Understanding the Sparkle: A Guide to Lab Grown Diamonds
Naturally mined diamonds once monopolised the diamond industry. However, with recent advancements in technology and increasing demand for ethical sourcing practices, lab-grown diamonds have emerged as a game-changer.
Lab-grown diamonds combine stunning beauty and quality comparable to natural diamonds. These stones are not imitations or simulants but genuine gems produced by scientists under conditions that mimic those underground where natural diamonds form.
Yet, the transition from traditional diamond lover to an admirer of these man-made marvels isn't always smooth sailing. In reality, without proper knowledge about them, you simply won’t.
So, what are lab grown diamonds and why should you consider them?
Book your complimentary consultation with us at Morgan & Co, where you can get an all-encompassing education on diamonds in all shapes and forms.
But until then, read our comprehensive blog on lab grown diamonds to break down the mystery together.
Table of Contents:
Table of Contents:
What are Lab Grown Diamonds?
How are Lab Grown Diamonds Made?
Lab Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds
Diamond Simulants: What are They?
Benefits of Lab Grown Diamonds
Affordability Without Compromising Quality
Rare Colours Made Accessible
Environmentally Friendly
How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Certified And Graded?
What Are Sustainably Rated Lab Grown Diamonds?
Find the Perfect Lab Grown Diamond For You
What are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds, also known as lab-created or synthetic diamonds, are identical to natural ones in almost every way - from their pure carbon composition to their mesmerising sparkle.
In essence, scientists reproduce the conditions underground that form natural diamonds over billions of years into just weeks using two main methods: High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD). These methods mimic diamond-forming conditions underground by subjecting small seed crystals of pure carbon to extreme heat and pressure.
Cool fact? These sparkling beauties cost 30-40% less than mined counterparts while offering similar quality - making them an attractive option for younger buyers seeking ethical engagement rings without breaking the bank.
We've only scratched the surface here on understanding these stunning gems. Up next, we'll dive deeper into how exactly they're made.
How are Lab Grown Diamonds Made?
Lab-grown diamonds, also known as lab-created diamonds, aren't your average gemstones.
This diamond market is booming thanks to a unique process called Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD).
In this method, scientists subject small seed crystals of pure carbon to extreme heat and pressure in conditions that mimic those underground where natural diamonds form.
- A tiny piece of diamond crystal (known as the "seed") is placed into a sealed chamber.
- The temperature inside the chamber is then raised up to 800 degrees Celsius while maintaining an atmosphere rich in methane gas, a source of pure carbon.
- Over time (the course can take weeks or even months), the gases break down and the free carbon atoms attach themselves onto our initial seed crystal forming larger crystals.
Another technique is the High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT). This technique replicates the natural diamond-forming conditions underground: extreme heat combined with immense pressure on pure carbon material for several weeks or months until it crystallises into rough gem-quality stones ready for cutting and polishing.
These technique enables scientists to not only produce synthetic diamonds for fine jewellery like engagement rings, but also create more durable materials used in cutting tools.
So next time you're admiring that sparkling ring from Morgan & Co, remember it's much more than just another pretty stone, it's science at its most beautiful.
Lab Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds
What's the difference between lab-made and natural, mined diamonds?
Natural diamonds, as their name suggests, are formed over billions of years under intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth. They're mined from these depths by companies like Lucapa Diamond Company.
In contrast, lab grown diamonds are created in a laboratory using high-tech processes that mimic nature's conditions underground. These methods include High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD).
Lab grown diamonds are practically indistinguishable from their natural counterparts. Both display the same physical and chemical characteristics, and exhibit the same sparkle, fire, and scintillation.
Lab created diamonds are nearly impossible to differentiate from natural diamonds using just a loupe, although they might contain different trace elements that can only be detected by using specialised equipment.
Diamond Simulants: What are They?
In contrast to lab-grown diamonds, diamond simulants are materials that look similar to real diamonds but have different physical and optical properties. Common examples include cubic zirconia (CZ) and moissanite.
While they may sparkle like true gems on first glance, their differences become apparent upon closer inspection - especially when it comes to hardness level and light dispersion characteristics. The difference can be detected using only the naked eye.
For instance, moissanite exhibits double refraction, whereas a diamond only has single refraction. As a result, moissanite displays a fiery rainbow sparkle that can be easily distinguished from that of a diamond.
Benefits of Lab Grown Diamonds
The diamond industry has been revolutionised by the introduction of lab-grown diamonds. But what makes them so appealing?
Affordability Without Compromising Quality
Synthetic diamonds cost 30-40% less than mined ones without compromising on quality or appearance. In fact, scientists produce synthetic versions that combine stunning beauty with superior brightness and purity due largely to precise control during the formation process.
Rare Colours Made Accessible
Colours rarely found in nature can be easily created with lab grown diamonds through manipulation during the growth phase – offering unique engagement rings at more affordable prices. Moreover, many jewellers including Morgan & Co now provide options like Brilliant Earth, featuring beautiful lab-grown colour-enhanced pieces ideal for discerning customers looking for something special beyond conventional clear stones.
Environmentally Friendly
Lab grown diamonds aren't just prettier and of higher quality than other diamonds, but they are also ethically superior. The fact that they are grown in labs means no mining is involved in the process. Check out our blog article to better understand the ethical concerns of the jewellery mining industry.
How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Certified And Graded?
The certification and grading of lab-grown diamonds is a rigorous process. Gemological laboratories are responsible for this task.
A diamond, whether mined or grown in a lab, starts its journey by being subjected to small seed crystals. This method mimics diamond-forming conditions underground where pure carbon transforms into precious stones under high pressure and temperature.
Once these scientists produce synthetic diamonds, they're sent off for grading just like their natural counterparts. The labs use sophisticated tools designed by top-tier scientists cutting tools that assess colour, clarity, cut quality and carat weight - commonly known as the 4Cs of Diamond Quality.
In addition to evaluating these fundamental aspects, mini details such as fluorescence are also considered during evaluation.
All the collected data forms part of an official report confirming the stone's authenticity along with detailed descriptions about its characteristics which buyers can refer to when purchasing fine jewellery pieces like engagement rings.
What Are Sustainably Rated Lab Grown Diamonds?
In the past few years, a new type of lab-grown diamonds has emerged—sustainably rated lab grown diamonds. These diamonds are not only created in a controlled laboratory setting but also manufactured using renewable energy sources and responsible practices.
Sustainably rated lab-grown diamonds prioritise environmental responsibility and adhere to the highest sustainability standards.
Many younger buyers find synthetic diamonds appealing due to ethical concerns related to mined diamonds. This shift has led one of the world's largest diamond mining companies, De Beers, to launch Lightbox.
So next time when looking for fine jewellery like engagement rings consider opting for sustainable options - they combine stunning beauty without compromising our planet.
Find the Perfect Lab Grown Diamond For You
Lab-grown diamonds have undoubtedly revolutionised the jewellery industry, providing an ethical, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly option for consumers. It is no surprise that lab-grown diamonds are increasingly favoured by socially and environmentally conscious individuals.
If you're looking for the perfect engagement ring, then it's time to consider lab-grown diamonds. Get in touch with Morgan & Co today and explore the elegance and artistry of custom-made, lab-grown diamond jewellery. Let's join hands to make a statement and embrace a sustainable future together.
FAQs about Lab Grown Diamonds
1. Are lab grown diamonds more affordable than natural diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds are 30-40% less expensive than natural diamonds because the process of creating them is more time and cost efficient.
2. Are lab grown diamonds perfect?
Due to the conditions they’re grown in, lab grown diamonds might contain minor metallic inclusions. Fortunately, these inclusions are so small they can only be seen under 10x magnification.
3. Do lab grown diamonds change colour?
Like natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds do not dull in colour nor get cloudy. They are equal in quality and durability to natural diamonds.
4. Do lab diamonds weigh the same as natural diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds are physically and chemically identical to natural diamonds, making them equal in all aspects, including carat weight.
5. Are all lab grown diamonds of the same quality?
When it comes to lab grown diamonds, just like mined diamonds, not all rocks are created equal. Look out for the 4Cs to determine the quality of each diamond: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight.
