Lab Grown Diamonds
Learn the differences between natural
and lab grown diamonds.
What You Need to Know about Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab Grown Diamonds (LGD) are becoming a popular choice when purchasing a diamond. Unfortunately, there is a tremendous amount of misinformation online so we hope we can provide you with useful information.
There are two obvious reasons some people are gravitating toward lab grown diamonds. It comes down to the size of the diamond and the price you will pay for the specific carat you are purchasing. The size will be larger than its natural diamond counterpart and the price for the same carat size will be significantly lower.
If you look at both side by side, at first glance, they appear identical. Yet, one has been forged over billions of years deep within the Earth, while the other is a product of modern technology, grown in a laboratory setting by the thousands of carats. One is extremely rare while the other is not. A natural diamond will likely hold its financial value over time, while a lab grown diamond has no intrinsic value and will most likely not hold its price. Most jewelers (including us) will not purchase your lab grown diamond for a trade-in.
Both are diamonds, but each have their own unique journey and characteristics. Intrigued?
Lab Created Diamonds
The concept of laboratory grown diamonds dates back to the 1950s, when man-made diamonds suitable for industrial use were first produced. However, it wasn't until the mid-2010s that colorless laboratory grown diamonds began making significant strides in the gem and jewelry market.
Today, these lab grown diamonds are crafted through two primary methods:
1. High-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) process: This method replicates the conditions found deep within the Earth's mantle, resulting in distinctively shaped diamond crystals.
2. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique: Here, carbon-rich gasses like methane are broken down into carbon and hydrogen atoms, which are then deposited onto diamond seeds to create square-shaped, tabular diamond crystals.
Natural Diamonds
Natural diamonds have a vastly different origin story. Formed over billions of years under immense pressure and heat deep within the Earth, they were brought to the surface through volcanic activity, nestled within kimberlite pipes. However, only a small fraction of these pipes contain enough diamonds to make mining economically viable.
Lab Grown Diamonds vs. Natural
In appearance and physical properties, lab grown diamonds closely mirror their natural counterparts. They share the same hardness, durability, and grading standards. Recognized as genuine diamonds by the Federal Trade Commission since 2018, lab grown diamonds offer consumers a more affordable option without compromising on quality.
Opting for a lab grown diamond can offer significant cost savings, allowing for a larger stone within your budget. These diamonds exhibit the same brilliance and characteristics as natural diamonds. However, natural diamonds hold value over time due to their rarity and historical significance as family heirlooms.
What is Best for You?
Ultimately, the choice between a lab grown and natural diamond depends on your preferences and budget. What is most important is this: There are no wrong decisions!
At Lauray’s, we’re here to guide you through the decision-making process. What we can assure you is this: You’ll find the diamond ring of your dreams.
Visit our store today and explore your options!
FAQs
Q. Are lab grown diamonds more eco-friendly?
A. The truth is, p
While lab grown diamonds often tout themselves as socially responsible and eco-friendly, the reality is more complex. Producing lab grown diamonds requires a substantial amount of energy to replicate the natural process in just a few weeks, and significant water usage is necessary to cool the reactors. As a result, the eco-friendly claims of lab grown diamonds are somewhat questionable, leading the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to caution against making such assertions.
Q. Are lab grown diamonds fake or real?
A. Lab grown diamonds possess identical chemical and physical properties to natural diamonds. Natural diamonds are formed through the geological processes of nature. A LGD is created in a lab whereby they display several distinguishable features. There is a different condition (obviously) of formation.
According to the Natural Diamond Council and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), lab grown or created diamonds cannot be classified as "real" because they are not sourced from the Earth, and therefore, do not meet the criteria of being considered a natural gemstone.
Q. Are lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds identical?
A. A very simple answer is, no. Unlike natural diamonds formed over millions of years within the Earth's crust, lab grown diamonds are mass-produced mainly in China, India, and Singapore. Their artificial production process takes just two weeks, leading to distinctive characteristics within the diamond that can be easily detected by a professional.