One of the common doubts that people have is whether the lab-created diamonds are real or not. The answer is yes! The fact that makes the lab-created diamonds different from natural diamonds is the origin. Below is a discussion on some of the fundamental facts regarding lab-grown diamonds used for engagement rings.
Manufacture of Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-created diamonds are synthesized inside a lab with sophisticated technology. They employ methods similar to the formation of natural diamonds. The resulting diamonds appear optically, physically, and chemically similar to the natural diamonds that grow beneath the earth. They are neither fakes or Cubic Zirconias. Sometimes they are referred to as synthetic diamonds. This might be the reason why people consider it to be fake diamonds. However, it is important to note that the term synthetic is not technically accurate.
Methods Used
There are two major processes used to create lab-grown diamonds. These are Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT).
Certification and Grading of Lab-Created Diamonds
Lab-created diamonds are certified and evaluated using the same processes as natural diamonds. Diamonds are taken to a lab which focuses on the diamond assessment. Afterward, they use the 4c’s – cut, clarity, color, and carat to determine the grades. A few others use different criteria.
Some of the most common diamond certification labs are
- Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
- American Gem Society (AGS)
- International Gemological Institute (IGI)
- Antwerp World Diamond Center (AWDC)
- Gemological Science International (GSI)
They use similar processes for diamond grading in almost all the labs. Every diamond is graded independently by different gemologists from the laboratory. The grades are combined in the end to decide the grade of each diamond. This process is said to give the diamonds an unbiased grade
Advantages of Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are less expensive than natural diamonds. However, this does not mean that they are actually cheap. To be precise, the capital costs involved in mined diamonds and lab-grown diamonds are the same.
Lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds have similar pricing in terms of inspection, polishing, and cutting. However, the events leading to that step are priced different.
Furthermore, natural diamonds are delivered through a long supply chain. Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, are much shorter since there is no mining process involved.
Lab-grown diamonds are becoming popular by the day. Consider the above points if you are planning to use lab-grown diamonds for your engagement rings.