What is A Lab Created Diamond?
Lab grown diamonds are diamonds that are created in a controlled laboratory. The same environmental conditions that produce natural diamonds are replicated to produce man-made diamonds that have the same characteristics and chemical properties as natural diamonds.
Many people question whether or not lab grown diamonds are of the same quality as natural diamonds. There is significant skepticism surrounding the way man-made diamonds are created and whether or not the processes used actually produce high quality stones.
There is virtually no difference between a lab grown diamond and natural one, other than where and how quickly they are made. Both types of diamonds are made of the same chemical compounds, and both can range from low to high quality in the 4Cs- cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Cheaper?
If you are in the market for an engagement ring or other piece of diamond jewelry, it’s important to note that man-made diamonds are usually more affordable than natural diamonds. This has little to do with quality comparisons, and much more to do with the fact that creating diamonds in a lab is far less expensive than mining. They are also a more sustainable option compared to natural mined diamonds. Additionally, lab grown diamonds can be any shape, size, or color, just like their natural counterparts.
How are Lab Grown Diamonds Made?
There are two different processes used to create man-made diamonds. The first process is called HPHT, which stands for high pressure-high heat. This process involves taking a tiny diamond, also called a seed crystal, and applying mass amounts of heat and pressure in order to create a larger diamond.
The second process is called chemical vapor deposition, also known as CVD. CVD involves placing a seed crystal inside a high temperature chamber filled with carbon rich gasses that once heated, start to break down, causing carbon atoms to build upon the seed and form a larger diamond.
Are They Real?
Yes, lab grown diamonds are real, as they contain all the same chemical and physical properties as naturally formed diamonds. They are also made using the same processes that occur in nature.
There is no difference between a lab grown diamond and a natural diamond when it comes to what they are made of, or how valuable they are. The only differences lie in rarity, the speed with which they form, and the environment in which they are created.
Lab Grown Diamonds VS Moissanite
Are lab grown diamonds moissanite?
The answer is no, lab grown diamonds are not moissanite. Moissanite looks like a real diamond but does not have the same chemical or physical properties, unlike diamonds that are grown in a lab.
Lab Grown Diamonds VS Cubic Zirconia
Are lab grown diamonds cubic zirconia?
Once again, just like moissanite, cubic zirconia is a diamond simulant. Cubic zirconia contains no carbon, and is far cheaper to make than any lab grown diamond. It also does not withstand the test of time like a lab grown or natural diamond, both of which last longer than a lifetime.
Benefits of Lab Grown Diamonds
Many people wonder whether lab grown diamonds are high quality or not. The answer is yes, and often they are actually of better quality than naturally formed diamonds due to the controls maintained in lab environments during their creation.
There are many benefits of lab grown diamonds, including the following:
- High Quality
- Environmentally Friendly
- Fewer Defects than Natural Diamonds
- Higher Purity than Natural Diamonds
- More Affordable
- Known Origin/Reputable Sources
- More Color Selection (colors not often found in nature can be created)
How Do Lab Grown Diamond Testers Work?
There are various types of diamond testers, some of which measure the heat conductivity of a stone, and others that measure refractivity and hardness.
For lab grown diamonds, using a tester that measures conductivity will help you to determine whether a diamond is in fact a diamond. However, these testers cannot be used to determine the difference between moissanite and a diamond, as both have similar conductivity ratings.
Are Diamond Testers Accurate?
Diamond testers are accurate, however, to make sure moissanite is not mistaken for a diamond, a skilled jeweler who is familiar with diamond testing must examine the stone and check the refractivity level. Moissanite has a double refraction, something diamonds do not have that is easily distinguishable by a professional jeweler.
Another way to distinguish a lab grown diamond from a different type of stone, or even a natural diamond, is to look for an inscription that identifies the diamond as lab grown. These can only be seen with a microscope.
Albert’s Diamond Jewelers - Quality Diamonds Every Time
If you are in the market for quality diamond jewelry, such as an engagement ring or diamond earrings, visit Albert’s Diamond Jewelers, your premier jewelry store in Indiana. You will find an endless selection of beautiful naturally mined and lab grown diamonds at our showroom in Indiana. Contact us today to request an appointment, or visit us at your convenience.