Understanding Lab Grown Diamonds: A Basic Guide

The fascination with diamonds is as timeless as the gems themselves, yet traditional mining raises both environmental and ethical concerns. This dilemma often leaves consumers pondering alternatives that don't compromise on quality or appeal.

Here enters lab-grown diamonds, a modern marvel crafted in scientific settings yet rivaling their natural counterparts in beauty and structure.

As you delve into this guide, expect to explore the intricate process of their creation, uncovering how they stand toe-to-toe with mined diamonds in terms of composition and gracing various applications from luxurious jewelry to industrial uses.

Embark on this journey to discover a gem that shines with both brilliance and consciousness.

Definition and Characteristics

Lab-grown diamonds are made in labs that replicate natural diamond-forming conditions. 

They possess the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. The primary element that defines both types is their pure carbon composition, organized in a distinct crystal structure.

The result is a diamond that matches the unparalleled hardness of natural diamonds, shining with the same brilliance and fire.

In terms of appearance, lab-grown diamonds are indistinguishable from natural ones to the naked eye. They exhibit the same shine, sparkle, and clarity, ensuring their beauty aligns with that of natural diamonds.

This makes them an appealing choice for those who cherish the allure of diamonds but are mindful of the environmental and ethical issues linked to mining.

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Lab-grown diamonds are not only visually stunning but also provide a sustainable and ethical alternative to mined diamonds. Understanding what makes them special begins with a closer look at how they are created.

Production Methods

When it comes to the production of lab-grown diamonds, two primary methods stand out: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both techniques have distinct advantages and are widely used for creating diamonds that closely resemble their natural counterparts.

• High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) Process 

The HPHT process simulates the extreme conditions under which natural diamonds form in the Earth's mantle. It involves placing a small diamond seed, which can either be natural or lab-grown, at the core of a sophisticated press system.

This system applies immense pressure, up to about 870,000 lbs. per square inch, and heats to temperatures exceeding 1,400 °C (2,550 °F).

Various types of presses, such as the belt press, cubic press, and the split-sphere (BARS) press, are used to achieve these conditions.

Intense heat melts a high-purity carbon source, which then precipitates onto the diamond seed, gradually creating a larger diamond over several weeks or even months.

The process, although initially designed for industrial applications in the 1950s, has evolved significantly, becoming an efficient method for producing diamonds for both commercial and industrial use.

• Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Method 

On the other hand, the CVD method offers a more modern approach. Developed in the 1980s, this technique involves placing the diamond seed in a vacuum chamber infused with a gas mixture, typically methane and hydrogen.

The chamber conditions are set at relatively low pressures, under 27 kPa (3.9 psi), and heated to around 800 °C (1,470 °F).

Ionization, either by microwave power or another method, breaks down the gasses, allowing carbon atoms to settle onto the diamond seed and form layer upon layer of diamond.

The CVD process is appreciated for its ability to fine-tune the chemical properties and for producing diamonds in as little as two weeks. Moreover, it is versatile enough to create large diamond areas and allows for custom colors by introducing elements like nitrogen or boron during growth.

This methodology is less energy-intensive than HPHT and is favored for both jewelry and industrial applications due to its flexibility and speed.

Read more: Differences and Comparison: CVD vs. HPHT Lab-Grown Diamonds

While the HPHT and CVD methods each bring unique characteristics to lab-grown diamonds, their impact extends beyond the formation process. Understanding how these methods shape the visual and physical traits of lab-grown diamonds is crucial for appreciating their remarkable similarities to natural diamonds.

Visual Comparison and Distinction from Natural Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds are visually indistinguishable from natural diamonds. To a trained eye, both appear the same. This is because lab-grown diamonds share the same dazzling brilliance, scintillation, and fire as natural ones.

These qualities arise from their identical chemical, optical, and physical properties, including the way they reflect light and their unmatched hardness.

To differentiate a lab-grown diamond from a natural one, advanced testing equipment is usually necessary. 

Specialized instruments are required to detect the minute differences that might exist, such as variations in growth structure or the presence of certain trace elements unique to lab-created gems.

• Certification and Grading

When purchasing lab-grown diamonds, certification and grading are crucial for assessing quality and value. Just like natural diamonds, lab-grown ones are graded based on the 4Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat.

Two major laboratories, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI), provide certifications. IGI is favored for its faster and cost-effective grading, making it popular among jewelry brands. 

IGI offers detailed reports on diamond type, growth process (CVD or HPHT), and key grading aspects. GIA reports may also highlight any post-growth treatments. 

Color grading uses the same 'Colorless' to 'Light' scale as natural diamonds, but it can be subjective, with potential variations between labs. 

Clarity grading notes unique inclusions, such as metallic traces in HPHT diamonds or black spots in CVD ones. Cut grades, critical for brilliance, are evaluated by both IGI and GIA based on precise measurements.

Certifications confirm authenticity, protect against scams, and simplify comparing diamonds, ensuring a transparent buying process.

• Value Proposition and Market Implications

Lab-grown diamonds have transformed the diamond market, offering a more affordable and ethical alternative to mined diamonds. They are significantly cheaper, with discounts ranging from 80% to 90% compared to natural diamonds. 

The price gap has widened since lab-grown diamonds became mainstream in 2015, when they were only 10% to 20% cheaper.

The value of lab-grown diamonds extends beyond affordability. They present a sustainable option, as traditional diamond mining is linked to environmental issues like deforestation, water pollution, and habitat destruction. 

In contrast, lab-grown diamonds are produced in controlled environments, drastically reducing their environmental footprint.

Additionally, lab-grown diamonds address the ethical concerns surrounding natural diamonds, such as labor exploitation and human rights abuses. 

With younger consumers prioritizing ethical sourcing, these conflict-free diamonds have gained immense popularity. Lab-grown diamonds currently represent 5-8% of global diamond sales, with expectations of significant market growth.

Discover the brilliance and ethics of lab-grown diamonds with Everyday. Shop our collection online or visit one of our stores to find the perfect piece that aligns with your values.

• Durability, Longevity, and Care

Lab-grown diamonds, like natural diamonds, are celebrated for their unrivaled durability. Both score a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale, resisting scratches. This hardness comes from their identical crystal structure, where carbon atoms are linked by robust tetrahedral bonds.

What about their longevity? Well, lab-grown diamonds do not succumb to fading, discoloration, or clouding over time. Their brilliance and refractive qualities last indefinitely. Even enhancements made during creation, such as those involving the CVD method, are long-lasting.

For instance, using methane gas and UV light in the CVD process guarantees that any added coloration remains stable. As a result, lab-grown diamonds have a permanent hue, ensuring their sparkle for years.

At Everyday, our collection highlights this enduring brilliance. With superior clarity and long-lasting elegance, our lab-grown diamonds are crafted to become timeless treasures.

Another remarkable aspect of lab-grown diamonds is their impressive clarity. Because they are created in a controlled environment, they often have fewer inclusions than natural diamonds, making them pristinely clear.

To maintain their brilliance, lab-grown diamonds, much like their natural counterparts, need regular cleaning and careful storage. Avoiding harsh chemicals is crucial to preserving their integrity and allure over time.

This continuous shine allows lab-grown diamonds to represent timeless elegance, capable of becoming cherished family heirlooms for generations.

Explore Everyday's collection and experience the perfect blend of durability and clarity for yourself.

• Ethical and Aesthetic Considerations

Lab-grown diamonds provide aesthetic appeal and ethical benefits, attracting discerning consumers. These diamonds are not only visually stunning but also provide a responsible alternative to traditionally mined diamonds, which carry the risk of environmental and social issues.

Lab-grown diamonds avoid the negative aspects of diamond mining, bypassing human rights abuses and ecological damage. At Everyday, we prioritize these ethical and sustainable values, ensuring our diamonds are produced responsibly.

Explore our customizable collection at Everyday to find the perfect piece that matches your values and style.

For those looking for sustainable and affordable alternatives, lab-grown diamonds tick all the boxes. They can be produced with a much lower environmental impact compared to natural diamonds, as they are created in controlled lab environments that replicate natural diamond formation processes.

Often priced lower than natural diamonds, they make high-quality gems more accessible to a wider audience without sacrificing sustainability.

However, consumers should still be mindful in selecting producers who adhere to ethical and eco-friendly practices, to fully align their purchase with the values of sustainability and social responsibility.

These factors combined make lab-grown diamonds a compelling choice for those seeking both aesthetic and ethical satisfaction in their jewelry.

Here’s a brief overview of what we’ve discussed so far in terms of comparison between both diamond types.

Comparing Lab-Grown Diamonds to Natural Diamonds

Lab-Grown Diamonds: Beauty Meets Ethics

Lab-grown diamonds are reshaping the jewelry landscape, offering a dazzling blend of beauty, affordability, and ethical consciousness. With the same brilliance and resilience as mined diamonds, they prove that choosing a sustainable and socially responsible option doesn’t mean compromising on quality. 

Everyday, more consumers are embracing this modern marvel, whether for a heartfelt engagement ring or for cutting-edge industrial applications.