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Lab Grown Diamonds: FAQ
May
Within the past few years, there has been an increased interest in lab grown diamonds- also known as man-made diamonds. As with anything new, there are always lots of questions- what is a lab-grown diamond? How do you grow diamonds? We are here to help! Keep scrolling to have your questions answered in this lab grown diamond FAQ.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real? Or Are They the Same as Cubic Zirconia?
Yes, laboratory grown diamonds are 100 percent real. Diamonds are scientifically labeled as pure carbon crystallized in the isometric system. These lab-grown gems are 100 percent carbon like natural diamonds. Therefore, they are not diamond simulants like cubic zirconia. Cubic zirconia looks very similar to diamonds but is not made from carbon crystals. Many people can tell the difference between a real diamond and a diamond simulant with the naked eye.
What is a Lab Grown Diamond?
Lab grown diamonds are exactly what their name is. Laboratories create diamonds instead of mining them. These diamonds have the same properties chemically, physically and optically as their natural counterparts.
How Are They Made?
Natural diamonds take over a billion years to form under high pressure and heat. That is why they were so rare and expensive (and still are) once mined. Lab grown diamonds take that time and cut it to about a week for a one-carat rock. They can take longer to create depending on what the carat weight is. However, the time it takes is nowhere compared to a natural diamond.
Typically, most lab diamonds are grown within a month or two. In a controlled environment, there are two ways to create these gems: High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). The chosen method is dependent on the color and size of the desired diamond. To get this diamond, scientists take tiny carbon seeds from existing diamonds and then place them in one of the machines.
Can a Jeweler Tell the Difference Between a Lab Grown and Natural Diamond?
Since lab grown diamonds are chemically, physically and optically the same as natural diamonds, it is virtually impossible to tell the difference between the two. The only way to know if it is lab grown, besides the company stating it is, is with a special gemological machine.
Since this piece of equipment is expensive, most jewelers or jewelry stores do not have one. However, ethical and trustworthy companies will tell you if the diamond is lab grown or natural and will provide a certification with the diamond.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Cheaper Than Natural Diamonds?
As with all diamonds, size, cut, color and clarity determine the price; however, lab grown diamonds are more affordable than their natural counterparts. Laboratory diamonds work well for couples wanting amazing engagement rings on a tighter budget. However, before settling for a lab grown diamond, make sure to window shop around to find the perfect diamond that is right for you.
Are They Better Quality?
Just like natural diamonds, lab grown ones have a variety of qualities and characteristics. They have a variety of clarity, color and cut just like mined diamonds.
Are They GIA Certified? Can You Appraise Them?
Luckily, many leading gemology grading companies, including GIA, IGI, HRD and GCAL certify lab grown diamonds. In fact, many of these certification standards started in 2020.
Anytime you purchase a lab grown diamond, it should come with a gem certification identifying the lab it came from. If you do not get one of these certifications, contact the jeweler or company you bought it from right away. Just like natural diamonds, you can get your lab grown diamond appraised and insured.
Why Should I Choose a Lab-Grown Diamond?
Lab grown diamonds are the perfect choice for anyone looking for an affordable way to have a diamond. While the price does vary, they are still going to be much more affordable when compared to a natural diamond with the same characteristics. Lab diamonds are also an ethical choice given that no mining is required to retrieve them.
The more that technology advances, the more opportunities we will see in the gem industry. While they are new territory in the industry, they are just as beautiful as natural mined diamonds. If you need help finding your dream diamond, contact Mark’s Diamonds today. You can also build your dream lab diamond engagement ring online with our lab diamond ring builder!
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Such an amazing blog post. It’s good to know more about Diamonds!
Nice Blog!!!