Lab-grown diamonds are identical to their natural counterparts in every way- except that they are grown in a lab from a diamond seed instead of pulled from the earth. Scientists replicate the natural process that forms earth-grown diamonds, making the properties of lab-grown diamonds identical to that of mined diamonds.
However, they cost up to 40% less! Mined diamonds form deep in the earth’s crust over billions of years. The consequence of mining diamonds is significant. Mined diamonds—also known as blood diamonds—destroy local habitats and wildlife and compromise the well-being of labourers.
Mined diamonds have a crystal structure and so do lab-grown diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds replicate the crystal lattice-like structure of mined diamonds. Despite their similarities, lab-grown diamonds don’t destroy wildlife or harm workers.
Lab diamonds grow in a controlled environment of extreme pressure and heat, known as High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Thanks to extensive research and practice, lab-grown diamonds grow in the same way mined diamonds do.
Are lab diamonds as good as real diamonds? YES! It’s no secret that for the last century, mined diamonds have adorned most engagement rings. Does this mean they’re superior to lab-grown diamonds? Not at all. Lab-grown diamonds are equal in quality, durability and appearance! While mined diamonds are a traditional choice, they are not superior. In fact, as more consumers look for environmentally and socially conscious options, lab diamonds are being chosen more frequently, while mined diamonds are becoming less popular.
Moissanite is not the same thing as a lab- grown diamond. Moissanite has grown popular in recent years, but it differs from diamonds in many ways. While mined diamonds come from the earth and lab-grown diamonds are grown in a lab, Moissanite originates from meteors. Moissanite is not a diamond, nor can it fare as one. While a diamond—whether lab or earth grown—is singly refractive, moissanite is doubly refractive. This results in a disco ball of light, meaning you can see all the colors of the rainbow. So although some may prefer the fiery sparkle of Moissanite, it doesn’t look like a real diamond.
Likewise, cubic zirconia (CZ) is not the same thing as a lab-grown diamond. While lab made diamonds are made of carbon, CZ is made of zirconium dioxide. This makes CZ much more porous resulting in a yellowing over time. Additionally, since lab diamonds are much higher in price because of their superb quality, they have a much higher resale value, especially when set in a stunning engagement ring.
Lab-grown diamonds cost a fraction of the price of mined diamonds. It’s easy to see budget go further with a lab-grown diamond than a mined diamond as you can save up to 65% of your money.
It’s impossible to tell the difference between a lab- grown diamond and mined diamond in a side-by-side comparison. You need special tools to be able to differentiate one from the other. That’s because they’re identical in all ways. If you want to verify that your diamond is lab-grown, check its grading report. Along with specifying that it was grown in a lab, it will also indicate the diamond’s grade on all 4Cs, including carat weight, color, clarity and cut. A grading report gives you peace of mind knowing your diamond is the quality you expect.
Do lab-grown diamonds shine like mined diamonds? Of course! This means that your lab-grown diamond is going to shine as bright as a mined diamond. Goodbye costly gemstones, hello sparkle!
Lab-grown diamonds are affordable, free of mining concerns, conflict-free, durable, brilliant and luxurious. What’s not to love? Expert gemologists can’t differentiate between mined diamonds and lab-grown diamonds. Which means neither will anyone else!
Side-by-side, they’re one in the same. When you look at lab grown diamonds, they’re made of the exact same chemical structure as mined diamonds. The only difference between mined diamonds and lab grown diamonds (aside from the cost) is their origin.
Whether it be to add to your collection, that first special diamond or the first buy for your loved one, we are here to answer all your questions.
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