What Exactly Are Lab Grown Diamonds?

Lab grown diamonds, or Lab created diamonds, are diamonds produced in controlled laboratory environments, rather than mined from the earth. They are chemically, optically and physically the same in composition, crystal structure and properties as natural diamonds. This is what makes these diamonds real diamonds and not imitations and simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite. 

The Science Behind Lab-Grown Diamonds:

Two primary methods are used to grow diamonds in a lab:  

High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT): 

A form of the natural conditions in which diamonds form deep within the Earth’s mantle, this method mimics. In a growth cell, a tiny diamond seed is placed with some carbon material. It is exposed to extremely high pressure (5-6 GPa) and high temperature (1300–1600 °C). The seed acts as a carbon material and becomes dissolved and crystallized, allowing the larger diamond crystal to grow.  

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Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): 

The method involves breaking hydrocarbon gases (such as methane) in a vacuum chamber so that the gases are broken down into their atomic components. Carbon atoms deposit on a diamond seed, layer by layer, to form a diamond crystal. A newer technology called CVD is also being more widely used.  

Key Differences Between Lab-Grown and Mined Diamonds:

The key difference lies in their origin:

• Mined Diamonds: Deep within the Earth, formed millions of years ago under extremely high pressure and high temperatures.  

• Lab-Grown Diamonds: Using advanced technological processes that simulate natural diamond formation, laboratory created.  

Similarities Between Lab-Grown and Mined Diamonds:

Crucially, lab-grown diamonds share the same fundamental properties as mined diamonds:  

• Chemical Composition: Both compounds consist of pure carbon atoms arranged in some crystal lattice.  

• Crystal Structure: The isometric crystal structure for both is the same.  

• Optical Properties: They are both brilliant, on fire, and scintillating alike.  

• Physical Properties: They're both the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), have the same density, and refractive index. 

Detecting the Difference:

So, even for gemologists on the ball, it is very difficult to discern between lab grown and mined diamonds, using the naked eye. Accurate identification requires specialized equipment.

• Gemological Laboratories (GIA, IGI, HRD): Advanced spectroscopic techniques are used in these labs to identify lab grown diamonds. Subtle differences on trace elements and crystal growth patterns to a team of them.  

• Identification Markers: As a rule, diamonds grown in the lab have small marks for identification, e.g. laser inscriptions or some sort of pattern of growth, which may be identified by particular instruments, since the diamonds are grown in an artificial environment.  

Advantages of Lab-Grown Diamonds:

Ethical and Sustainable: 

Additionally, lab grown diamonds are less ethically and more sustainably friendly than mined diamonds. Diamond mining has unfortunate environmental and social aspects to it, such as habitat destruction, losing communities, and human rights abuses, and they avoid all of these aspects.  

More Affordable: 

Because lab grown diamonds tend to be around 20 to 40 per cent less expensive than comparable mined diamonds, buying these diamonds can give you a better value compared to purchasing mined diamonds if you choose to do so. By doing so, this provides for consumers to buy larger or higher quality diamonds for the same budget.  

Guaranteed Origin: 

Lab grown diamonds are the most transparent product when it comes to knowing where the stone originates from.  

Fewer Inclusions: 

Since lab grown diamonds are grown in a lab environment, it’s very likely they have less inclusions than mined diamonds resulting in higher clarity grades.  

Disadvantages of Lab-Grown Diamonds (Considerations):

Resale Value: The resale value of lab grown diamonds is not yet as established as mined diamonds however the resale of lab grown diamonds is still developing in the resale market. But that is changing as the market matures.

Perception and Sentiment: Yet some consumers still prefer mining diamonds because they evoke romance and the connotations that they are rare. That perception is also changing as lab-grown diamonds become more widely accepted.

Grading and Certification of Lab-Grown Diamonds:

Like mined diamonds, lab grown diamonds are graded by 4Cs: (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat) by reputable gemological laboratories such as (GIA, IGI, HRD). Grading reports tracking the diamond's features are provided by these labs.  

Market Trends and Consumer Acceptance:

In recent years the market for lab grown diamonds has exploded as consumers have become more aware of their ethical and environmental benefits, and their affordability. Today they are available from many jewelers and online retailers.  

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The Evolving Market and Consumer Perception:

The market for lab-grown diamonds has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by several factors:

Ethical Concerns: 

Diamond consumers are becoming increasingly worried about the impact, both environmental and social, of diamond mining. The lab-grown diamond is the more responsible and green option.

Price Advantage: 

However, compared to naturally occurring diamonds, lab grown diamonds are much lower price and with the same budget, consumers can purchase a larger, or higher quality stone.

Increased Availability: 

Many jewelers and online retailers now sell lab grown diamonds.

Changing Perceptions: 

Fields like Industrial Design are helping to shape the way that the industry moves forward.

The Future of Lab-Grown Diamonds:

Laboratory techniques of diamond growing persist in evolving, with increasing diamond quality, size and economy. Since the awareness and acceptance of lab grown diamonds is increasing, we expect the lab grown diamond market to continue to expand to serve as an important part of the jewelry industry as well.

In Conclusion:

Real diamonds grown in a lab are real diamonds with the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as ones mined. But they present a more ethical, more sustainable, and in many cases, a more affordable alternative for consumers. Some people will still prefer the mystique of mined diamonds, but lab grown diamonds.

Represent a significant advancement in technology and offer a compelling choice for those seeking beautiful and responsible diamond jewelry. As technology continues to improve and consumer acceptance grows, the lab-grown diamond market is expected to continue its expansion. 

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