What Are Lab Designed Diamonds?
What Are Lab Designed Diamonds?
Lab designed diamonds are man-made gemstones that look, feel and sparkle just like a natural diamond. They are ethically and environmentally sustainable because they have not been extracted from the earth.
They also offer a significant discount compared to the cost of mining a natural diamond. With this in mind, you may be wondering if lab designed diamonds are a good option for your engagement ring.
What is a Lab Designed Diamond?
A lab designed diamond is a man-made diamond that looks and feels just like a natural diamond. They’re created in a laboratory using cutting edge technology and can be up to 30% cheaper than a natural diamond of the same size and quality.
Originally, naturally occurring diamonds were formed in the deep bowels of the Earth over millions of years under extreme pressure and heat. However, scientists have now developed an alternative – lab grown diamonds.
These diamonds are optically, chemically and physically identical to a natural diamond and have the same certifications as a naturally mined one. This makes them an environmentally superior choice because they are not dependent on nature.
The process used to create a lab designed diamond cuts down the time it takes for a natural diamond to be formed – from millions of years to a few months, which means that lab diamonds are available for purchase at a much lower price. This is perfect for those looking to maximise their budget while still getting a high-quality stone.
Lab diamonds are also environmentally friendly because they use less energy than natural diamonds. They’re found to be ten times more durable than natural diamonds, meaning they can reduce carbon emissions when they’re used in electronics.
Despite their environmental benefits, lab-grown diamonds are still not as rare as natural ones. They can be priced at a fraction of the price of a natural diamond and, as such, they are a popular alternative for couples who prefer to avoid the environmental impacts of mining.
While some diamond alternatives, such as cubic zirconia and moissanite, can look quite similar to diamonds, they don’t have the same chemical composition as a genuine lab-grown diamond. Cubic zirconia, for example, is actually made from synthetic zirconium dioxide and has no carbon bonds in its formation.
The only way to be sure you’re buying a genuine diamond is to have it inspected by an accredited gemological laboratory. These laboratories can determine if a diamond is truly a natural or a lab-grown one.
The difference between a natural and lab-grown diamond can be difficult to distinguish when you’re looking at it from your naked eye, but an experienced jeweler will be able to help. For this reason, it’s always best to trust a professional when you’re buying diamonds, especially for a major investment such as an engagement ring.
The Process of Lab Designed Diamonds
Creating lab designed diamonds is a fairly new technology and has been growing in popularity over the past decade. It’s a great alternative to mined diamonds, which have been associated with negative environmental and social impacts for years.
The process of creating lab designed diamonds is fairly simple and mimics the process of naturally occurring diamonds. The only difference is that lab created diamonds are not produced in the ground, but in a laboratory.
There are two methods of creating a lab diamond, which are called chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and high pressure, high temperature (HPHT). Both methods work by heating carbon atoms to extreme temperatures and pressures that transform them into diamonds.
With the CVD method, a small diamond seed is placed into a machine that contains gasses that are heavy in carbon. Once the seeds are heated, carbon atoms are formed and the diamond grows layer by layer.
This type of diamond is a better quality than other types of lab diamonds and is ten times harder than mined diamonds. This makes it an excellent choice for engagement rings and other jewelry.
In addition, this type of diamond does not have any inclusions that are present in natural diamonds. These are usually visible only to a professional gemologist, and are not visible with the naked eye.
Lastly, this type of diamond is much cheaper than other types of diamonds. This makes them an ideal choice for those who want to save money while getting a beautiful diamond ring.
These diamonds are also environmentally friendly. They take less energy to create than mined diamonds. This reduces their carbon footprint and helps the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Another important feature of a lab diamond is that they are able to disinfect polluted water sources. This is because lab diamonds contain boron which is able to conduct electricity and oxidise otherwise toxic organic compounds, turning them into a biodegradable form.
Currently, the market for lab-grown diamonds is very competitive and prices are dropping rapidly. This is due to many factors, including consumer education and a growing demand for the product.
The Benefits of Lab Designed Diamonds
If you’re looking for an engagement ring that your loved one will cherish forever, you’ll want to choose something beautiful and dazzling. But you may be afraid that you’ll end up spending a lot of money on something that won’t fit into your budget.
Lab designed diamonds are an excellent option for those who want to purchase a quality stone without breaking the bank. These diamonds are crafted using high-pressure synthesis processes that mimic the conditions that naturally mined diamonds undergo in the earth’s mantle.
They are also an eco-friendly choice and can reduce your carbon footprint when you use them in electronic devices like computers and mobile phones. In fact, they are often used to help transistors conduct electricity more efficiently.
In addition to being eco-friendly, lab designed diamonds are also more ethically sourced than mined diamonds. In many areas of the world, mined diamonds have been found to contain “blood” diamonds, which are diamonds mined by rebel forces who use the funds to fund coups and other illegal activities.
This is especially concerning since many of the people involved in mining the diamonds are not treated well. In some cases, slave labor is used to extract the diamonds.
These diamonds can be expensive to grow, so it’s a good idea to shop around before buying a lab created stone. It’s important to be aware of the 4Cs when choosing a diamond: clarity, color, cut and carat weight.
You can save a significant amount of money on lab designed diamonds by opting for higher grades in these categories. However, be aware that the process of growing lab diamonds can take longer than it does for natural stones.
Another benefit to purchasing a lab designed diamond is that they are less likely to contain inclusions or imperfections than natural stones. This is because these diamonds are grown from a pure graphite carbon that’s heated to extreme temperatures and pressures.
This process also makes it possible for lab designed diamonds to be produced in a wide range of colors. This is a major advantage for those who are looking for diamonds that are whiter than traditional mined stones.
The Cost of Lab Designed Diamonds
The cost of lab designed diamonds is generally lower than that of natural diamonds, though this depends on the quality and size. For instance, a one carat man-made diamond for an engagement ring costs around 73% less than a similar natural diamond if it’s cut and rated at the same clarity and color.
This is due to the fact that lab diamonds are chemically and physically identical to mined diamonds. So, a lab designed diamond will be able to be graded in the same way as a mined diamond by diamond grading laboratories such as GIA or IGI.
While there are some disadvantages to lab-grown diamonds, they are a great option for those looking for a high-quality and ethically sourced option. They are also environmentally friendly as they don’t require mining or a long supply chain and leave minimal environmental footprints.
Because they’re made in a laboratory, lab designed diamonds can be produced in large quantities, which makes them more affordable and less rare than mined diamonds. This is especially important for those who may not have the budget to purchase a natural diamond.
If you’re looking to buy a lab designed diamond, it’s best to look for a reliable grading lab. A reputable grading lab will ensure that you receive a diamond of the highest possible quality, so that it meets your expectations and can be resold for its original price should you decide to upgrade in the future.
In addition to a trusted grading lab, it’s essential to choose a brand with a good reputation for quality and customer service. For example, Clean Origins is a well-known name in the field of lab-grown diamonds and its team members have a minimum of five years of experience.
Another option is 12FIFTEEN, a popular and stylish online jewelry retailer that features a selection of lab created diamond rings and bracelets. Their selection is geared toward the modern woman and includes everything from delicate Danica bands to bridal sets and stackable rings.
Lastly, the company also offers custom design services for customers who want to create their own lab created diamond ring. Its experts will help you create the perfect ring for your unique needs and style.
What Are Lab Designed Diamonds?