Lab Grown Diamonds Compared to Real Diamonds
Lab Grown Diamonds Compared to Real Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds are a popular alternative to naturally mined diamonds. They offer an ethically sourced, conflict-free diamond at a lower cost than natural diamonds.
There are many different reasons to choose lab grown diamonds over mined. Whether you’re environmentally conscious or simply want to support an ethical jeweler, there are many benefits to lab diamonds over naturally mined gems.
1. Color
Unlike natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds come in many different shades of color. Some of these colors are based on the process used to grow them, while others are caused by exposure to boron and nitrogen.
One of the main concerns people have about lab diamonds is their color. However, this does not mean that lab grown diamonds are poor quality. In fact, they can be as high in quality as their natural counterparts.
As a result, it is important to understand how color affects the overall quality of lab-grown diamonds. The GIA color scale is a useful guide to help determine the color of your diamond.
For instance, a stone with an I grade is less likely to have a yellow tint than a stone with a J grade. This can be especially true when you’re choosing a yellow gold metal for your ring.
While the GIA color scale is a helpful tool, it is not the only thing to consider when evaluating lab diamonds. It is also important to examine each stone closely and have an expert assist you.
In addition to the GIA color grade, it is important to look at a stone’s face-up appearance. The best way to do this is to watch an accurate video or close-up pictures of the diamond.
Moreover, you can also look at the stones through a spectroscope or a microscope to see if they appear white or tinted. If you notice a tint, it is a good idea to move on from that diamond and choose another.
Some lab diamonds may have a slight tint or brown hue, which is often the result of carbon inclusions. This is a relatively common occurrence when utilizing the CVD method, and it does not necessarily lower a diamond’s quality.
If a diamond is set in a white or rose gold ring, this color effect can be more noticeable. A diamond with a D or E color grade can be more noticeable in these settings, whereas a K or even an I grade may not have as much of an impact.
2. Clarity
Lab grown diamonds are a great option for those seeking more ethical, eco-friendly, and sustainable jewelry. They have all the same physical properties and visual appearance of mined diamonds, but come at a much lower price tag. But what exactly makes them different?
First, clarity is a grading term that refers to how free a diamond is from inclusions and blemishes. This includes the size, number, and location of these imperfections within the diamond.
The higher the clarity grade, the more flawless a diamond is. The most flawless diamonds on the market are referred to as Flawless (FL) or Internally Flawless (IF).
However, lab-grown diamonds can still be found with inclusions and blemishes, even if they don’t have a Flawless or IF clarity grade. These imperfections can be difficult to spot with the naked eye, and may also not be as noticeable under 10x magnification.
There are a few types of inclusions that can occur in both natural and lab-grown diamonds: Cavity, Bearding, and Graining. Crystal inclusions in the cavity of a diamond cause it to appear colorless, while those in the bearded area will give the diamond a hazy look.
Another type of inclusion is a feather, which is a crack that extends out from the center of a diamond. It’s less noticeable than other inclusions, but it can still be seen under a loupe.
A GIA certified lab-grown diamond has a clarity grade from FL to I3 that is based on the number and location of inclusions in the stone. In addition to the GIA scale, if a diamond is made using the chemical vapor deposition process (CVD), it will have additional information about whether or not the inclusions were included during this process.
It’s important to note that clarity is a subjective and individual quality. It is best to get expert advice from a jeweler or gemstone professional before making a purchase.
The GIA and IGI use a standard clarity scale that ranges from FL to I3 for man-made and natural diamonds. While a FL or IF diamond has no inclusions visible under a 10x loupe, a VVS or SI diamond may have a few tiny inclusions that are easily visible under magnification. This can be particularly common with CVD-grown diamonds because they contain metal inclusions and graphite that could be difficult to spot with the naked eye.
3. Carat
Lab grown diamonds are a great choice for those who prefer a larger diamond, without the costs of natural mining. They are a more sustainable choice, free from conflict and 100% guaranteed to be ethically sourced.
There are many different sizes to choose from when shopping for lab grown diamonds. They can be anywhere from a 0.5 carat stone to a large 7 carat diamond!
The cost of a lab grown diamond is typically about 40% less than a natural diamond of the same size, color, clarity and cut. This makes it an affordable option for those looking to save on the costs of their engagement ring or jewelry purchase.
Although lab created diamonds are not all made the same, they will usually be of better quality than naturally mined diamonds. This is due to the fact that they are produced in controlled environments, and can be tested for specific qualities.
There are two main methods used to create lab grown diamonds. One is called Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). In this process, natural graphite is placed in a chamber and heat and pressure are applied to the material, which results in the formation of a rough diamond. The diamond then is polished and graded, just like a natural one.
In contrast, the other method is called High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT). Here, natural graphite is put into a machine that crushes it under extremely high pressure and temperature conditions. This process is much more difficult and takes longer to complete, but results in a higher quality diamond that is more closely similar to a natural one.
Another way to distinguish between a lab grown and a real diamond is to check the certificate number engraved on the back of the stone. The certificate number is a code that is assigned to each diamond by the GIA, IGI and GCAL. If you are unsure of the certificate number, it is recommended to visit your local jeweler and have them help test your stone for you.
As the technology of creating lab grown diamonds has become more sophisticated and the demand for them has increased, their prices have decreased dramatically. They can now be found for 40 to 50% less than natural diamonds of the same carat, color, clarity and cut.
4. Shape
The shape of a diamond is an important factor in its brilliance and price. It also influences the way a diamond looks in jewelry settings. Lab grown diamonds are available in a wide variety of shapes, which may include round, oval, princess, cushion, heart, marquise, emerald, asscher, and pear-shaped gems.
When it comes to lab grown diamonds, it’s essential to choose the right cut. A poorly-cut lab-grown diamond will have a dull appearance and less brilliance than its well-cut counterpart.
For example, a lab-grown diamond with an uneven table and bezel will reflect little light and make it appear dull in comparison to a well-cut stone. This can result in an overall lower value for the diamond.
In addition, the shape of a diamond can affect its carat weight and overall size. For instance, a diamond with an oval or princess shape will appear larger than one with the same carat but a brilliant cut. The shape also affects how light reflects and disperses.
A round diamond is the most common and versatile of all diamond shapes, but there are many other options that can work for specific jewelry designs. For example, a pear-shaped lab-grown diamond is an excellent option for earrings and pendants.
Its narrow top and ample bottom create a lot of volume on the bottom, making it an ideal choice for jewelry with a more discreet look. It can also be used to maximize the carat weight of a piece.
Another option is the princess cut, which has a lot of facets on the top and narrow edges on the bottom. It’s a good choice for jewelry that will hang down or for solitaire rings that don’t need much carat weight.
If you’re looking for a more traditional style of diamond, a bezel-set diamond earring is an excellent choice. They’re small enough to wear every day and are a great way to save money while still feeling stylish.
For those who want to splurge on a diamond jewelry piece, a lab grown diamond is an exceptional option. In fact, they’re more affordable than natural diamonds and offer a range of beautiful color options. For example, a yellow lab-grown diamond can be a stunning choice for a piece of jewelry you wear on special occasions.
Lab Grown Diamonds Compared to Real Diamonds