Lab grown diamonds as artificial diamonds
A synthetic diamond, also known as a man-made or lab grown diamond, is created in a laboratory artificially. Because the same techniques and procedures were used to manufacture it, the diamond is usually referred to as a perfect reproduction of a natural diamond; a synthetic diamond shares the same crystal structure as a natural diamond.
The only significant difference between the two is that natural diamonds are more than 3.3 billion years old, making the gemstone extremely rare and unique.
How Are Synthetic Diamonds Artificially Made?
Natural diamonds formed millions to billions of years ago beneath the earth's surface, whereas synthetic diamonds are grown in modern-day labs in a matter of days or weeks. HPHT and CVD are the two main processes.
1. High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT):
Synthetic diamonds are created in laboratories using equipment that mimics the high-pressure, high-temperature conditions that create natural diamonds on Earth. As a result, synthetic diamond crystals with flat bases and octahedral and cube faces are produced.
The color of HPHT synthetic diamonds has changed over time as technology has advanced. The color of synthetic stones submitted to GIA labs has changed from orange-yellow, yellow, and yellow-orange to colorless, near-colorless, and blue. HPHT and other diamond post-growth treatments, whether synthetic or natural, can also turn stones pink, blue, and other colors.
The shape of HPHT diamond crystals differs significantly from that of natural diamond crystals. HPHT-grown diamonds have a flat base with a cube and octahedral faces, whereas natural diamond crystals are typically octahedral.
2. Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD):
This newer method involves dissolving carbon-containing gases inside a vacuum chamber and allowing the carbon molecules to crystallize onto diamond seed plates. The resulting crystals are tabular in shape and have graphite edges.
These crystals, which are typically brown or yellow, can be transformed into near colorless by subsequent HPHT treatment. "Colorless" CVD diamonds chosen for polishing as gems have slightly higher clarity than their natural counterparts, with most receiving VVS2 to VS1 grades. The majority of natural diamonds in the D-N color range have clarity grades ranging from VS2 to SI1.
Due to their unusual shape, uncut CVD diamond crystals are easy to identify, but cut CVD diamonds can appear almost identical to their natural counterparts. Some CVD synthetic diamonds have distinguishing characteristics, such as specific ultraviolet fluorescence patterns, that indicate they were grown in a laboratory.
How Can a Synthetic Diamond Be Recognized?
When it comes to identifying, man-made diamonds have "tells" that can help you determine whether or not they are naturally occurring.
- Thermal conductivity is an intriguing test. Diamonds conduct heat and react to it. Some laboratory diamonds do not.
- Second, because they are created in a controlled lab environment, they may have few or no clarity inclusions.
- In a lab, they are frequently made very colorless so that they appear very white, to capture light and optimize sparkle.
- Finally, the price says it all. If they are priced too low (up to 75% less than the price of a natural diamond), it is a red flag that the diamond is not natural.
Diamondrensu only uses natural diamonds that have been tested by GIA-trained graduate gemologists. To distinguish between natural and synthetic diamonds, we use calibrated and measured equipment. Our diamonds come with GIA certificates to ensure their authenticity.
We also offer IGI-certified lab diamonds, which are guaranteed conflict-free just like our natural diamonds. Keep in mind that synthetic diamonds have the same optical, physical, and chemical properties as natural stones.
Can synthetic diamonds be used to create lab made diamond rings?
While synthetic diamonds aka lab grown diamonds have been around for a while, recent media coverage has raised awareness significantly. Despite their recent surge in popularity, there are still important factors to consider when shopping for a lab made diamond ring.
With misinformation still being spread by traditional jewelers who don't want lab-grown diamonds cutting into their sales of earth-mined diamonds, it's critical to get the facts!
Tip #1 - Research Your Synthetic Diamond to Create Your Lab made Diamond Ring
Begin by researching to ensure that you are purchasing the best lab created diamonds. Most lab-created diamonds can be purchased online through the internet, so make sure the company is reputable.
Tip #2 - Availability of Shape & Size
You may choose a certain ring style based on the size and shape of the diamond. You might need to get creative and choose a different cut set in a halo with a shape that gives the desired effect if she has expressed a desire for a larger stone with a hard-to-find cut.
Tip #3 - Choosing Lab Made Diamond Ring Style
It's critical to learn about your partner's preferred style. Examine her jewelry box, ask friends and family, or spy on her Pinterest page to determine what she enjoys and dislikes. Take into account how distinct diamond shapes look with various ring styles. IF EVERYTHING ELSE Screws up... you can't go wrong with a classic solitaire design.
Bonus Tip: If you buy a lab made diamond ring online, make sure to read their return policy in case you need to exchange it for a different style or have the ring sized after the proposal.
Tip #4 - Consider a colored stone as a fourth option
Lab grown diamonds are available in a variety of colors, including yellow, blue, and pink, expanding your options beyond white. Fancy color lab grown diamonds are available at a fraction of the cost of their earth-mined counterparts, with even greater savings available for colorless lab grown diamonds.
Bonus Tip: So unless your future bride-to-be prefers sapphires or rubies, take into account lab-created gemstones - just like lab-grown diamonds, you get all the beauty at a fraction of the cost and without any of the conflict.
Tip #5 - Don't Neglect Assessment!
If a lab created diamond does not come with a certified grading report from a reputable lab, such as EGL USA, IGI, or GIA, do not buy it. You may not have purchased a lab made diamond ring if you did not receive a grading report. Full disclosure is required in the industry.
Tip #6 - Make it Unique
If a custom design is out of your price range, a "one-of-a-kind" lab made engagement ring can be easily created by requesting a custom modification.
Ask your jeweler if you can change the shape of the center stone or the style of the prongs; you could add diamonds to the band or, depending on the design, a "hidden" gem (such as your birthstones) into the band or gallery. Don't be afraid to ask your jeweler for exactly what you want; they want to assist you in finding/creating exactly what you've been looking for.
Looking for something simple yet unique? Engraving is the ideal way to personalize your lab made diamond ring.
Is Moissanite Made In Compliance With The Rules For Man-Made Diamonds?
Henri Moissan, a French chemist, discovered moissanite in 1893. He discovered gem fragments in an Arizona crater formed by a meteorite that fell to Earth. Natural moissanite is extremely rare due to its extra terrestrial origin. The crystals are made of silicon carbide.
Moissanite as we know it today was successfully synthesized and is now lab-created. Although both lab-grown diamonds and moissanite are man-made, they have distinct chemical compositions and characteristics when viewed in person.
Moissanite has a completely different grading system. Unlike synthetic diamonds, which are graded in the same way as mined diamonds, moissanite is graded solely on color because the clarity of moissanite is essentially perfect for every stone.
Premium, which falls within the G-H color range, and Mega Premium, which falls within the D-F color range, will be the highest quality. Moissanites will be one of the more affordable diamond simulant options, with prices determined solely by size and the difference between Premium and Mega Premium.
Conclusion
While there may appear to be a plethora of colorless, diamond-like gemstones and substitutes available, we always recommend that there are only two viable alternatives to naturally mined diamonds: synthetic diamonds and moissanite. These two stones are the only ones that can withstand daily wear while still retaining the classic beauty of a mined diamond.
A lab made diamond ring provides a stunning diamond without the high cost or environmental impact for your special day. Similarly, moissanite can provide perfect clarity in a lovely man-made stone. Regardless of your preference, finding the stone that makes you fall in love with your ring is always the best option.
