“Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?” This is a question that gets asked a lot and the short answer is yes. The only notable difference between lab diamonds and natural diamonds is that the former are created in a controlled laboratory environment while natural diamonds are mined from the earth. Natural diamonds are created under the pressure of the earth’s crust over millions of years before being mined, cut, polished and set into jewellery. Lab created diamonds, on the other hand, are created using two laboratory techniques called CVD and HPHT. These processes mimic the natural growth of a diamond within a laboratory and in turn cut the formation time from millions of years to just a couple of months.
Since lab diamonds are 100% real diamonds and are optically, chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds mined from the earth, you cannot see any difference between them with the naked eye. In fact, the only way to tell the difference between lab created diamonds and natural diamonds is by using specialised equipment to detect trace elements of nitrogen in the stone. Natural diamonds have tiny amounts of nitrogen while synthetic diamonds have no nitrogen. Lab grown diamonds offer the same quality as natural diamonds and are even certified in the same way.
As with everything, there are pros and cons for lab grown vs natural diamonds. The main disadvantage of lab created diamonds is whether they will hold value. Since they are not as rare as natural diamonds formed in the earth, its likely their value will not hold over time. Some may also argue that natural diamonds are more meaningful because of their journey from the earth into jewellery. On the other hand, lab grown diamonds are significantly more affordable than natural diamonds retailing up to 30 to 40% cheaper. This is because the process of mining natural diamonds is time-consuming and expensive. This also means customers of lab grown diamond jewellery and lab grown diamond engagement rings can purchase a larger stone within their budget.
Synthetic diamonds are also conflict free and considered more sustainable for the planet compared to natural diamonds. Many natural diamond mines have a significant impact on our environment including habitat destruction, water pollution, and soil erosion. There are also several ethical concerns surrounding some diamond mining, particularly natural diamonds known as conflict diamonds or blood diamonds. However, this is not to say that all natural diamonds are conflict diamonds. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) launched in 2003 has helped us regulate the trade of rough diamonds and prevent the trade of conflict diamonds. The Kimberley Process requires participating countries to ensure that all rough diamonds are accompanied by a certificate that verifies that they are conflict-free. This certification process is meant to ensure that rough diamonds are not being used to finance armed conflict or human rights abuses.
Price & Value of Lab Grown Diamonds
Despite being physically and chemically identical and formed to the same high-standard, lab created diamonds are cheaper than natural mined diamonds. This is because mining is an expensive and time-consuming process whereas creating cultured diamonds in a lab is significantly more efficient and economical, taking just a matter of months. Lab diamonds are typically around 30 to 40% cheaper than their natural counterpart which allows customers of lab grown diamond jewellery to afford larger diamond carats within their budget.
