Whoever said that diamonds are a girl's best friend was right. The elegance that a diamond can exude is surely unmatched. It elevates a person's look and adds just the right amount of grace and grandeur to their aura. In addition, they symbolize commitment and love and have always been the preferred choice of stone for engagements and weddings.
In today's time, if you're looking for a diamond for yourself, you must have come across the concept of lab grown diamonds,' also known as synthetic diamonds. But are you confused and want to learn more about how these diamonds are created? Here's a complete guide on lab grown diamonds and how are lab grown diamonds made.
The Process
Firstly, let's understand what lab grown diamonds are. Simply put, these diamonds are created in a lab by recreating the processes that occur when diamonds are naturally found on the earth. As a result, these synthetic diamonds have the same carbon structure as naturally occurring diamonds.
Interestingly, people now think this method is more ethical since it does not include mining practices, which can often be dangerous and involve various risk factors. Many brands have also started using renewable energy when creating these diamonds.
How Long Does It Take for a Diamond to Form?
Naturally occurring diamonds that are mined take millions of years to form. In the case of lab grown ones, these take mere 4-8 weeks to create. This revolutionary approach has completely changed the market, and buyers now have a useful alternative when buying the right diamond.
But the question is, how are lab grown gems created? These diamonds are made in two main ways: High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) method and the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) method.
#1 High Pressure-High Temperature Method (HPHT)
In this technique, a small diamond fragment, also called a seed crystal, is placed in a cell inside a press with a piece of pure carbon, like graphite. It also includes a metal catalyst, such as iron.
The next step is applying pressure, approximately 1.5 million pounds per square inch. This is done with either a belt press, cubic press, or a BARS press. Finally, the press is heated to an extremely high temperature, typically around 1600°C allowing the metal catalyst to melt.
Once it starts to melt, the new diamond starts to form around the new diamond. But how to make a diamond that's lab grown made to look like a mined one? This new diamond is cooled, polished, and cut with precision. It is graded for carat and cut as well.
HPHT Diamond Process
#2 Chemical Vapor Deposition Method (CVD)
Manufactured diamonds are also made using the CVD method. This process also starts with a seed crystal, often from an HPHT diamond, which is placed inside a sealed growth chamber. This chamber is filled with carbon-rich gasses like methane and is heated to about 900-1200°C.
Then, a microwave laser beam allows the carbon gas to break into a plasma cloud, and the pure carbon deposits onto the seed. In CVD, the diamond is taken out multiple times and polished to ensure no non-diamond carbon is deposited onto the seed crystal. Once the process is complete, it is cut, polished, and graded.
CVD Diamond Making Machine
Buying Considerations
When buying manufactured diamonds, there are a few things that should be taken into consideration.
Research More on Lab Diamonds
Before you go ahead and buy a diamond, make sure you conduct a thorough study of what lab grown diamonds are. When you select a diamond, check its grading report, which should come from a reputable laboratory.
Find out the 4 Cs
The quality of the diamond depends heavily on the 4 Cs, which are color, cut, clarity, and carat weight. Remember, every diamond is unique, so the grading will be different for each. As long as the report comes from a reputable lab, you're good to go.
Decide on Size and Shape
The benefit of lab grown gems is the choices you get when buying a diamond. This method allows you to have more control over what shape and size you want. Figure out what you or your partner want, and you can check the availability for the same.
Can You Tell the Difference Between lab grown and Mined Diamonds?
A lot of people are skeptical about buying lab grown diamonds. "Are they real?" is what they usually ask. But here's what's interesting: the only difference between lab grown and mined diamonds is the way they are created.
Most people do not know that these diamonds are as real as their natural counterparts. They share the same physical and chemical properties, with very minute differences. For instance, mined diamonds have some nitrogen, whereas lab grown ones don't.
With advancements in technology, labs have compressed the time it takes for mined diamonds to occur to just a few weeks. This has made diamonds more accessible to us all. Moreover, they go through the same grading standards as the mined diamonds.
Another difference that should be noted is the price point of these diamonds. lab grown diamonds are 30-40% less expensive than regular, natural diamonds. So you can be sure to get better (even bigger!) cuts that would otherwise be unaffordable if they were mined.
So, despite being grown in a lab, you can be sure that a lab grown diamond is a real diamond, and you can hardly tell the difference. All you have to do is buy them a jeweler who gives authentic grading reports from trusted laboratories.
The Best Lab Created Diamonds and Jewelry
If you're still unsure about buying lab grown diamonds, Diamondrensu is here to help you out. With a fantastic collection of some of the best lab created diamonds with certified quality, your doubts about these will fade away in an instant.
Toi Et Moi Ring, 1.59 TW Pear and Round Cut Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Ring
This ring is a perfect example to showcase how lab-manufactured diamonds can be shaped and cut just as natural ones. This exquisite pear and round cut diamond ring is meant to take everyone's breath away.
Princess Cut Diamond Stud Earrings, EF/VS Lab Created Diamond Stud Earrings
Simple yet classy: that's the magic of pear cut lab grown diamonds. The beauty of these diamonds is that they can elevate any look, be it casual or dressy. When it comes to checking its grading, Diamondrensu offers this information on its website. It mentions the shape, carat weight, measurements, size, color, and clarity.
1.70 CT Emerald Cut Lab Grown Diamond, D/VVS Loose Lab Created Diamond
If you're looking to customize, loose diamonds are a great place to start. These emerald cuts have become all the rage in the last few years. With exceptional quality, you know you're getting the best lab grown diamond from Diamondrensu.
Round Lab Grown Diamond Eternity Band, Curved Wedding Band, Stackable Band
Here's another example that shows that lab grown diamonds are highly versatile. This intricately designed wedding has multiple diamonds, which are beautifully cut and placed onto this curved band. The best part about Diamondrensu is that they not only know how to make a diamond the right way, but they also allow customers to make customizations to these jewelry pieces, letting them add their personal touch.
Is a lab grown Diamond for Me?
To simply answer this question, yes. lab grown diamonds are just as authentic and beautiful. But if you're wondering why you should go for them, here are a few reasons that might help you make a decision.
If You're on a Budget
As mentioned earlier, lab created diamonds are about 40% cheaper than mined diamonds. So, if you want a good quality diamond without spending a lot, then this is the right option for you.
If You Want Quick Customizations
With lab grown diamonds, customizations become easier. Diamondrensu lets its customers personalize the stone or the piece of jewelry, which is always an added bonus.
If You Want to Buy Something Unique
lab grown diamonds are a representation of modern technology. With such a diamond, you can always carry it around with you and marvel at its wonder. If you're gifting it to your partner, then you're it would be a symbol of modern love.
If You Want to Invest in Sustainable Jewelry
lab grown diamonds are ethically sourced and are a more eco-friendly option than mined ones. If you believe in mindful, sustainable purchases, then this is the way to go.
In Conclusion
Diamonds have always been a symbol of opulence and class. With lab grown diamonds, you just have to trust the process. They are real diamonds and exude the same kind of luxury that naturally occurring ones do. So, if you're thinking of investing in a piece of diamond jewelry, you know that you have a more ethical, affordable alternative to regular earth diamonds.
Diamondrensu offers a massive array of certified lab grown diamond bands, rings, earrings, pendants, sets, and loose ones for further customization. If you're looking for a trusted brand, you know where to go.