Everything you need to know about Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds are not to be confused with cubic zirconias or moissanites. They are every bit as real as a traditional mined diamond but instead of being formed over millions of years in the earth’s crust, lab grown diamonds are created sustainably in a lab using sophisticated technology. This technology replicates the natural diamond growing process, mimicking the growing process of the earth. Impressive! 

This blog will discuss what lab grown diamonds are compared with mined, or natural, diamonds. The experienced team at Buderim's jewellery design studio, Morgan & Co, are experts in diamonds and can provide you with further information needed to make such a sentimental decision. 

Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real? 

Yes, they are real, 100% real. They are not a “fake” or a simulated diamond. Lab grown diamonds are referred to as “man made” or “lab created”, but ultimately they are as real as a mined diamond; they have the same impurities as a natural diamond and are graded and certified using the same process. To put it simply, a natural diamond is created in the earth, whereas a lab grown diamond is created in a lab, both resulting in the same outcome. 

Why Choose a Lab Grown Diamond?

Lab grown diamonds are significantly more affordable, especially in today’s diamond market. You can purchase a much larger lab grown diamond of excellent quality for a fraction of the price of a natural diamond. This means that you end up with a colourless, or near colourless diamond, of higher quality and much larger in size. In addition to being more cost effective, they are created ethically with less impact on the environment, which is a key reason why many people are opting for a lab grown diamond nowadays.  

Do Lab Grown Diamonds Look Different To a Mined Diamond?

Side by side, they are one in the same. To the naked eye you can not distinguish between the two, even a trained jeweller can not distinguish the difference under a 10x magnification loupe. Lab grown diamonds test positive with a diamond tester, as they should. It takes a trained professional and thousands of dollars in machinery to determine the difference.

Lab Grown Diamonds - Two Popular Methods

1. High pressure, high temperature

High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) . This is meant to replicate the earth’s process of forming natural diamonds. In this process, natural graphite is placed in a large machine that crushes it with extreme pressure and temperatures. Under these conditions, the graphite turns into a diamond.

2. Chemical Vapour Deposition Diamonds (CVD)

A “seed crystal,” which is a very small diamond seed, is placed in a small chamber. The chamber is then filled with gases that are heated. Once the gases reach the right temperature, layers of carbon begin to form on the seed crystal. This causes the seed to grow over time into a larger diamond. 

What Is The Difference Between HTHP & CVD?

With CVD diamonds, you are less likely to get a blue or yellow hue in the diamond’s colour. HTHP produces stones with bigger metallic inclusions, thus sometimes being picked up with magnets. You won't be able to distinguish between a CVD and an HPHT diamond unless you are an expert with sophisticated magnifiers. The CVD and HPHT methods will produce a diamond identical to those seen in nature, both lovely and gleaming. 

What Are The Benefits of Choosing a Lab Grown Diamond?

The decision to invest in a decent size natural diamond centre stone often requires couples to compromise on the quality of the diamond or the ring’s craftsmanship. With lab grown diamonds, you have an opportunity to have a greater size while not having to compromise on the quality, and stick to your budget at the same time. 

Should I Choose a Lab Grown Diamond Or a Mined Diamond?

There is no “right” answer. The choice is completely up to the couple. Our job at Morgan & Co is to educate and empower our clients to make the right choice for you. The two options are indistinguishable when it comes to look, sparkle, beauty and feel. A diamond is a diamond and your personal choice will not affect your experience with Morgan & Co. You can book a free consultation here and meet with the experienced team to discuss your options.