Diamonds have long been the ultimate emblem of grandeur and splendor. Till this day, they remain the favored stone for engagement rings all over the world.
Diamonds have always been obtained from mining and extracting from the earth. But now, it turns out that they can be grown in labs as well. Is there a notable difference between mined diamonds and lab grown diamonds? The very simple answer is no!
Lab grown diamonds are as real as naturally formed diamonds. The only difference between the two is the origin. A lab grown diamond is created in a lab using state-of-the-art equipment that imitates the growth of a natural diamond.
The end product is a synthetic diamond that is identical to natural diamonds in terms of chemical composition, physical properties, and visual properties.
In order for lab grown diamonds to stand out as much as naturally formed diamonds do, they should boast of the same unique features that give diamonds the tremendous value they have. These features are referred to as the 4Cs. They are Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat weight.
The majority of diamonds are still purchased nowadays by engaged couples. If you’re searching for a lab grown diamond for your wedding day, you might be curious about whether this stone comes in the traditional shapes and sizes for engagement rings.
Well, they most definitely are. Couples have long preferred the princess cut and emerald cut, but there are now a lot more options available for diamond cuts than in the past. These consist of asscher-cut diamonds, twisted pave wedding rings, and antique cuts, such as rose-cut diamonds.
When it comes to style, the solitaire engagement ring or solitaire wedding ring is the most preferred. Since there are no additional gemstones to distract from the main stone in a solitaire jewel, the diamond receives greater attention as its glitter adorns this traditional wedding band.
If you’re looking for something unique, a synthetic rock could also work because lab grown diamonds can be shaped into an unlimited number of different forms.
Colored gemstones, like red, green, and black diamonds, are quickly gaining favor in the world of wedding jewelry. These colors can also be produced in lab grown diamonds.
The most elite brands in the world make use of diamonds that are clear or colorless and have very few imperfections, or those with a D to H grading.
Alternatively said, diamonds must have a Clarity grading between F (flawless) and VS1 or VS2 (very slight inclusions one or two). Premium types of diamonds should ideally have a rating of VVS1 or VVS2 (very very slight inclusions one or two).
The good news is that because lab grown diamonds are created under controlled circumstances, they can be produced to high standards with ease.
Currently, lab grown diamonds may grow to a weight of about 10 carats. They can be produced in one of two methods. The first is using the High-Pressure, High-Temperature (HPHT) method, which turns carbon into a “diamond seed” by applying heat and pressure (a single crystal diamond that is about as fine as a human hair).
The second stone serves as a seed stone from which the gemstone can develop. It’s known as Chemical Vapor Deposition in the second system. In that it applies thin layers to a diamond seed in a vacuum chamber, it is somewhat similar to 3D printing.
A synthetic diamond typically costs around 30% less than a naturally mined diamond of the same size and basic qualities. Because they sparkle brilliantly at a lower cost, lab-created diamond rings are in high demand. With today’s technology, producers can produce diamonds up to 10K in size.
Although synthetic diamonds are less expensive, they are still considered a luxury good, which is why one- to three-carat wedding bands continue to be the most popular.
Why Should You Consider Lab Grown Diamonds?
1.  Less Costly
Lab created diamonds often cost less than diamonds that are mined. This does not, however, imply that a lab grown diamond is “cheap.” The capital expenses for diamonds mined and created in laboratories are actually rather similar.
So why are diamonds made in laboratories less expensive? When it comes to cutting, polishing, and inspection, the expenses of mined and lab-created diamonds are the same. However, the expenses and procedures are substantially different until that moment.
The supply chain for mined diamonds is extensive. Miners, wholesalers, cutters, polishers, jewelry producers, and merchants are all necessary to transform a diamond from its uncut state into a gemstone fit for retail sale.
On the other hand, by eliminating the mining phase, the supply chain for lab-created diamonds is considerably shorter. Simply said, a lab-created diamond is less expensive since fewer hands were involved in its creation.
So whether you are looking to get a diamond stud earring, a diamond tennis bracelet or proposal rings, you may want to opt for lab-created diamonds.
2.  Environmentally Friendly
The mining of diamonds has a substantial influence on the environment, much like the mining of any other natural resource. To be fair, diamond mining corporations have made efforts to lessen their influence on the ecosystems around. They are completely aware of this impact.
However, because growing a diamond in a lab requires a lot less energy than mining one out of the ground, lab grown diamonds are intrinsically and significantly less harmful to the environment. In order to conserve money and save costs, it is in the farmers’ best interests to use as little energy as possible during the process.
3.  Ethical Process
The mined diamond business came under investigation a number of years ago when unethical manufacturing methods were revealed. These diamonds, often known as blood diamonds, were used to finance violence and to take advantage of miners and their families.
These unethical activities have dramatically decreased as a result of the Kimberley Process, which was launched in 2003. In reality, 99.9% of natural diamonds are thought to be conflict-free at this time.
However, lab-created diamonds offer peace of mind that a natural diamond frequently cannot, and you may find comfort in knowing the precise origin of your diamond if avoiding conflict or blood diamonds is essential to you.
Conclusion
Whether you work in the diamond industry or are just a knowledgeable consumer, you should be aware of the shifting trends. The age of lab grown diamonds has begun, and it will continue to rise quickly as the time passes.
Every mining-related industry will see a decline as public knowledge of environmentally friendly techniques grows. Modern consumers now seek eco-friendly items, which is why they like lab grown diamonds because of their little environmental effect. Only skilled jewelers can distinguish a lab grown diamond apart due to its extreme perfection.
