Lab Grown Diamonds 101
Lab grown diamonds have been a popular topic in the jewelry industry for a few years now. Created using cutting edge technology, these diamonds offer an alternative for those who want the same signature beauty a diamond offers, while going beyond traditional mining. In this article, we’ll break down how a lab grown diamond is made, as well as how they measure up to a natural, mined diamond. We’ll talk about their long-term value and why lab grown diamonds are becoming more relevant in the fine jewelry market.
What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds—also known as synthetic or man made diamonds—are diamonds created in a controlled laboratory environment. Despite their origin, lab grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds. This means a lab grown diamond has the same brilliance, hardness, and composition as a mined diamond. The only difference is their origin.
The process of creating lab grown diamonds replicates the conditions under which natural diamonds form. This includes subjecting carbon to high temperatures and pressures, or using other advanced techniques to simulate the natural diamond growth process. The result is a diamond that is virtually indistinguishable from a natural diamond—both to the naked eye and even to most gemological tests.
How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Made? (HPHT vs. CVD)
There are two main methods used to create lab grown diamonds: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). While the two processes are very different, they both achieve the same outcome.
High Pressure High Temperature: The HPHT method replicates the natural conditions found deep within the Earth’s mantle where diamonds are formed. This process starts with a tiny diamond “seed”—often a fragment of natural or lab grown diamond. This seed is placed in a press where it is subjected to extremely high pressure (about 725,000 pounds per square inch) and a temperature of around 1,500°C (2,732°F). Carbon atoms bond to the seed and the diamond crystal begins to grow.
HPHT grown diamonds are known for producing large, high-quality gems. They have fewer inclusions and can produce both colorless and colored diamonds.
Chemical Vapor Deposition: The CVD method is a newer approach to synthetic diamond creation. In this process a thin slice of diamond (either lab grown or natural) is placed in a vacuum chamber filled with carbon-rich gasses, such as methane. These gasses are heated to temperatures that cause the carbon atoms in them to separate from the gas molecules. These carbon atoms then settle onto the diamond seed and begin to crystallize to form a diamond, layer by layer.
CVD is a slower process but allows for more control over the diamond’s properties, such as size, color, and quality.
Lab Grown vs. Natural Diamonds
When comparing lab grown diamonds to mined diamonds, they are virtually indistinguishable to the naked eye. Both are made of pure carbon. They possess the same crystal structure, physical properties, and hardness. They display the same brilliance, fire, and durability that is associated with natural diamonds. Advanced gemological equipment is required to detect any difference between them. For example, under specialized magnification, lab grown diamonds may display unique growth patterns or inclusions that are more common among synthetic stones, that can reveal their origin. Furthermore, lab grown diamonds often have a laser inscription that indicates they are made by man.
Of course, the most notable difference between the two is their price. Lab grown diamonds are generally cheaper than mined diamonds—often 20 to 40 percent cheaper, in fact. But this doesn’t indicate a compromise in quality. They are simply easier to produce. Because they can be grown in a controlled environment without the uncertainty of mining, lab grown diamonds allow consumers to buy larger, higher-quality stones at a fraction of the cost of a mined diamond.
Do Lab Grown Diamonds Retain Their Value?
One area where lab grown diamonds differ from mined diamonds is in their ability to retain value over time. The resale market for lab grown diamonds is still new and underdeveloped, unlike the well-established market for mined diamonds. Historically, natural diamonds have maintained their value over time due to their rarity, their perceived value, and the secondary market.
Lab grown diamonds can be produced in large quantities and, thus, are not as rare or as valuable as natural diamonds. This abundance combined with their lower cost means lab grown diamonds don’t hold their value as well as mined diamonds.
While lab grown diamonds are great for those looking for an affordable, eco-friendly option, consumers should be aware that their resale value may not hold up against that of a natural diamond. In fact, as technology advances and lab diamonds become more economically viable to make, it’s predicted that their resale prices will fall over time.
Lab Grown Diamonds Are Growing in Popularity
Despite uncertainty regarding their long-term value, in recent years lab grown diamonds have grown in popularity. Science and technology have made it easier to produce high-quality diamonds and at a lower cost.
Lab grown diamonds offer flexibility in color and customization. Because they are made in a controlled environment, they can be produced in various colors—including those that rarely occur in nature. This makes them a great option for those looking for something unique and different from the traditional white diamond.
Conclusion
Due to their affordability, lab grown diamonds have become a great alternative to mined diamonds. They are virtually identical to their natural counterparts, sharing the same brilliance and durability diamonds are famous for. However, be mindful of their weaker resale value.
For those who want affordability, lab grown diamonds are a great choice. They offer the possibility of larger and higher-quality stones that would be otherwise unattainable.
For those who want lasting value and something natural though, nothing beats a mined stone. Formed over millions of years beneath the earth’s surface, mined diamonds continue to be some of the most brilliant and valuable gemstones that nature offers.
Either lab grown or natural, for whatever diamond you choose, our team at Kim Quang stands by to help. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, our team can help you find the perfect diamond piece – whether lab grown or natural. Stop by for a complimentary consultation today, and see why we’ve become San Diego’s preferred jeweler.