Lab made diamonds have grown in popularity over the years, with a huge boom in popularity in the 2010s and 2020s. From sustainability to price, a large number of consumers consider lab created diamonds to be superior to natural diamonds in a variety of ways. Nonetheless, the market for natural diamonds is still very strong, too. Many consumers simply prefer diamonds that came about in nature, but there is also a lot of confusion about lab grown diamonds, their authenticity, and their value. For this reason, some consumers are simply unsure if lab grown diamonds are the right choice for them.
So, are lab grown diamonds real? How are they made? Are there any differences between a natural diamond and a diamond created in a lab? How long have lab diamonds been around? Finally, where can you find high-quality lab diamond jewelry at affordable prices?
In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more, but first, let’s look at what it really means for a diamond to be “lab grown.”
What Is A Lab Grown Diamond?
A lab-grown diamond (also known as a synthetic diamond) is a diamond that is created in a laboratory setting using advanced technological processes that replicate the natural conditions under which diamonds form in nature. In other words, lab diamonds are just like natural diamonds, they are just manmade. Lab diamonds have all of the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds. However, lab grown diamonds can be formed in a matter of weeks or months, as opposed to the millions of years it takes for natural diamonds to form.
A Brief History of Lab Diamonds
Though lab grown diamonds are a relatively new invention, their history goes back centuries. In 1797, scientists first discovered that diamonds were composed of pure carbon. This began the race to create the first synthetic diamond. However, it would take over 150 years before technology caught up with human aspirations. In the period leading up to the creation of lab grown diamonds, many imitators and knock-offs emerged. This led to the term “diamond simulant,” which refers to stones that look like diamonds but do not possess the same gemological characteristics.
The first known lab diamonds were created by General Electric in 1954. This batch of lab grown diamonds was made using a high-pressure belt press that could subject seed crystals to extremely high pressures and temperatures. This allowed the researchers to dissolve graphite into diamonds using processes that were identical to the natural processes that take place underground. However, as previously mentioned, the process of creating diamonds in a laboratory was much, much faster, even from the earliest days of its existence.
Unfortunately, the first lab grown diamonds were far too small to use in jewelry. They were still good for industrial use, but it would take nearly two decades before scientists could make gem-quality diamonds in a lab. General Electric is also credited with this creation, which took place in 1971. The improved process utilized a tube capable of applying heat and pressure to a graphite seed. It would take a few more years before researchers were able to create white or colorless diamonds that were not just equal to natural diamonds, but actually superior in terms of carat, color, and clarity. Today, these processes have advanced so that they are far more economical and well-suited to provide high-quality lab diamonds to consumers all over the world.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real?
Yes, lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. They have all of the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, and are composed of the same carbon crystal structure. The only difference is that lab grown diamonds are created in a laboratory setting under controlled conditions, while natural diamonds are formed deep within the earth over millions of years. Some natural diamonds have also been discovered in meteorites, but the vast majority form underground. Either way, lab grown diamonds are both visually and compositionally identical to natural diamonds.
How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Made?
Lab diamonds are made in a laboratory setting capable of mimicking the natural process of diamond creation below the Earth’s mantle. General Electric first made lab diamonds using the high-pressure/high-temperature process (HPHT). This method recreated the conditions that make diamonds underground, but it was far too expensive to create diamonds en masse. Therefore, scientists had to develop new ways of making diamonds without sacrificing their quality.
Nowadays, most lab diamonds are made via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). This process uses carbon gas to heat a seed diamond in an enclosed chamber. As the seed diamond heats up, more carbon begins to stick to it, causing it to grow. When compared to HPHT, the CVD method is far more cost-effective and controllable. With CVD, scientists can control virtually every aspect of the diamond-creation process.
Like natural diamonds, lab diamonds have to go through a strict and rigorous grading assessment before receiving certification from organizations like the Association of Gemological Institutes (AGI), Gemological Insitute of America (GIA), and the International Gemological Institute (IGI). Many of the top diamond laboratories in the world are located in the US, China, India, and Israel. Regardless of their origin, all certified lab diamonds must be evaluated by reputable third-party organizations before they reach consumers.
Lab Diamond Engagement Rings
Lab grown diamond engagement rings are becoming increasingly popular as an ethical and affordable alternative to natural diamond engagement rings. With a natural diamond ring, you are likely to spend more just because the diamond grew underground. Alternatively, lab grown diamond rings offer the same brilliance and durability as natural diamond jewelry, but are generally less expensive and do not have the ethical and environmental concerns associated with some diamond mining practices. Lab grown diamonds can be set in a variety of styles, just like natural diamonds, and can be found in a range of shapes and cuts, including the Princess Cut, Emerald Cut, and Oval Cut.
Lab Diamond Tennis Bracelets
Lab grown diamond tennis bracelets are a popular jewelry item that feature a continuous row of diamonds set in a light, metal bracelet. They are typically made with small, round diamonds that are perfectly matched in terms of color, clarity, and size. Lab grown diamond tennis bracelets offer the same beauty and quality as natural diamond tennis bracelets, but are generally more affordable and offer greater flexibility in terms of customization. They can be found in a range of metal types (including gold and platinum) and designs, and can be made with different diamond shapes and sizes to suit your personal preferences.
If you’re currently in the market for lab diamond jewelry, you can’t go wrong with the engagement rings, tennis bracelets, and other jewelry pieces offered at Liori Diamonds. All of our lab diamonds are AGI certified, ensuring that you only get the best quality lab grown diamonds. Additionally, our lab diamond jewerly is competitively priced so that you can get great deals on the absolute best synthetic diamond pieces on the market.
We hope you found this guide on lab grown diamonds both useful and informative! Are you in the market for lab diamond jewelr? Do you want beautiful, certified diamond jewerly at competitive prices? If so, be sure to check out the luxurious products available at Liori Diamonds today!
