Lab grown diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds, also known as synthetic diamonds, cultured diamonds, or man-made diamonds, are diamonds that are created in a laboratory setting rather than being formed naturally deep within the Earth. These diamonds have the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties as natural diamonds, but they are produced under controlled conditions.

Lab-grown diamonds are created through two primary methods:

1. High-Pressure, High-Temperature (HPHT) Method: In this method, a small diamond “seed” is placed in a high-pressure press and exposed to high temperatures and pressures similar to those found in the Earth’s mantle. Carbon is then added to the press, and the carbon atoms crystallize around the seed, gradually growing into a larger diamond.
2. Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Method: In the CVD process, a thin slice of diamond (seed) is placed in a vacuum chamber. A carbon-rich gas is introduced, and it is ionized to break down the carbon molecules. The carbon atoms then settle on the diamond seed, layer by layer, creating a larger diamond crystal.

1. Ethical and Environmental Considerations: Lab-grown diamonds are often considered more ethical and environmentally friendly compared to mined diamonds. They do not require large-scale mining operations, which can have ecological and social impacts.
2. Cost: Lab-grown diamonds can be more affordable than natural diamonds of comparable quality. This makes them an attractive option for consumers looking for value.
3. Certainty of Origin: Lab-grown diamonds have a clear and traceable origin, which can be important to consumers who want to know the history of their gemstones.
4. Customization: Since they are created in a controlled environment, lab-grown diamonds can be produced with specific characteristics, such as color and clarity, making them suitable for various jewelry designs.
5. Physical Properties: Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds, including their hardness, brilliance, and fire.

It’s important to note that while lab-grown diamonds share many qualities with natural diamonds, they are distinct from diamond simulants which have different chemical compositions and properties.

Cubic zirconia (CZ) is perhaps the most well known diamond simulant. Some CZ’s are marketed as synthetic diamonds, but this is not considered an ethical practice. CZ’s are not man-made diamonds, they are imitation diamonds.

Other examples of diamond simulants are synthetic moissanite, zircon, quartz and glass.

Lab grown diamonds were first produced in the early 1950’s for industrial purposes, and by the early 1960’s both De Beers  and General Electric were producing lab grown diamond grit for industrial use.

Most industrial diamond grit is now made synthetically, and industrial diamonds are used for a variety of purposes including drill bits, abrasive, heat sinks and specialised cutting tools.

Only very small quantities of loose gem quality lab grown diamonds were sold until 2003. However, in 2004, lab-grown diamonds became more widely available to the public at jewelry stores and over the internet.

These lab grown diamonds come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orangy yellow, greenish yellow, blue and red. They may also be colorless and near colorless.

Price: Lab-grown diamonds used to cost about the same as natural diamonds. However, prices have come down considerably and will probably continue to drop as production increases and technology improves.

Growing time: A 2-carat lab grown diamond takes less than a week to grow. A natural diamond is formed deep in the earth’s mantle at very high temperature and pressure conditions over millions of years.

Potential for price appreciation: Despite market fluctuations, the overall value of natural diamonds has increased over the years. On the other hand, the price of man-made gems has generally decreased as production and competition have increased. It is probable that the price of lab-grown diamonds will follow this general trend.

Emotional value: Consumers interested in the romance of diamonds will generally attach more emotional value to a natural diamond compared to one created in a laboratory. However, a lab grown diamond could be a viable alternative if there is any concern about the political aspects of diamond mining.