Debunking the Misconception of ‘Fake’ Lab Grown Diamonds

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We are currently witnessing a contemporary shift when it comes to the notion of love. Millennials of today have different ideas when it comes to the methods of expressing their devotion to their loved ones. Whether it is due to an environmental agenda or a lack of disposable income, there is a drop in the lust for expensive diamonds.

Lab grown diamonds, however, are now deemed to be a viable option as a tangible proof of love. They tick off the boxes in the ethically environmental and humanitarian boxes, worth a fraction of the price of diamonds, and most importantly – are equally stunning.

However, some are still opposed to the idea of a lab grown diamond ring, with some even associating it to be an imitation product.

Well, that is a myth and here are some facts to debunk it.

Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?

There is a negative connotation with the entire notion of “lab grown” that drives people away. Sometimes referred to as synthetic diamonds, these lab grown diamonds are sometimes assumed to be counterfeit products – a belief that is very far from the truth.

While mined diamonds and lab grown diamond occur in 2 different environments – the elements that make up the two are largely the same. In fact, real diamonds and lab grown diamonds are chemically, thermally and visually identical.

Real, mined diamonds are formed when carbon dioxide found buried underneath the Earth’s surface comes into contact heat of 1204 degrees Celsius, and put under an average pressure of 213 kg per square meters. The diamonds formed will then rise to the surface via deep volcanic explosions, ready to be mined and polished.

On the other hand, lab grown diamonds are often made by either two processes: High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). HPHT diamond is formed when a diamond seed is physically planted into carbon and exposed to an environment of extremely high pressure and temperature. A CVD diamond starts with a thin portion of a diamond seed that is placed in a sealed chamber with carbon-rich gas and is then heated.

Compared to billions of years, lab grown diamonds only need 6 to 10 weeks to develop, and thus an abundant source of sparkle and shine!

Lab Grown Diamonds vs. Cubic Zirconia and Moissanite

When it came to diamond alternatives, 3 types of man-made stones come to mind: lab grown diamond, cubic zirconia and moissanite; with the latter two being lookalikes rather than a direct substitute of mined diamonds.

The only similar aspect they share would be their origins; all these gemstones are lab grown. The properties of these gemstones are, however, significantly different.

When comparing these stones to an actual diamond, nothing can come close to diamonds than lab grown diamonds. In terms of their chemical composition, both diamonds and lab grown diamonds are made out of carbon. However, cubic zirconia is created out of zirconium oxide, while moissanites are made of silicon carbide.

Both mined diamonds and lab grown diamonds score a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale, while cubic zirconia and moissanites score 8.5 and 9.25 respectively. This means that mined diamonds and lab grown diamonds are equally durable in contrast to the other two gemstones.

While all 3 are suitable for everyday wear as an engagement ring, only diamond and lab diamond engagement rings can carry the ‘forever’ tag – given that it takes an unsurmountable effort to leave a scratch on them.

When it comes to colours, diamonds are graded on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (yellow), with grade D being the most sought after. These colours exist due to the impurities that were trapped inside the lattice as it grows, causing different hues and saturation levels.

This is the very reason why lab grown diamonds are not colourless either. They typically have a colour range from D to K rades. Cubic Zirconia, however, does not have any shades and are purely colourless, since they do not have any inclusions. Moissanites are labelled as ‘colourless’ too, but these gems can still project yellow or greyish hues in certain light sources.

Should consumers desire a diamond alternative, it would seem lab grown diamonds would stand the closest just by properties alone. However, there is a vast range of these substitutes to choose from, so be sure to compare to figure out which is the most preferable.

Star Carat Diamonds: the quality purchase

At Star Carat, we have managed to create an exceptional range of lab grown diamonds crafted into beautiful pendants, earrings and rings. Every Star Carat diamond has been internationally certified by IGI, and graded under the same, stringent 4C diamond grading requirements.

Diamond testers certify all of Star Carat Lab Grown Diamonds as Type IIA diamonds – known for their rarity and quality as only 2% of the world’s mined diamonds fall under this category. Consumers now are able to attain a gemstone with high value and the purest quality, without the high price tag.

With 30 years of experience in the diamond industry, Star Carat believes in quality diamonds that are worthy of an enduring and awe-inspiring love. It is now possible to attain a diamond of a purer, clearer and brighter attribute for just a fraction of the price – shop with us at Star Carat Shop, SK Jewellery and Love & Co. today!