Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab Grown vs. Natural Diamond

Lab grown diamonds are diamonds created in a laboratory environment. They are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds.

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In this Guide

What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?

Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real?

Lab Grown Diamond vs. Natural

Can You Tell the Difference Between Lab Grown and

Benefits of Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab Grown Diamond FAQ

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What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?

Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds produced in a controlled laboratory setting. Chemically, physically, and optically, lab diamonds are identical to natural diamonds, with the same hardness, brilliance, and fire. Unlike natural diamonds that form over billions of years deep within the Earth’s mantle, lab diamonds can be created in just weeks to months.

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Types of Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab diamonds start as tiny carbon seeds from pre-existing diamonds. There are two primary techniques used to create lab diamonds: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).

HPHT Lab Diamonds
CVD Lab Diamonds

Both methods simulate part of the natural diamond-forming process, resulting in high-quality diamonds that are identical to mined diamonds in every way. After several days, a rough diamond is created, then cut, polished, and set in jewelry. Both methods yield real diamonds with no differences in durability or quality, differing only in growth patterns and production time.

With the naked eye, it’s impossible to differentiate between natural diamonds, HPHT lab diamonds, and CVD lab diamonds; only experts can identify subtle markers related to growth patterns.

CVD Diamond Process

CVD diamond growth relies on Chemical Vapor Deposition, which involves breaking down carbon gases to form diamond crystals. Here’s an overview of how the process works:

Seed Placement: A disc containing 15-30 small diamond seeds (tiny pieces of natural or lab diamond) is placed in the growth chamber.
Gas Activation: Inside the chamber, a plasma ball of superheated methane and hydrogen gases is generated.
Heat Increase: The chamber temperature is raised to 700-1200°C.
Diamond Formation: Activated methane and hydrogen gases adhere to the seeds, repeatedly forming carbon layers over days or weeks, replicating the crystal structure of the original diamond seed and forming a pure diamond crystal.
Monitoring and Cutting: Technicians monitor the diamond growth and remove the crystals once they are the desired size and ready for cutting. The lab diamond is then polished and shaped, preparing them for jewelry settings.

This precise process enables manufacturers to control factors like growth rate, clarity, and color for optimal quality.

HPHT Diamond Process

The HPHT process involves three key stages:

Creating the Environment: A specialized High-Pressure High-Temperature diamond machine includes a cell made up of three parts: The top layer contains the carbon material; the middle layer holds the metal catalyst, such as nickel or cobalt; and the bottom layer is where the diamond seed crystal is placed.
Diamond Formation: This capsule is subjected to extremely high pressure and heat. The carbon begins to crystallize, forming diamond structures, with the catalyst accelerating this process.
Cooling and Cutting: Once the diamond crystals have formed, the environment is slowly cooled, and the diamonds are extracted, cut, and polished.

This process closely mimics the natural formation of diamonds, which occurs over billions of years beneath the Earth's surface.

Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real?

Yes, lab grown diamonds are as real as natural diamonds are. There are many misconceptions about lab diamonds, a few of the most common being:

Lab diamonds are "fake" diamonds: This is untrue. Lab diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds.
Lab diamonds look different from natural diamonds: This is untrue. With the naked eye, even experts cannot distinguish lab from natural diamonds without specialized equipment.
Lab diamonds aren’t as durable: This is untrue. Lab diamonds have the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale) as natural diamonds.
Lab diamonds are flawless: This is untrue. Like natural diamonds, lab diamonds can contain inclusions.

The only real difference between lab and natural diamonds is their origin: lab diamonds are grown in laboratory settings, while natural diamonds form deep within the Earth. Otherwise, lab diamonds are identical to natural diamonds and 100% real.

Lab Grown Diamond vs. Natural

Here’s how a lab grown diamond and a natural diamond compare:

	Lab Diamond	Natural Diamond
Durability	10 on the Mohs scale	10 on the Mohs scale
Brilliance	Refractive index ranges from 2.417 to 2.419	Refractive index ranges from 2.417 to 2.419
Color	Primarily colorless, but can also occur in many color options that are often more vivid than natural options	Primarily colorless, but can also occur in many color options including pink, blue, and yellow
Grading	Graded on cut, color, clarity, and carat	Graded on cut, color, clarity, and carat
Certification	Certified by reputable gemological institutions	Certified by reputable gemological institutions
Origin	Grown in controlled laboratories over several days to weeks, then cut and polished	Formed deep in Earth over billions of years, mined, cut, and polished
Rarity	Can be produced in increasing quantities as technology advances	Limited quantities based on geological conditions
Price	Lower cost due to availability	Higher cost due to mining and rarity

Can You Tell the Difference Between Lab Grown and Natural Diamonds?

To the naked eye, lab grown and natural diamonds are indistinguishable. Only gemologists can detect the following minor differences using specialized, high magnification equipment:

Internal Growth Patterns: lab diamonds may exhibit growth patterns that slightly differ from the octahedral growth pattern in natural diamonds.
Inclusions: Natural diamonds often contain inclusions from natural minerals, while lab diamonds may contain metallic inclusions or other markers related to the HPHT or CVD growth process.
Laser Inscription: Most lab diamonds are inscribed on the girdle with a microscopic mark indicating their lab origin.

Do you think you can tell the difference between lab grown and natural diamonds just by looking? Test your eye with these six side-by-side diamond images and see how well you do.

Could you tell that the center diamond in the top row and the left diamond in the bottom row are natural diamonds? The other four diamonds are lab grown. Most people find it nearly impossible to distinguish between lab grown and natural diamonds with just their eyes. This similarity is part of what makes both options so appealing.

Benefits of Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds are a compelling option for those looking to purchase fine jewelry — these benefits explain why.

Support for Sustainable Practices: Lab diamonds are a responsible choice as they are grown with precise technology that doesn't involve mining. Their production typically has a smaller carbon footprint and less environmental disruption, making them a responsible choice for conscious consumers.
Identical to Natural Diamonds: Lab diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds.
Available in Various Colors: Lab diamonds are easily created in unique and vibrant hues like pink, yellow, and blue. These stunning color options are more affordable than their natural counterparts, giving buyers more creative freedom to select a diamond that matches their personal style.
Value: Lab diamonds are generally more affordable than mined diamonds of the same size and quality. This means you can invest in a larger or higher-quality diamond at the same budget, making it an attractive choice for those seeking luxury at a more accessible price point.

Benefits of Lab Grown Diamonds

Both lab grown and natural diamonds undergo the same grading and certification process from reputable gemological labs, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI). The certification process for lab grown diamonds grades quality while ensuring authenticity. A certified lab diamond has undergone an evaluation by a recognized gemological laboratory like IGI or GIA. These gemological laboratories use specialized equipment to grade the diamond’s quality and verify authenticity, while detailing its cut, color, clarity, carat weight, and other unique characteristics or treatments so buyers have accurate information about their diamond.

Which Are Better: Lab Grown or Natural Diamonds?

Neither lab grown nor natural diamond is inherently better. The choice between lab grown and natural diamonds ultimately depends on your personal values and priorities:

Our Purple Carats gemologists recommend choosing lab grown if: You prioritize affordability and want a larger stone for your budget.
They recommend choosing natural if: You value tradition, or the romantic notion of a diamond formed over billions of years and rarity.

Whether you choose a lab grown diamond or a natural diamond, you’re selecting a timeless gem that’s beautiful and brilliant.

FAQ

What’s the main difference between lab grown and natural diamonds?

The only difference between lab grown and natural diamonds is origin: lab grown diamonds are created in laboratories, while natural diamonds are mined from the Earth.

Are lab grown diamonds cheaper?

Lab diamonds cost less than natural diamonds because they can be produced on demand, while natural diamonds are a limited resource.

Are lab grown diamonds as hard as natural diamonds?

Yes, lab grown diamonds are as hard as natural diamonds, with a rating of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. This hardness makes both lab grown and natural diamonds highly resistant to scratching and ideal for long-lasting jewelry.

Will lab grown diamonds test real?

Yes, lab diamonds will test as real diamonds because they have the same chemical composition as natural diamonds.

Are lab diamonds as good as real diamonds?

Lab diamonds match natural diamonds in brilliance, durability, and quality, making them an excellent choice for those looking for a genuine diamond at a more affordable price.

Are lab diamonds the same as natural diamonds?

Yes, lab diamonds are chemically, optically, and physically the same as natural diamonds. The only difference is their origin.

Can jewelers tell the difference between diamonds and lab created diamonds?

Most jewelers cannot tell the difference between lab created and natural diamonds without specialized tools. Gemologists use advanced equipment, like UV light and high-magnification microscopes, to detect growth characteristics unique to lab diamonds.