Lab grown diamonds (also known as lab diamonds, cultured diamonds, and engineered diamonds) are diamonds created in a lab under intense heat and pressure - the same conditions as naturally mined diamonds from the Earth. There are no differences between lab created diamonds and their natural diamond counterparts.
You can find lab grown diamonds in a range of shapes, sizes, colors, and cuts, just like mined diamonds. Whether you prefer the classic round shape or something more unique like pink, yellow, or blue, lab-created diamonds shine brilliantly and make stunning additions to any engagement ring setting.
Yes, lab created diamonds are 100% real. A lab diamond has the same crystal structure and carbon atoms as its natural equivalent extracted from a mine.
Lab diamonds are created from a small diamond seed and are grown into a rough diamond that is then cut and polished to the desired shape before being made available for purchase. This is the best way to obtain a high-quality gemstone to adorn your engagement ring that is both affordable and ethically sourced.
There is only one distinction between mined diamonds and lab-grown ones, and that is their origin. Mined diamonds are formed naturally deep within the Earth's crust, while lab grown diamonds are produced by humans in a strictly regulated laboratory environment. Despite being artificially created, lab-grown diamonds are still considered genuine diamonds - and they possess the same shine and sparkle as mined diamonds.
Mined diamonds contribute to pollution and the destruction of local habitats. Mined diamonds always run the chance of being blood diamonds, but when you choose a lab created diamond you can be 100% sure that it is conflict free.
One of the major ethical issues associated with diamond mining is the exploitation of workers. Miners, especially those in developing nations, are often paid low wages and work in hazardous environments. A report by IMPACT reveals that mining companies have seized farmers' cropland with little or no remuneration.
Many advocates claim that diamond mining provides a much-needed economic boost to these areas. However, the negative repercussions of sourcing them raise doubts about whether diamond mining truly benefits these communities.
The Environmental Impact of Diamond Mines
The impact of large-scale mining operations on the environment is significant. The felling of numerous trees leads to various issues linked to global warming like soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and desertification. Additionally, the leftover mining materials react with oxygen in the air, resulting in acid mine drainage. This chemical reaction creates sulfuric acid, which pollutes water sources and damages the soil, causing a decline in crop yields.
Repercussions of Buying Conflict Diamonds
Diamonds that are sourced from conflict zones or used to fund armed conflict are known as blood diamonds. The trade of blood diamonds only serves to prolong human misery and violent conflicts in such regions.
The global society has long been denouncing the trade of blood diamonds. Consequently, the Kimberley Process Certification System was established in the early 2000s to curb the exchange of conflict diamonds.
Both natural diamonds and lab created diamonds don't have much resale value unless they are incredibly rare or unique. But when you purchase a lab grown diamond, you can do so with the peace of mind that it's truly conflict-free and environmentally kind. If you're someone who cares about the Earth and the people who inhabit it, then a lab created diamond is priceless.
Yes, a lab grown diamond is valuable. While much of their value comes from their Earth-friendly and conflict-free traits, we also need to highlight the personal and sentimental value that you place on your favorite jewelry pieces. People feel good about products that are produced with renewable energy and with a more sustainable process. As the demand for ethical lab created diamonds increases, it is likely that their resale value will follow suit.
When you propose to your partner with an engagement ring, it symbolizes your commitment to start a new life together. Whether you choose a natural diamond or a lab created diamond, both signify the importance of this special moment. However, opting for a ring with lab-created diamonds may allow you to select a larger center stone or prioritize higher clarity grades.
From a precious diamond ring to your favorite earrings or diamond necklace from your mother, these treasured jewels are likely beyond valuable to you.
Yes, lab diamonds test as real diamonds because they're made of pure carbon and are the same substance as the gems pulled from the Earth. You can use the same tools and methods to test a lab grown diamond that you would use for a mined diamond.
If you want to verify the authenticity of a diamond, the most reliable method is to use a diamond tester. These devices evaluate the way in which light interacts with the crystal structure of the stone, allowing you to determine if it is genuine. You can easily purchase diamond testers on various online platforms.
Should you still have doubts about whether your gemstone is a genuine diamond or a diamond simulant, it's advisable to consult a trusted local jeweler and have your diamond appraised.
A skilled jeweler can distinguish between a lab grown diamond and a natural one, although it's not possible to do so with the naked eye. Specialized equipment is required to locate an inscription that indicates that the diamond was artificially created.
Diamonds found around the world were created millions of years ago within the Earth's crust and are recognized for their exceptional hardness. The carbon atoms transformed into crystal clear diamonds due to the high pressure and extreme heat.
Diamonds created in a lab replicate the natural conditions of the Earth's crust through the use of advanced technology that involves high pressure and high temperature. This is achieved through two methods, namely chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and high pressure high temperature (HPHT).
Lab grown, gem quality diamonds form from the same carbon atoms and crystal structure as those mined from the ground. They also go through the same diamond grading process, making them real diamonds.
Modern technology allows us to create lab grown diamonds without the environmental and ethical concerns of mined diamonds. You can sleep easy knowing your lab grown diamond ring didn't contribute to the labor abuses rampant in diamond mines.
Diamond deposits can be found all over the world. However, the vast majority come from Russia, Botswana, Canada, Australia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Many of these areas are rife with conflict, which is supported by the diamond trade. The only way to ensure your symbol of love and devotion is conflict-free is to go with lab grown.
A diamond's worth depends on the process of grading. Natural and synthetic diamonds are priced differently depending on their features. Sophisticated laboratories execute this grading based on the 4C's of diamonds.
There are several factors to consider when grading diamonds. In some cases, a diamond with a lower carat weight but exceptional color, cut, and clarity may be more valuable than larger diamonds with lower color and clarity. Nonetheless, lab-grown diamonds are consistently priced 20-40% lower than mined diamonds, providing better value without compromising quality.
You can clean your diamond engagement ring, necklaces, earrings, and other fine jewelry with materials you already have at home. Start by adding some gentle dish soap to a bowl of lukewarm water. Make sure your water doesn't have a high temperature. Soak your jewelry for a few minutes, then use a gentle toothbrush to remove any remaining dirt.
For a more comprehensive alternative, visit your local jeweler for a professional cleaning.
According to CNN, blood (or conflict) diamonds are "illegally traded to fund conflict in war-torn areas, particularly in central and western Africa, according to the World Diamond Council, which represents the commercial diamond trade."
Blood diamondsexpose the unethical past of unregulated diamond production within the diamond industry. Many diamond shoppers now turn to lab grown alternatives as an ethical choice.
Clean Origin sells 100% conflict-free diamonds that are also environmentally responsible. When you choose lab grown diamonds, you invest in an engagement ring you can feel good about wearing, now and always.
The 4C's are: cut, color, clarity, and carat. Diamond grading labs use the 4 C's to determine the value of a diamond.
Cut
The way the diamond's facets are cut. A diamond's cut determines the level of fire and brilliance that the diamond creates.
Color:
The color of the diamond. A diamond with virtually no color is the most expensive, while a diamond with a yellowish tint is less expensive.
Clarity:
The purity of the diamond. A diamond with a high clarity rating has very few inclusions (foreign matter embedded in the diamond) or blemishes (external imperfections like a chip).
Carat:
The weight of the diamond. A more expensive and valuable diamond has a higher carat weight.
The diamond shape you pick for your diamond ring depends on what shape your jewelry setting allows. Some ring settings only work with one shape of a diamond. The same goes for earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and other diamond jewelry types. However, many jewelry pieces, like diamond engagement rings, work with a variety of diamond shapes.
The choice also depends on your preferred look. For a classic look, round brilliant is the perfect choice that's always in style. Another option that's slightly more modern is an oval cut diamond. Vintage lovers might love Asscher or emerald cut diamonds.
If you and your partner are looking for something truly special, consider choosing a pear or heart shaped diamond as your gemstone. It's worth noting that heart diamonds require intricate cutting, which makes them one of the pricier fancy cuts available.
Moissanite is a diamond simulant made of silicon carbide. Diamond simulants are gemstones that may look like diamonds but are not. Moissanite is also not the same thing as a synthetic diamond. A synthetic diamond is a real diamond that didn't form naturally beneath the Earth's surface. For example, a lab grown diamond is synthetic; however, it's still real.Interestingly, the majority of moissanite you will come across is lab grown. Moissanite is incredibly rare and has some properties similar to diamonds. Both moissanite and diamonds are durable—diamonds rate a 10 on the Mohs scale, whereas moissanite rate 9.5.
Additionally, diamonds and moissanite are excellent conductors of heat. Every so often, a diamond tester that tests thermal conductivity may indicate that moissanite is a diamond when it really isn't.
The worth of a one-carat diamond is determined by various factors and evaluations conducted during the diamond grading process. A diamond with superior rankings in the four C's will fetch a higher value compared to others of the same weight but with lower rankings in the four C's.
Lab grown gems are less expensive than natural because of their shorter supply chain. Mining for gemstones involves a lot of resources and manpower to extract them from the ground and transport them to where they need to be. This massive operation also causes disruption to land, wildlife, and communities. Even after extraction, raw stones still need to undergo several processes including cutting, polishing, grading, and transportation.
Lab grown diamonds eliminate the need for diamond mines by growing crystals in safe and sanitary laboratories. When fewer hands have to touch your stone, you get the same sparkle at a more accessible cost. You can also wear it with peace of mind that your jewelry is 100% ethical.
Pavé diamonds are tiny diamonds that encrust a larger piece of jewelry. The word pavé comes from the French word for "paved" because pavé diamonds look like a road paved with sparkling gemstones.
Many shoppers choose pavé diamonds for an engagement ring. A ring with pavé diamonds often looks more prominent to the eye and with extra sparkle, putting this style of ring in high demand.
There's often confusion between lab created diamonds and diamond simulants.
Lab grown diamonds and cubic zirconia are two different things. Cubic zirconia is a common diamond simulant because it looks similar to diamonds to the naked eye. However, a jewelry expert or keen eye can quickly see the difference between the two.
Lab grown diamonds are chemically identical to natural stones. Lab grown gemstones are also more valuable than cubic zirconia, making them a fantastic investment.
Colored diamonds (from fancy colored blue diamonds to red, and everything in between) are similar to most diamonds but have slightly different features. A colored stone forms when the carbon atom in a diamond interacts with another mineral or minerals.
The exception is pink, which is an incredibly rare color and comes in shades that range from light pink to highly saturated, dark pink. A pink stone is thought to form when an alteration in the structure of its carbon structure occurs. Alterations like these happen when the stone is exposed to extremely high pressure. This changes the appearance of white diamonds to pink.
The most popular colored stones are pink, yellow, blue, purple, and red. And if you're wondering if colored lab grown diamonds exist, the answer is yes! You can purchase beautiful lab created diamonds in a range of the most popular colors and more.
Diamonds have uses that extend far beyond jewelry. In fact, there are both gem quality and industrial diamonds. Since diamonds are one of the hardest substances on earth, they can be used for industrial purposes including polishing, cutting, and grinding.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) does certify natural diamonds and lab grown diamonds. GIA reports include information on whether a lab grown diamond was made using HPTP or CVD, as well as whether the diamond was treated to change its color.
At Clean Origin, our lab grown diamonds are all certified by reputable diamond certification laboratories. The two most prominent labs we use are International Gemological Institute (IGI) and Gem Certification and Assurance Lab (GCAL).
Lab-created diamonds are just as durable as natural diamonds. This is because they share the same chemical and physical properties, which is reflected in their identical Mohs hardness rating of 10.
Yes, lab grown diamonds can be insured. And no, it is not harder to obtain insurance coverage for them because they are lab created. For your peace of mind, you should always insure all of your valuable jewelry pieces in case anything happens to them—whether they are lost, stolen, or damaged.
The process used to grade and certify both natural and lab diamonds is the same. Lab created diamonds are physically identical to their natural counterparts, perfect for those concerned with finding a mining free alternative.
You get a grading certificate with lab created diamonds just as you would with a mined diamond. It just alleviates the stigma that surrounds mining diamonds as an industry.
One major advantage of lab-grown diamonds is that they eliminate the potential harm caused to ecosystems, as well as preventing any support of illegal activities in foreign countries. In terms of their chemical makeup and physical characteristics, they are virtually identical to natural diamonds, but are priced much lower.
Lab diamonds represent innovation and modernity, while mined diamonds are more traditional and expensive without necessarily adding more value. It's safe to say that lab-created diamonds are the way of the future.
When seeking a trusted partner to help guide you through the process of choosing the ring that means "I love you forever," be sure to seek a customer service team that can help guide you through the process.
You can schedule a virtual appointment today and get answers to any questions you have about the 4 C's, recycled gold, or any of the specifics that go into lab diamonds. There are many nuances when shopping for lab diamonds, whether you are looking for fine jewelry for special occasions or everyday wear.
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