Lab-grown Diamond Guide
Over the past 10 years, lab-grown diamonds have steadily grown in popularity as an affordable alternative to natural diamonds. Lab-grown easily matches the brilliance of any natural stone, but many consider them to be less rare and precious. We shed light on what makes these lab-created diamonds so similar, yet so different from natural stones.
What is a lab-grown diamond?
Lab-grown diamonds, also known as synthetic diamonds, are created in the same way as natural stones, only the process is accelerated and takes place in a laboratory (or factory) rather than in nature. Today, these gemstones are becoming more and more mass-produced, which helps lower their price. For the same reason, some argue that they do not have the same emotional or long-term value as naturally formed stones.
How do you grow diamonds in a lab?
There are different ways to create a laboratory diamond, but two main processes stand out:
Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) places a high-quality diamond (or any other heat-resistant material) in a vacuum chamber containing various gasses or carbonaceous materials. This material is then heated to extreme temperatures (around 700° to 900°), allowing crystals to form on the original “seed” diamond. Think of it as a fine composition of carbon materials raining down to create diamond crystals.
High-Pressure, High-Temperature (HPHT), a similar process during which high pressure and heat is applied to a diamond “seed” to allow crystals to grow
The finished rough stones are then taken to be cut and polished. In theory, there is no limit to how large a lab diamond can grow or how many can be created.
Are lab-growns cheaper?
| 1 ct, D color, excellent cut, IF | 1 ct, D color, excellent cut, IF, Round Laboratory-grown diamond | 1 ct, D color, excellent cut, IF , Round Laboratory-grown diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical composition | C | C |
| Crystalline structure | Cubic | Cubic |
| Refractive index | 2.42 | 2.42 |
| Dispersion | 0.044 | 0.044 |
| Hardness | 10 | 10 |
| Density | 3.52 | 3.52 |
| Energy use | Around 57 kWh | Around 57 kWh |
| Scarcity | Very scarce, especially as this is high-quality diamond | No real scarcity |
| Long-term value | Stable long-term value | Decreasing long-term value |
| Average price | € 12.500 | € 1.012 |
| Laboratory-grown diamond is cheaper than natural diamond with | 91,9% | |
Are lab-grown diamonds more ethical?
There is much debate around lab-grown sustainability, and whether they are truly environmentally-friendly and ethical. Although many consider this a fact, the reality is that lab-grown diamonds require significant energy to produce. And while it can be difficult to measure the carbon footprint of a single diamond, experts have found that most lab-grown production uses large amounts of non-renewable energy.
Research by the Natural Diamonds Council has shown that lab-grown diamonds produce on average three times more greenhouse gas emissions than mined diamonds (511 kg per carat, compared to 160 kg for natural diamonds). However, it is important to note that this report was commissioned by large mining companies – the mining of natural diamonds also has a clear impact on the environment.
When measuring the carbon footprint of a one-carat mined or lab-grown diamond, a wide range of factors will come into play: these include the type of machinery used, energy sources, extraction methods, as well as the country in which the diamond is produced.
These variables generate great uncertainty and conflicting information. Indeed, such research can lead to confusion and inaccuracies, so it is essential that both natural and lab-grown diamond producers work towards more sustainable practices.
One of the main criticisms of lab-grown production is that it fails to support employment and economic growth in diamond-producing countries. Countries like Botswana have benefited extensively from diamond mining. Since opening its first mine in 1967, Botswana has become one of the fastest growing economies in the world and has successfully improved living standards through education, health and new infrastructure.
On the other hand, lab-grown diamonds are easier to track and, unlike natural stones, offer more transparency regarding human rights and worker conditions.
How to tell lab diamonds from real diamonds
As previously mentioned, it can be difficult to differentiate a lab diamond from a natural one, as they are virtually identical. Only an expert with specialized equipment could observe the nature of the inclusions found in lab-grown diamonds.
To know if a diamond is lab-grown or natural, it’s always best to ask your jeweler for an appraisal report. The Gemological Institute of America provides each lab-grown diamond with an official report to be completely transparent about the nature of the stone.
Do I still need to look at the 4Cs?
Just because a diamond is grown in a lab doesn’t make it flawless. Similar to natural stones, lab diamonds grow with slight imperfections known as inclusions. When buying a diamond, it’s important to study its carat, color, clarity and cut, regardless of where the stone came from. These factors will influence the final price and the total investment you intend to make.
The last word
Lab-grown diamonds can be a useful option for those looking to buy diamonds at a discounted price. They are great for ornamental and decorative jewelry and are more affordable for customers who want to buy larger stones. However, customers who purchase diamonds for the emotional value of owning a unique and rare item usually opt for the natural kind. After all, these stones are billions of years old, created by forces of nature that are simply impossible to reproduce.
FAQs
How are lab grown diamonds certified / graded?
Lab-growns are graded through the same process as natural diamonds: experts will check a stone’s cut, color and clarity (lab-grown diamonds can also carry inclusions), and include these results in a grading report. Like natural gems, lab-grown diamonds have varying levels of quality. At LV’57 Diamonds, we only provide independently graded lab-grown diamonds. Before choosing a stone, be sure to check its grading report.
How long does it take to create lab grown diamonds?
This mostly depends on the diamond’s carat weight and the technology used to create it. Usually, a 1ct white diamond takes around two weeks to be created, while larger stones can sometimes take up to a month.
Do lab grown diamonds lose their clarity?
Is a diamond really forever? That depends on what “forever” means to you. What is certain is that diamonds, both natural and lab-grown, never lose their clarity or sparkle. Once a lab-grown diamond is formed and faceted, it is usually graded by experts who measure its color, cut and clarity. Unless you severely damage your lab-grown diamond, these aspects will always stay the same. Remember, you should regularly clean your lab-grown jewelry, as accumulated dirt can sometimes make diamonds seem less dazzling.