Are Lab Created Diamonds Real?
Are Lab Created Diamonds Real?
If you’ve ever wondered if lab created diamonds are real, you’re not alone. With the rise in popularity of lab grown diamonds, many people are interested in learning more about the process. They want to know how expensive and how similar they are to mined diamonds.
Processes used to grow diamonds
There are two main processes used to grow diamonds in the lab. One is the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) method and the other is the High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) method. Using these techniques, you can produce quality diamonds in the laboratory.
The CVD method works by applying high temperatures to a carbon sample. In the process, the gaseous carbon slowly crystallizes into a real diamond crystal. It is the preferred technique for producing lab grown diamonds.
In HPHT, the same gaseous carbon is ionized to break molecular bonds. This method simulates conditions found in the mantle of the Earth.
CVD uses less energy, is faster, and can be produced from relatively flawless diamonds. However, it can take up to three or four weeks to produce a single crystal diamond.
Unlike the CVD process, the HPHT method is more expensive. Although it has a higher success rate, it is also more likely to fail. Also, the diamonds produced using the HPHT method tend to be less colourless and more likely to have inclusions.
To begin the growing process, a thin slice of diamond seed is placed in a sealed chamber. A thick carbon-rich gas mixture is then introduced into the chamber. When the gas ionizes, the particles stick to the surface of the seed.
After the gas has ionized, the diamond is exposed to temperatures of at least 1500 deg. It is then cut and polished to form the desired size.
These methods are not fast or easy. You may need to stop the process many times to clean and prepare the substrate. Moreover, it is very difficult to scale the CVD and HPHT systems.
Another method of growing diamonds in the lab involves placing a tiny diamond seed in a capsule. These seeds are then put into a press that applies pressure to them from below. Depending on the type of press, the pressure can range from 55,000 to 1.5 million PSI.
These processes can produce small single crystal diamonds or large polycrystalline diamond wafers. They can be grown on ceramic, silicon, and metal.
Rarity of lab-created diamonds
In the past few years, lab-created diamonds have become increasingly popular. This new technology has revolutionized the diamond industry and changed the way consumers buy diamond jewelry. However, it also created a few risks.
First, you need to understand that a lab-created diamond is not a real diamond. The diamonds are artificially produced from carbon. You cannot distinguish them from natural diamonds by simply looking at them.
Secondly, they don’t hold their value like the natural variety. Their price per carat is much less than mined diamonds. And, as a result, you might find that resale prices depreciate over time.
Lastly, there is no one size fits all. Lab-created diamonds come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Some of them are even internally flawless.
Regardless of the type of diamond, it’s hard to beat a perfectly cut, flawlessly faceted diamond. It’s expensive and rare, so most couples opt to choose a slightly imperfect diamond in order to maximize their budget.
Another great advantage of lab-created diamonds is that they’re environmentally friendly. They don’t contribute mineral waste to the environment, unlike mined diamonds. Plus, the process requires a lot less water per carat.
However, the real value of a lab-created diamond is in its ability to mimic the sparkle and shine of a natural diamond. Unlike diamond simulants, which are actually chemically different, a good lab-created diamond will be graded on the same scale as a natural diamond.
In fact, the International Gemological Institute uses the same standards to grade a lab-created diamond as it does a natural diamond. That’s a big difference, and it’s one that has led to the price of lab-created diamonds dropping dramatically.
Ultimately, lab-created diamonds are a viable option for consumers, but you need to be careful. There are some unscrupulous stores out there who will take advantage of this new technology. So, always purchase your diamond jewelry from a reputable jeweler.
If you’re considering a new diamond, be sure to get an appraisal. Buying a perfectly cut diamond is a significant investment, so you’ll want to make sure it’s a wise one.
Cost of lab-grown diamonds compared to mined diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds that are grown in a laboratory. These diamonds are chemically identical to mined diamonds, but they are produced at a lower cost. In general, lab-grown diamonds are about 20-40 percent cheaper than mined diamonds.
However, you should know that you cannot be sure whether the diamond you are purchasing is natural or lab-grown. The only way to be certain is to consult with a diamond professional.
The difference in price between a natural diamond and a synthetic one is based on a variety of factors. For example, the color of a stone affects its price. Natural diamonds in colors like blue are extremely rare. They are also more expensive than man-made stones in other colors.
When the industry first emerged, lab-grown diamonds were too expensive to compete with mined diamonds. However, as the technology evolved, the prices of these diamonds have decreased.
Unlike the old days when only the Gemological Institute of America graded diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are now gradable. This is because the lab-grown industry wants to compete with the mined diamond industry.
There are many manufacturers of lab-grown diamonds, ranging in price from low to high. The average cost of a one carat round diamond is $2,318.
While prices may increase over time as more consumers become aware of the industry, you will find that they are significantly lower than mined diamonds. Because of this, lab-grown diamonds are ideal for engagement rings.
In addition to being cheaper, lab-grown diamonds are also gaining a lot of popularity among millennials. Over 70% of millennials believe that man-made diamonds are a good alternative for engagement rings.
Since lab-grown diamonds are artificial, they will not hold their value as well as a natural diamond. Because of this, they may be less desirable to the resale market.
Although the lab-grown diamond market is relatively new, it is growing. As the public becomes more familiar with this new product, it may become a more popular choice. Nevertheless, until the market is regulated and the costs are lower, it is best to stick with natural diamonds.
Similarity to natural diamonds
Lab diamonds are man-made diamonds created in laboratories. These synthetic diamonds have the same color, clarity, hardness, and sparkle as natural diamonds. They are also significantly cheaper. However, the market is still dominated by natural diamonds. If you value your diamond’s quality, then you should opt for natural diamonds. But if you’re looking for affordability, then you should consider lab diamonds.
As a result, price per carat of lab-created diamonds has gone down very quickly. This is due to the fact that more competitors are entering the market. The supply of lab-created diamonds is limited.
Since the supply is limited, the price of lab-created diamonds will also be lower. However, this will not necessarily mean that these diamonds are worth the same price as natural diamonds. And in fact, lab-created diamonds are actually significantly cheaper than mined diamonds.
Unlike the man-made diamonds, these natural diamonds are not only made of carbon but also nitrogen. Natural diamonds are formed by intense heat and pressure that results in a octahedral shape. Moreover, diamonds can have inclusions. Inclusions are not visible to the naked eye, unless you use magnification tools.
The chemical structure of these created diamonds is also very similar to that of natural diamonds. Depending on the technique used, you can find a lab-grown diamond with a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. For instance, you can get a white internally flawless lab diamond or a cheap, warmer-color lab diamond. You can even choose from various carat sizes.
There are also created stones like moissanite that have a higher refractive index than diamonds. Moissanite gives off a beautiful, vibrant colored reflection. Besides, it has a higher density than natural diamonds.
Lab-created diamonds are created using cutting-edge technology to replicate the process of naturally-formed diamonds. This process allows for more efficiency in crafting the artificial diamonds.
These created diamonds are very durable and they have the same visual and physical qualities as natural diamonds. They are also certified by the Gemological Institute of America and are graded by the same standards as natural diamonds. To help distinguish between lab-created and natural diamonds, jewelers have to affix laser inscriptions to the diamond girdle.
Are Lab Created Diamonds Real?