Are you sick of hearing about "blood diamonds" and the ethical issues surrounding natural diamond mining?
Have you always wanted bigger diamonds but were concerned about the cost and damage to the environment they can cause?Â
Have no fear, because lab-grown diamonds have arrived! These gleaming gems are eco-friendly and more affordable and they are created in a high-tech controlled setting, resulting in more consistent and high quality diamonds.
However, you may be wondering how are lab grown diamonds made ?Folks, you would think something not natural was made in a mass produced fashion in a factory somewhere. When it comes to these diamonds, you couldn’t be more wrong!
Buckle up, because we at Evermore are about to embark on an exciting journey through the fascinating world of lab grown diamonds. We'll go over everything you need to know about these bright gems, from the science behind it to the various methods used.
So sit back, and let's get started on learning how lab grown diamonds are made and taking over the jewellery world!
What Are Lab Grown Diamonds ?
Lab grown diamonds, which are known by many names like lab created, man-made diamonds or synthetic diamonds, are real diamonds created in a laboratory using cutting-edge technology processes and high tech machinery.
Lab Grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds in every way, as there is no mining and human resource required; they come out to be more affordable and more sustainable than the mined ones.
Furthermore, Lab-grown diamonds are graded and certified in the same way that natural diamonds are. The 4 Cs are the most widely used diamond grading system. They are carat size, color, clarity and cut.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real ?
Yes, lab grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds.
Lab-grown diamonds, like natural diamonds, are made of carbon and have the same crystal structure, refractive index, and other properties. As mentioned above they are also graded and certified in the same way that natural diamonds are. They are identical to natural diamonds in every way except that they are grown in controlled lab settings.
Many leading gemological laboratories, including GIA, IGI, and HRDÂ have certified lab-grown diamonds and confirmed that they are not only real diamonds but also differ only in origin (natural or lab-grown), not in quality, cut, or color.
It's worth noting that many jewellers and retailers now sell lab grown diamonds. We at Evermore sell lab grown diamonds in Dubai and ship worldwide. They're becoming hugely popular, thanks in part to their lower price point and the fact that they're not associated with the ethical concerns that come with mining natural diamonds.
Interestingly, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the united states of america has declared that lab grown diamonds are diamonds, mandating that these be considered real diamonds.
We also don't feel the term synthetic diamonds does it justice- because it's impossible to synthesize carbon! (anyone remember the ‘C’ in the periodic table of elements on earth?)
Now that you know a little bit about lab grown diamonds, let's look at how they're made.
How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Made ?
Lab grown diamonds are created using two methods : High pressure high temperature (HPHT) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Both methods can be used to produce high-quality lab grown diamonds that are chemically, physically, and optically indistinguishable from natural diamonds.
Lets understand this in more depth:
HPHT :Â
The high pressure high temperature (HPHT) method involves simulating the high pressure and temperature conditions found in the earth's mantle, where diamonds form naturally. A small diamond seed is placed in a chamber and subjected to high pressure (around 5 gigapascals) and high temperature in this method (around 1,500 degrees Celsius). The seed grows into a full-sized diamond over the course of several weeks.
The HPHT process begins with the introduction of a small diamond seed or a piece of carbon into a specialised chamber known as a press. The press is then subjected to high pressure (approximately 5 gigapascals) and heat (around 1,500 degrees Celsius). These conditions are similar to those found in the earth's mantle, where diamonds form naturally.
The carbon atoms in the diamond seed begin to bond together as the temperature and pressure in the press rise, forming a crystal lattice structure. This structure is unique to diamonds and is responsible for their unique physical and optical properties.
When the diamond reaches the desired size, it is removed from the press and cut and polished to produce a finished lab grown diamond. The resulting diamond is chemically, physically, and optically identical to a mined diamond, and it is suitable for use in all types of jewellery.
CVD :Â
Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is a method for creating lab grown diamonds in which a methane and hydrogen gas mixture is used to deposit carbon atoms onto a substrate. The substrate is heated to high temperatures in a vacuum chamber (around 800 degrees Celsius). The carbon atoms bond together to form a diamond film after the methane and hydrogen gas is introduced.
Depending on the size and quality of the diamond being created, this process can take several days to several weeks. The finished lab grown diamond is created by cutting and polishing the resulting diamond film.
CVD is a relatively new method for producing lab grown diamonds that has several advantages over the traditional high pressure, high temperature (HPHT) method. CVD diamonds can be produced in a wider range of colors than HPHT, and the process is generally less expensive and more efficient.
Which is better: CVD or HPHT ?Â
There is no definitive answer as to which method is "better" for creating lab-grown diamonds because it depends on the specific applications and requirements of the user. Both CVD and HPHT can be used to create high-quality lab-grown diamonds that are chemically, physically, and optically indistinguishable from natural diamonds.
From the perspective of a layman, the only distinction between CVD and HPHT is the method used for creating them. Diamonds made using any of the two techniques are physically, chemically, and optically similar to diamonds formed deep within the earth.
CVD is generally considered to create higher quality diamonds than HPHT because it can produce Type IIA diamonds with fewer defects and a more uniform crystal structure. However, HPHT has several advantages over CVD. It can produce diamonds in a wider range of sizes and shapes, as well as in a wider range of color and clarity grades. Furthermore, HPHT is a simpler and more efficient process that produces diamonds at a lower cost than CVD.
Finally, the decision between CVD and HPHT will be determined by the user's specific needs and goals. If high quality and uniformity are the most important factors, then CVD may be the better option. If cost, efficiency, and the ability to produce a wider range of sizes and colors are more important, HPHT may be the better option.
Now that you know how lab grown diamonds are created, let's talk about whether they're worth purchasing.
Should You Buy Lab Grown Diamonds ?
Whether or not to buy a lab grown diamond is a personal decision based on your personal preferences and priorities.
To begin, consider the advantages of lab grown diamonds. They're like natural diamonds' cool, eco-friendly cousins. They not only have a lower environmental impact, but they are also more ethical because there is no risk of "Blood diamonds" being mined using child labour or in war zones. Furthermore, they are less expensive, which is allows for two things; bigger size and better shine, colour and clarity. Essnetially all the good stuff, and none of the bad.
Natural diamonds, on the other hand, have their own distinct allure. They are the diamond world's classic, timeless grandparent. They have been around for millions of years, forming deep within the earth, and have a mystique and cultural significance that lab grown diamonds cannot match.
So it really comes down to personal preference. Are you looking for a diamond that is more affordable, better quality, more environmentally friendly, and ethically sound? Choose the lab grown diamond! Or do you prefer a diamond with mysticism and cultural significance? Natural diamonds are the way to go!
Finally, deciding whether to buy a lab-grown diamond or a natural diamond should be thrilling! Take into account your personal style, budget, and what is most important to you. With so many options, you're bound to find a diamond that makes your heart skip a beat!
What’s our take ?
We at Evermore stand for jewellery that was never meant to compromise. When you buy our jewellery, you know the origin of the diamond which is ethical, unique and consistent. Owning a lab grown diamond is not only owning a shiny piece of jewellery, but it's also owning a piece of science and innovation. So, go ahead and indulge in the brilliance of a lab grown diamond and be part of this exciting new way of owning a diamond.
Buy Lab Grown Diamonds in Dubai - Only at Evermore Diamonds