeweler's equipment