What are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

What are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
While natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle under extreme heat and pressure over millions of years, lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled laboratory environment. These diamonds have become an increasingly popular choice in fine jewelry for a variety of appealing reasons, including their identical physical and chemical properties to natural diamonds, as well as their stunning brilliance and versatility in design. At Jewelry by Designs, we want to help you understand the intricacies of fine jewelry, so in this blog, we will discuss and answer this question: “What are lab-grown diamonds?” and explore why they have become such a sought-after option.
Physical and Chemical Properties of Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds have the same essential properties as natural diamonds, with minor differences in trace elements. Their chemistry, for the most part, is how we can distinguish them from natural diamonds. Both lab-grown and natural diamonds consist entirely of carbon atoms, which are arranged in a crystal lattice structure that imparts diamonds with their unmatched hardness, brilliance, and durability. Below, we’ll dive deeper into these specific properties.
Hardness
Diamonds are renowned for their exceptional hardness, and lab-grown diamonds are no different. Both lab-grown and natural diamonds achieve a perfect score of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making them the hardest known material on Earth. This level of hardness is what allows diamonds to resist scratches and makes them ideal for daily wear, especially in engagement rings and fine jewelry. The hardness of lab-grown diamonds ensures that they can stand up to everyday activities, remaining scratch-resistant and maintaining their beauty over time.
Clarity and Color
Lab-grown diamonds are graded using the same standards as natural diamonds when it comes to clarity. Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions, or internal imperfections, within the diamond. Both lab grown and natural diamonds can exhibit inclusions, and just like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds can be found with high levels of clarity, making them virtually identical to their natural counterparts. It is important to note that it’s not just about the growth environment but also about the speed of formation for inclusions. This ensures that lab-grown diamonds offer the same quality and appearance, ensuring they are equally desirable for fine jewelry.
In terms of color, diamonds are graded on a scale that ranges from D (completely colorless) to Z (showing light yellow or brown hues). Lab-grown diamonds are available in the same range of colors as natural diamonds and are graded according to the same color standards. Colorless lab-grown diamonds are particularly prized for their brilliance, but colored diamonds can also be created in a lab, offering a spectrum of fancy hues like blue, yellow, or pink.
Brilliance
Brilliance is one of the most sought-after qualities in diamonds, and lab-grown diamonds deliver the same stunning sparkle as natural diamonds. Brilliance refers to the white light that reflects off a diamond’s surface, while fire refers to the dispersion of light into rainbow colors. These effects are a result of how light interacts with the diamond’s facets.
Lab-grown diamonds, like their natural counterparts, are carefully cut to maximize brilliance and fire. The way the diamond is cut plays a critical role in how much light is reflected and refracted, creating that signature sparkle. Thanks to their identical molecular structure, lab-grown diamonds reflect and refract light in the same way, making them visually indistinguishable from natural diamonds to the naked eye. When well-cut, lab-grown diamonds shine with the same intensity, offering the same dazzling appeal.
Thermal Conductivity
One of the less commonly discussed properties of diamonds is their exceptional thermal conductivity. This property allows diamonds, both lab-grown and natural, to disperse heat quickly. This is why diamonds feel cool to the touch and is also one of the factors used in diamond testing tools to differentiate real diamonds from simulants like cubic zirconia. Whether lab-grown or natural, the ability to conduct heat sets diamonds apart from other gemstones and materials used in jewelry.
Chemical Composition
Both lab-grown and natural diamonds consist of carbon atoms arranged in a tetrahedral crystal structure, which is responsible for their hardness and clarity. It is important to note that they are not purely made up of carbon atoms, both natural and lab-grown diamonds contain trace amounts of other elements such as N, B, Ni, Si, H, etc.
No mineral’s crystal structure is responsible for how included it may be. How included a mineral (gem material) is depends on the geology and growth environment of the mineral.
How Lab-Grown Diamonds Compare to Natural Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds share identical physical, chemical, and optical properties, making them indistinguishable to the naked eye. However, there are some key differences between the two that may influence your decision when choosing between them.
Formation Process
The most fundamental difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds lies in how they are formed. Natural diamonds are created deep within the Earth’s mantle, subjected to extreme heat and pressure over millions, or even billions, of years. These conditions cause carbon atoms to crystallize into the diamonds we know today. The rarity of this natural formation process makes these diamonds highly valued, both for their beauty and for the millions of years it takes to create them.
Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, are produced in laboratories using advanced technology that replicates the same conditions found in the Earth’s mantle. There are two primary methods of creating lab-grown diamonds: High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT), and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). In these processes, diamonds can form in just a few weeks or months.
Price
One of the most noticeable differences between lab-grown and natural diamonds is their price. Lab-grown diamonds tend to be more affordable than their natural counterparts, often costing significantly less expensive, the exact percentage of the price difference can vary. This price difference is largely due to the controlled, replicable nature of the lab-grown diamond production process. Unlike natural diamonds, which require intensive mining and are limited by geological availability, lab grown diamonds can be produced on demand.
Appearance
When it comes to appearance, lab-grown diamonds are virtually indistinguishable from natural diamonds. Both types of diamonds have the same fire, and brilliance, meaning that to the naked eye, they are identical. As well as how clear and transparent it performs in light. Even professional jewelers require specialized equipment, such as diamond testers, to detect the subtle differences in the crystal structure that indicate whether a diamond is lab-grown or natural.
Lab-grown diamonds are graded on the same scales for cut, color, clarity, and carat weight as natural diamonds. Both types of diamonds can range from flawless to having minor inclusions, and they can be cut into the same shapes, such as round, princess, or cushion. Whether you choose a lab-grown or natural diamond, both options offer the same visual impact and timeless elegance.
Value Retention
While lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds may look identical, they differ in terms of value retention. Natural diamonds, being rare and formed through a lengthy natural process, tend to retain their value more effectively over time. This is partly due to their rarity and the historical significance that accompanies a naturally formed diamond. Lab-grown diamonds, though equally beautiful and durable, are more readily available, which does impact their resale value.
For individuals seeking long-term value or the emotional significance of owning a natural stone, natural diamonds may hold a greater appeal. However, for those prioritizing affordability, design flexibility, and an appreciation for technological advancements, lab-grown diamonds provide an attractive alternative.
Conclusion: Lab-Grown Diamonds at Jewelry by Designs
At Jewelry by Designs, we are proud to offer a stunning selection of lab-grown diamonds that rival the beauty and quality of natural diamonds. Our expert team is here to help you choose the perfect diamond for your engagement ring, wedding band, or custom jewelry piece. Whether you’re looking for a classic diamond or a vibrant-colored gemstone, lab-grown diamonds offer the same brilliance and durability as natural diamonds, all while providing a variety of customization options.
Visit Jewelry by Designs today to explore our collection of lab-grown diamonds and find the perfect piece of jewelry that reflects your unique style and personality.