Lab-created diamonds have been gaining popularity in the jewelry world as an alternative to natural diamonds. But around these diamonds, also called synthetic or artificial diamonds, there seem to be many contradictory rumors and beliefs that only cast doubt on them. So it is normal for questions to arise such as Are they real diamonds? Can you tell a lab created diamond from a natural diamond? Why are these diamonds less expensive? Or what does it really mean to be «lab-created»?
The truth is that if you are considering buying one or are simply not familiar with these stones, you will need to know some important facts. So we have compiled 7 things you should know, with which we answer your main questions.
1. Are lab created diamonds real?
Although some people refer to them as fake diamonds, imitations or simulators, the truth is that just like natural diamonds, they are real diamonds.
According to gemologists, lab-created diamonds are considered genuine diamonds. The main reason to support this statement is that they have exactly the same physical and chemical composition. But they also look, feel and shine exactly like their natural counterpart. Therefore, the only difference between the two will be their origin. Since instead of being extracted from the ground they are created in a specialized laboratory.
2. How are lab created diamonds obtained?
Like natural diamonds, lab-created diamonds are created from carbon atoms exposed to extremely high temperature levels. For which high-tech equipment is required to simulate the conditions under which a natural diamond is created or simply replicate its composition.
There are several processes that can be employed to create these diamonds. But there are two methods that are the most common for the creation and growth of laboratory diamonds:
Chemical Vapor Deposition Diamonds
The first process is called Chemical Vapor Deposition or CVD. In this a «seed crystal», which is actually a very small diamond, is placed in a small chamber. Which is filled with gases that are heated and once they reach the right temperature, begin to form layers of carbon in the seed crystal. With this, the seed grows and a square diamond crystal is created.
High temperature and high pressure diamonds
The second process is called high pressure and high temperature or HPHT for its acronym in English. It is a process that seeks to replicate the pressure and temperature conditions that form natural diamonds. But in this process instead of a seed, natural graphite is used. Which is placed in a large machine that crushes it with extreme pressure and temperature. Conditions under which graphite becomes a diamond.
Growing diamonds using either of these two methods generally requires less than a month to obtain most sizes. However, most CVD grown diamonds will require additional heat treatment or irradiation to enhance or change their colors after the growth process. But despite the differences, both methods create a real diamond that is chemically and physically similar to natural diamonds. So choosing which process is better is somewhat complex.
3. Are lab created diamonds cheaper than natural diamonds?
Of course you can, when comparing a natural diamond and a lab-grown diamond of the same quality and size, we can see that the lab-grown diamond will generally be more affordable than the natural diamond.
To be precise, we are talking about the price of a laboratory created diamond being between 15% and 60% cheaper than a natural diamond of the same size and quality.
4. Can lab created diamonds be certified?
Yes, just like mined diamonds, lab created diamonds can be certified to prove their size, quality and provenance.
Generally, only solitaire diamonds over 0.25 carat in weight are certified. This is because diamond certification is an expensive and demanding process and would add a disproportionate additional cost to smaller, less valuable diamonds.
Who certifies lab grown diamonds? They are certified by the exact same independent gemological laboratories that also certify mined diamonds. For example, GIA or IGI laboratories.
5. Will lab-created diamonds last forever?
Yes, lab created diamonds exhibit a durability of 10 on the Mohs scale, which is the same extreme durability as natural diamonds. Which is because they are real diamonds, which is the hardest material on the planet.
6. Are lab created diamonds the same as cubic zirconia and moissanite?
This is one of the most important things to know about lab diamonds. Well, they are not the same as cubic zirconia or moissanite, which are synthetic imitations made from materials that have nothing to do with diamonds.
Gemological experts consider lab diamonds to be real diamonds, not imitations or fake diamonds. In fact, since lab created diamonds and natural diamonds are the same, they are both just diamonds, it is impossible to tell them apart.
For this reason, and in the interest of consumer transparency, laboratory diamonds are marked with a microscopic laser mark to distinguish them from mined diamonds. (We can’t see this mark with the naked eye, but a jeweler can find it with specialized magnifying equipment.)
However, this is not the case with imitation synthetic stones like moissanite or cubic zirconia. No special markings are needed on them, because a jeweler can instantly distinguish these materials from diamonds, without the need for specialized equipment.
This is because the weight, appearance, and brilliance of synthetic materials like moissanite or cubic zirconia are completely different from diamonds, and are instantly noticeable by experts.
Read also All about moissanite in jewelry
7. Are lab diamonds better than mined diamonds?
This question is very subjective. If someone asks you if a Mercedes is a better car than a Tesla, your answer will largely depend on your personal taste, budget, needs, and how you perceive each car brand.
It is good to keep in mind that both mined and lab diamonds have their pros and cons.
Mined diamonds…
- They are a rare and beautiful wonder created by mother nature.
- Their perceived value lies in the fact that they are a finite natural resource.
- They are expensive because they are hard to find and their production involves a lot of mining and transportation.
- Some people are concerned about the environmental and social impact of mining on local environments and communities.
Lab-grown diamonds…
- They are a fusion of art and technology, a high-tech luxury.
- They are man-made, which can cause people to perceive them as less rare and attractive than mined diamonds.
- They offer the same quality, look, feel and brilliance as mined diamonds, at a lower price.
- They are considered environmentally sustainable and socially ethical because no mining is required.