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Why Should I Consider Lab Grown Diamonds Over Natural Diamonds?

Finding the right diamond for you or for someone else can be overwhelming. Now there is the added decision to make between a lab grown diamond or a natural diamond.

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@Labgrown 2023

Finding the right diamond for you or for someone else can be overwhelming. There’s so many diamond shapes, cuts and carat weights to choose from, and let’s not forget the different precious metals and settings on offer. Then of course, you have the decision to make between lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds.

Thankfully, here at Labgrown.Diamonds, we want to make your buying experience as easy as possible which is why we have created several useful buying guides on all things diamond. We’ve covered the 4C’s, diamond styles, diamond certification and so much more. Next, we’re going to help you decide between lab grown diamonds and their naturally mined counterparts.

In today’s modern world, we’re seeing traditional values and expectations combine with important, contemporary ethics. For this reason, the allure of lab grown diamonds has emerged as a compelling alternative to mined diamonds. So, why should you consider swapping your traditional sparkler for a lab-grown gem? Join us as we explore six reasons to choose lab grown diamonds over natural ones…

  • Lab Grown Diamonds

Frequently asked questions

Lab Grown Diamonds

  • How are lab grown diamonds made?

    Lab grown diamonds are produced in highly controlled environments that replicate the conditions which create natural diamonds. There are two methods used to create lab diamonds; CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) and HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature). Both methods are effective in creating high-quality, authentic diamonds, identical to those that have been traditionally mined.

  • Do lab grown diamonds look and shine like natural diamonds?

    Yes. Lab grown diamonds look and shine exactly like natural diamonds, including their ability to reflect light and sparkle! The shine and brilliance of a diamond are determined by the four Cs, cut, colour, clarity, and carat, all elements that apply to both lab grown and natural diamonds. This means that lab grown diamonds can be made inall of the same colour and look combinations as their natural counterparts. In fact, if you were to put one lab grown and one natural stone of the samespecification next to each other, it would be impossible to tell the difference between them without specialist equipment.

  • Will lab created diamonds test as real diamonds?

    Yes! As lab grown diamonds have the same chemical structure as natural, mined diamonds (carbon), lab grown diamonds are real diamonds and so will pass a diamond tester.

  • What are lab grown diamonds?

    Lab grown diamonds are diamonds that have been created in a laboratory using advanced technological processes that mimic the conditionsrequired for natural diamond formation. The diamonds created in this way have exactly the same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds.

  • Are lab grown diamonds made of the same material as natural diamonds?

    Yes. Lab grown diamonds are made of carbon in a crystalline form, however instead of developing in a natural geological setting over thousands of years, they are made in a matter of weeks through controlled technological processes in a laboratory.

  • Can you tell the difference between lab grown and natural diamonds with the naked eye?

    No, you can only tell the difference between lab grown and natural diamonds by viewing the laser inscription on the girdle using a magnifying glass loupe. Although not all diamonds come with this, which is why it is important to choose a diamond from a trusted and experienced jeweller, as it will come with an IGI or GIA certificate. The only other way to tell the difference between lab grown and natural diamonds is by using specialist gemological equipment.

  • What is the production time of a lab grown diamond?

    The time it takes to produce a lab grown diamond can vary depending on the size and quality of stone desired. Typically, it takes from two to four weeks for a lab grown diamond to form. After the initial growth process of the rough diamond, it must then be cut and polished. The timeline for this can vary depending on its size and complexity.

  • Where are LG.D’s lab grown diamonds made?

    Lab grown diamonds are made in highly specialized laboratories where expert scientists and engineers operate cutting edge technology. LG.D partners with trusted suppliers all over the world in order to source the highest quality lab grown diamonds. Some of our partners are located in Israel, the United States, and India, however this list is always changing as we look to add to our list of highly reputable laboratories.

  • Are lab grown diamonds as durable as natural diamonds?

    The physical and chemical properties of lab grown diamonds are identical to that of natural diamonds, making them every bit as strong. They may even be stronger, as they are not subject to the same natural flaws that can weaken the integrity of natural diamonds.

    Lab grown diamonds can be subjected to much the same pressures as their traditional counterparts and are extremely resistant to damage. Natural and lab grown diamonds both sit at 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means they are the toughest mineral in the world. In fact, they are so durable that they can only be scratched by another diamond.


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Lower price for the same size and quality

Lab grown diamonds come with a compelling advantage in terms of their price. Due to their more cost-effective processes, lab grown gemstones are often up to 50% cheaper* than naturally mined diamonds of the same size and quality. Creating synthetic diamonds does not require resource intensive mining operations and the expenses associated with them. Instead, lab grown diamonds are created through advanced technological methods which reduces both the environmental impact and mining costs.

No mining impact

Since lab grown diamonds are created in exactly that, a laboratory, they eliminate any need for traditional mining practices. In some instances, mined diamonds involve exploitative labour practices and contribute to habitat destruction. Lab grown diamonds bypass these ethical concerns and allow for little to no disruption to our world’s ecosystems.

Reduced mining also helps minimise negative impacts on local communities and reduces carbon footprints. By choosing lab grown diamonds, individuals contribute to a cleaner, more socially responsible industry.

Ethical considerations

Alongside the advantages that come with no mining, lab grown diamonds have several other ethical and environmental benefits. For many, lab grown diamonds are preferred simply because of their conflict-free nature. There are a number of concerns associated with traditional diamond mining, particularly around conflict diamonds or “blood” diamonds. These are gemstones that have been mined within war zones and sold to finance armed conflict against governments.

This is not to say all mined diamonds are conflict diamonds, but with lab grown diamonds, individuals can feel completely assured their gemstone is not tied to any ethical concerns associated with their natural counterpart.

Purity and quality control

Since they are created in a controlled laboratory setting, lab grown diamonds are typically more consistent in their quality and characteristics. Scientists can manipulate the different methods used for creating lab grown diamonds to ensure they boast better levels of colour and clarity which in turn makes the diamond sparkle more beautifully. Since natural diamonds are formed in the ground with no interference from humans, their quality can vary significantly. Synthetic diamond making processes have taken years to perfect and use extremely expensive machinery to ensure the gemstones they create are of high quality. The two methods are CVD and HPHT.

Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) is a method for creating lab grown diamonds that involves introducing a carbon-rich gas into a chamber where a pre-existing diamond fragment has been placed. In just a matter of weeks, the carbon gas ionises and surrounds the original piece of diamond, eventually creating a fully formed cultured diamond. Meanwhile, High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) involves replicating the natural conditions experienced under the Earth's mantle. Carbon is subjected to extreme pressure and high temperature, which facilitates crystal growth.

Both methods are carried out in controlled environments and produce diamonds with chemical and physical characteristics similar to natural diamonds. Both also allow for fewer impurities and defects to occur because the process allows for precise control over the conditions in which they are created.

No difference to the naked eye

To the naked eye, there is no visible difference between lab grown and mined diamonds. Both exhibit the same chemical and physical characteristics. Only under specialised equipment and by trained gemmologists can subtle distinctions be detected. Some indicators include specific inclusions, growth patterns, or spectroscopic features that might reveal the diamond's origin.

However, advancements in lab grown diamond technology strive to minimize these differences, making it challenging even for experts to distinguish between the two without using advanced testing methods.

No rarity concerns

An important issue surrounding naturally mined diamonds is the depletion of resources and potential future scarcity. Mined diamonds are found in the Earth’s mantle and can take millions of years to form, and eventually, supplies will run out if heavy mining practices continue. Thankfully, lab grown diamonds, produced through controlled processes, sidestep these issues.

They offer an ethical, eco-friendly alternative without compromising on the visual allure of diamonds. We can create lab grown diamonds from tiny pre-existing diamond fragments within a matter of weeks and in turn help mitigate worries about depleting finite resources.

Conclusion

The decision to choose between lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds transcends the confines of a mere purchase; it represents a conscious commitment to ethical, environmental, and social responsibility. By opting for these diamonds, you not only embrace a sustainable and transparent alternative but also contribute to a healthier jewellery industry.

Lab-created diamonds also come with advantages regarding their quality and price. A mined diamond of the same size typically costs up to 50% more*than those created in a controlled laboratory setting. This makes them ideal alternatives for those looking to get more bang for their buck. We also have more control over the quality of the diamond when they are created under the keen eye of expert scientists. This helps ensure we have diamonds graded highly on their 4C’s (colour, cut, clarity and carat weight).

Remember, these reasons are not exhaustive, and individuals may prioritise different factors based on their values and beliefs. It's essential to thoroughly research and consider your own preferences when making a decision about whether to choose lab grown or natural diamonds. If you have any further questions about lab grown diamonds, or you’d like some personalised assistance choosing one for yourself, you can get in touch with our team of diamond experts here at Labgrown.Diamonds. Reach out to us today by calling 01335 702199