Fast Facts On Lab Grown Diamonds Before Making Your Purchase

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In recent years, lab made diamonds are becoming more common and they are identical to natural diamonds (or mined diamonds). While the process to create and grow these diamonds differs from being naturally formed in the earth, lab grown diamonds are just as beautiful and undergo the same 4c diamond grading for quality.

Find out more about lab grown diamonds so you can shop more confidently.

How are lab diamonds made?

There are two methods of creating and growing diamonds in a lab: HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) and CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition)Both involve recreating the natural growing environment for diamonds that are located deep within the earth, through science and technology. The process of creating high pressure high temperature diamonds, or HPHT diamonds, starts by inserting a diamond ‘seed’ into a chamber which has the ability to build up the pressure and heat reaching more than 1,500 degrees Celsius and 70,000 times the sea level’s pressure. During this process, pure carbon melts before forming a diamond around the diamond ‘seed’. Then, cooling begins – allowing the diamond to mature and form as a diamond crystal. Chemical vapour deposition, or CVD diamonds, are grown inside a sealed chamber where hydrocarbon gas is injected into the vacuum plasma reactor. These gasses are heated to around 800 degrees Celsius until they ionise into plasma. This causes the molecular bonds in the gasses to break and pure carbon precipitate onto the diamond plates. Layers are formed until it gradually crystallises.

Is the value of Lab diamond lower than mined diamond?

Buying a diamond or any piece of fine jewellery, whether lab-grown or mined, should be considered as a discretionary purchase. Diamonds are not usually known to be the recommended place to “invest” your money. Your diamonds should be valued for its significance as a beautiful piece of wearable art or that special diamond wedding ring that symbolises a lifelong commitment and happiness. Generally, lab grown diamonds cost 30 to 40% lesser than their earth-mined diamonds equivalent. Many critics have made statements that the lab-grown diamond market is oversaturated with various types of stone quality, but the demand for sustainable diamond alternatives continues to gain traction. Be it lab-grown or natural diamond, both are beautiful diamonds. And between the two, there’s no better. Both come at a significant financial cost and rarity does not equate to financial value. Diamonds should be valued for its true significance.

Are lab grown diamonds certified?

All diamonds, be it mined or lab grown, undergo a rigorous grading process to ascertain the quality of the diamond. There are international gemological laboratories that certify mined and lab grown diamonds, namely International Gemological Institute (IGI), Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and Gem Certification & Assurance Lab (GCAL). The certificate will reflect the 4Cs assessment of the diamond: cut, clarity, colour and carat. Once certified, the grading will be used to price the diamond.