Diamonds are known to be one of the most precious and rare minerals on Earth. Some people even consider them to be a symbol of love and commitment.
However, some people are wondering whether lab-created diamonds are real. Here are the facts:
A lab-created diamond will look lab diamonds Parramatta identical to a natural diamond with the naked eye. Only a gemologist or jeweler can tell the difference.
1. They sparkle
High quality lab diamonds look exactly like their natural counterparts. They are chemically, physically, and optically the same as those that took millions of years to form beneath the earth’s surface.
It takes a gemologist under magnification to discern the difference between lab and natural diamonds. But if you shop with a jeweler who isn’t willing to share that information, it’s best to find another one.
Unlike their natural counterparts, all lab created diamonds carry a microscopic inscription on their girdle indicating that they are indeed man-made. However, this is only visible under magnification – and only if you’re using the standard jeweler’s loupe (usually 30x) or higher. Even if you’re shopping with a jeweler who can see it, the only other way to know is to ask for a certificate from the lab that produced the stone. You can also check the certificate online to confirm the inscription.
2. They are durable
Diamonds are the hardest natural substance on Earth, which is why they’re able to resist scratches and other damage. This durability is one reason lab-grown diamonds are becoming more popular with young people who want a beautiful piece of jewelry without the environmental or humanitarian cost associated with mined diamonds.
To the naked eye, it’s nearly impossible to tell the difference between a natural and a lab-grown diamond. Only trained gemologists can distinguish the difference under magnification.
Another advantage of lab diamonds is that they’re ten times harder than mined diamonds, which makes them more durable and longer-lasting. This means that they’ll keep their beauty and luster for a long time, unlike some other diamond simulants that can lose their sparkle over time. Lab diamonds also never cloud, which can occur with other gemstones such as quartz. They’re a good investment because they will keep their value, as opposed to other stones that lose their resale value over time.
3. They are affordable
While the demand for mined diamonds continues to decline, lab diamonds are gaining popularity as an affordable alternative. They typically cost about 30%-40% less than a comparable natural diamond. They also offer a more sustainable source and don’t require the environmental damage associated with mining and ocean dredging.
In addition, lab grown diamonds are ethically produced and don’t contribute to human rights violations in the same way that mined diamonds do. They’re also easier to trace, which is important for those who care about their supply chain.
If you’re unsure whether a jeweler is selling a genuine lab diamond or a fake, ask them about their certifications. A good jeweler should be happy to provide a certificate of authenticity for their products, as well as the information needed to confirm a lab-created diamond’s identity. If they can’t, look elsewhere.
4. They are GIA certified
Just like natural diamonds, lab-created diamonds can be GIA certified. However, it is less common for GIA to certify lab diamonds than their grading reports for natural diamonds. Lab diamonds will usually come with a lab created grading report by IGI (International Gemological Institute). The GIA Laboratory-Grown Diamond Report includes standard color, clarity and cut grading information and also notes whether the diamond was grown using HPHT or chemical vapor deposition techniques, as well as any post-growth treatments used to enhance its color.
Until recently, GIA was reluctant to grade lab-created diamonds exactly the same as they would mined stones in order to protect the jewelry industry. But GIA has recently announced that they will be changing this policy in order to inform consumers and to promote transparency.
For example, when a lab diamond is colorless, a GIA report will indicate that the diamond was made through a process of carbon-doping using boron to eliminate yellow tint. This is important for consumers to know because it allows them to choose a colorless lab diamond with confidence.
5. They are eco-friendly
Mining diamonds leaves a negative environmental footprint. It can cause soil erosion and deforestation and has even caused habitat destruction for endangered species. However, lab-created diamonds have a negligible impact on the environment and use less chemical waste. Additionally, they are 30% to 40% less costly than mined diamonds.
Natural diamonds grow through a process of intense heat and pressure that transform carbon atoms into beautiful and captivating gemstones we know as diamonds. This process takes millions of years and can be replicated in a laboratory setting.
Lab grown diamonds are eco-friendly because they don’t require excavation and can be produced more efficiently than mined ones. They also offer a wide variety of styles and colours, which can be difficult to find with mined diamonds. Additionally, lab diamonds are affordable and can be a great option for celebrating life’s special milestones.
6. They are a good investment
While many people consider diamonds to be a good investment, they lose value over time. However, a lab grown diamond is a more sustainable option. This is because of their lower environmental impact, guaranteed ethical sourcing and price.
Earth-Mined Diamonds can trade hands 20 times and travel across 5 continents before reaching the consumer. This lengthy man made diamonds Manchester supply chain has led to numerous human rights violations and controversies. On the other hand, a lab created diamond has a much shorter supply chain, which is why they can be sold at a lower cost.
Conclusion
Additionally, the energy required to produce a lab diamond is significantly less than that of mining natural diamonds. This is because the process requires only two main ingredients: carbon and electricity. The carbon used to make a lab diamond is sourced from renewable energy sources. Moreover, the diamonds are recycled and reused.
