What Are
Lab-grown diamonds, sometimes called synthetic, lab-created, or engineered diamonds, have become quite popular as a widely accepted alternative to naturally mined diamonds from the Earth. These manufactured gems closely mimic the same chemical and visual traits of their natural counterparts, with the primary difference lying in how they are made. It’s crucial to understand that lab-grown diamonds are unquestionably real diamonds, a fact confirmed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
To explain this difference in another way, think of the gap between lab-grown and natural diamonds as similar to the variation between ice naturally forming outdoors on a freezing winter day and carefully produced ice inside your freezer. To make this distinction simpler, picture it as the difference between cooking a meal from scratch and buying a ready-made one from a store—a clear difference in their creation.
CREATION:
Before we explain how lab-grown diamonds are created, it might be helpful to understand how natural diamonds are formed. While the processes are quite similar, only one takes place naturally in the Earth while the other is produced in a laboratory.
Millions, even billions, of years ago, natural diamonds started as tiny carbon atoms that existed deep down in the Earth’s crust (approx. 100 miles beneath the Earth’s surface). These atoms were exposed to extreme heat and pressure which caused them to crystalize and form diamonds. Simultaneously, magma was forming close to the planet’s surface expanding at rapid rates. This expansion caused the magma to ‘erupt’, forcing the crystalized carbon atoms, now diamonds, to the Earth’s surface where the diamonds can be mined.
In contrast, there are two methods for creating lab-grown diamonds: High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). The method used to create a lab-grown diamond is stated on the grading report. There is no conclusive evidence as to one approach being superior to the other as the finished products will look identical to the naked eye.
The HPHT Method
Is most similar to how natural diamonds are grown in that an environment is created where extreme heat (up to 2200°F) and extreme pressure (1.5 million pounds per square inch) are applied to a carbon seed. After a careful cooling process, pure carbon forms around the original seed which is then used as the rough diamond. In total, this process can take several days to weeks depending on the size of the diamond being created
Chemical Vapor Deposition(CVD)
diamonds are made under less intense conditions and in a slower developing process taking around 6 to 12 weeks. A small diamond seed is placed inside a sealed chamber and subjected to intense heat, sometimes reaching 1500°F. Hydrogen and methane are introduced to the chamber and then ionized to break down molecular bonds thus causing a pure carbon atom to attach itself to the seed. As the carbon builds, it forms atomic bonds with the diamond seed creating one, larger diamond.
DURABILITY & APPEARANCE:
Lab-created diamonds, distinguished by their matching chemical and visual properties to natural diamonds, encompass attributes that render them highly coveted within both the jewelry industry and industrial applications. Their unparalleled hardness, ranking at a solid 10 on the Mohs scale, positions them as the most durable gemstones available. Moreover, they exhibit a heightened refractive index, which endows them with a radiant sparkle that mirrors that of natural diamonds.
What’s particularly compelling is the extensive variety of shapes into which lab-grown diamonds can be expertly cut. Whether one seeks the classic charm of a round or oval cut, the timeless elegance of emerald or princess cuts, or the distinct allure of marquise and pear shapes, lab-created diamonds offer a wide array of options.
Given these impressive qualities, lab-grown diamonds emerge as an exquisite choice, not only for jewelry but specifically as the centerpiece of an engagement ring. This aligns with the desires of individuals seeking not only the enduring allure and exceptional beauty of a diamond but also a responsible and sustainable choice.
THE 4C’S OF LAB GROWN DIAMONDS:
Lab-grown diamonds are graded on the same scale as their natural counterparts and have a similar spectrum of colors, inclusions, cuts, and sizes.
Color:
The hue of a diamond plays a pivotal role. Lab-grown diamonds can acquire a subtle yellow or brownish tint during their growth process, which influences their color grade. The less of this tint they possess (falling within the D-H range), the more appealing they are. In contrast, natural diamonds can sometimes have lower color grades, but this is more acceptable due to their higher price.
Clarity:
Clarity refers to the existence of imperfections or inclusions within a diamond. These inclusions can be found in both lab-grown and natural diamonds. Inclusions are tiny blemishes or irregularities within the diamond’s structure that can affect its appearance and transparency. They can vary in size, shape, and type, and their presence is a key factor in determining a diamond’s overall quality.
When it comes to grading and identifying these inclusions, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), a highly respected authority in the field of diamond assessment, plays a crucial role. GIA often classifies all inclusions in lab-grown diamonds as “Growth Remnants,” regardless of their size or shape. These “Growth Remnants” are a result of the diamond’s creation process and can provide valuable information about the diamond’s origin.
In natural diamonds, inclusions that extend to the surface are known as “feathers.” These feather-like inclusions are naturally occurring and can affect the diamond’s durability and clarity. The presence and characteristics of inclusions are assessed meticulously to determine a diamond’s clarity grade, which, in turn, influences its overall value and desirability.
Cut:
Lab-grown diamonds, much like their natural counterparts, go through a process of cutting and polishing to enhance their brilliance and sparkle.
This is true not only for round brilliant cuts but also for various other diamond shapes.
In the case of round brilliant diamonds, the cut grade is established by evaluating specific aspects like angles, proportions, and measurements. For fancy shapes, which encompass all non-round diamonds, the evaluation relies on their visual characteristics and several additional factors.
It’s worth noting that premium cuts are available for both lab-grown and natural diamonds. These premium cuts are recognized by their sharper facets on the pavilion, reducing concealed weight underneath and intensifying their overall brilliance. Additionally, you have the flexibility to select from a range of length-to-width ratios, catering to your personal preferences.
This approach to assessing and enhancing the cut applies universally to various diamond shapes, ensuring that each diamond’s brilliance is maximized regardless of its form, be it round, oval, marquise, or any other shape.
Carat:
Carat weight provides a straightforward measure of a diamond’s size, determined by its weight when placed on a scale. However, it’s essential to understand that a higher carat weight doesn’t always guarantee a visually larger diamond. The diamond’s cut and proportions play a crucial role in its perceived size when viewed from the top.
For instance, consider two diamonds with the same carat weight, but one needs to be better cut with significant weight hidden beneath the surface. In contrast, the other is expertly cut, emphasizing its top surface area. The well-cut diamond will appear larger when viewed from above, even though their carat weights are identical.
In summary, lab-grown diamonds are evaluated using the four fundamental factors, often referred to as the 4 C’s of diamond grading, which mirrors the process for assessing natural diamonds. These consistent standards are maintained by esteemed institutions like the Gemological Institute of America
GRADING:
When it comes to purchasing an engagement ring, it’s essential to consider the grading reports that accompany lab-grown diamonds. These reports are issued by reputable independent laboratories like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI). Each lab-grown diamond receives its unique report number, which is often inscribed onto the diamond’s girdle using laser technology.
What’s noteworthy is that these established gemological laboratories employ the same grading system for lab-grown diamonds as they do for natural ones. This system assesses color on a scale ranging from D (colorless) to Z (light color). It evaluates clarity on a spectrum from “Flawless” (no internal or external imperfections) to “Included” (containing noticeable inclusions).
Moreover, the grading reports furnish additional crucial information, such as cut, polish, and symmetry grades, which influence the diamond’s overall appearance and sparkle. These laboratories also provide an inclusion plot, which serves as a visual representation of the diamond’s internal characteristics, pinpointing the exact location of any inclusions within the stone.
In essence, these comprehensive grading reports are invaluable tools for engagement ring buyers, as they offer a transparent and standardized way to assess the quality of lab-grown diamonds, ensuring you make an informed choice when selecting a stone for that special ring.
IDENTIFYING LAB GROWN DIAMONDS:
Given the identical physical and optical characteristics of lab-grown and natural diamonds, it becomes exceedingly challenging for an untrained observer to discern any disparities between them. While individuals with specialized training in gemology might employ magnification tools to discern growth patterns or the presence of distinguishing elements, the most reliable method involves the utilization of a testing apparatus. These sophisticated instruments, typically reserved for usage in laboratories and by jewelers, can facilitate the identification of specific attributes that unequivocally point to the diamond’s origin of growth.
In any such assessment, it is crucial that a reputable jeweler explicitly communicates the diamond’s source and offers a grading report from an independent third-party entity, such as GIA or IGI, to ensure transparency and authenticity.
PRICE & VALUE:
Lab-grown diamonds are becoming more popular, but their prices have been dropping. This is because making them has become easier and faster, so there are more of them available than people want to buy. When there’s too much of something, its price usually goes down, and that’s what’s been happening with lab-grown diamonds in recent years.
Compared to natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are typically available at discounted rates, normally between 50% and 70%, contingent upon the stone’s size. The gap between the two is expanding at the time of this discussion. Natural diamond prices are on an upward trajectory, while prices for lab-grown diamonds, which have demonstrated signs of stabilization, have been gradually decreasing.
It’s important to note that both lab-grown and natural diamonds exhibit certain pricing trends, including the exponential increase in price per carat as carat weight increases and elevated pricing for higher quality stones.
Here’s a different example illustrating the price comparison between lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds:
Consider this scenario: you’re in the market for a 1.5-carat diamond with excellent color and clarity. A natural diamond meeting these criteria might come with a price tag of $15,000. However, if you opt for a lab-grown diamond with identical specifications, it could be available for approximately $6,500.
This highlights how choosing a lab-grown diamond can allow you to enjoy a stunning gem without significantly impacting your budget.
WHY CHOOSE A LAB GROWN DIAMOND?
There are many reasons why someone may choose a lab-grown diamond as the center stone for their custom engagement ring. First of all, it is important to reiterate what has been mentioned above: they possess the same beauty and durability as natural diamonds.
Many who choose lab-grown diamonds point to the fact that they are ethically sourced and eco-friendly as being a factor in why they selected this center stone over a natural diamond. Finally, the price point; having something that looks identical to a natural diamond at a fraction of the cost is very enticing. This allows the consumer to save the difference or allocate more of their engagement ring budget towards a beautiful custom design setting.
At Venus Creations Jewelers we offer our clients both natural and lab-grown diamonds as center stone options for their engagement rings. Each diamond we sell has been thoroughly inspected to ensure not only its origin but the quality and visual beauty of the stone.
We take pride in assuring you that each diamond we carry is meticulously inspected to validate its origin and
guarantee its exceptional quality and captivating beauty.
We are at 100 Main Street in Little Falls, NJ, in Passaic County.
Feel free to stop by our store or call/text us at
973-256-8592 to schedule an appointment.
See you at the store!