Lab Grown Diamonds FAQ

What are lab grown diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds that are produced in a laboratory setting using advanced technological processes. They are also known as synthetic diamonds, cultured diamonds, or man-made diamonds.

Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds, and they are made of pure carbon. They are produced by using high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods, which simulate the conditions under which diamonds are formed in the earth's mantle.

The main difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds is their origin. Natural diamonds are formed deep within the earth over millions of years, while lab-grown diamonds are created in a matter of weeks or months in a controlled laboratory environment.

Lab-grown diamonds are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to natural diamonds, particularly for ethical and environmental reasons. They are also generally less expensive than natural diamonds. However, it's important to note that lab-grown diamonds are still a relatively new technology, and there is ongoing research to improve the process and ensure their quality and authenticity.

Can you tell the difference between a lab grown diamond and a natural diamond? In general, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a lab-grown diamond and a natural diamond with the naked eye. This is because lab-grown diamonds have the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds and are virtually indistinguishable in appearance.

However, there are a few ways that a trained gemologist or diamond expert can identify whether a diamond is natural or lab-grown. These include:

1. Inclusions: Diamonds, both natural and lab-grown, can have inclusions or internal flaws. However, the types of inclusions in natural and lab-grown diamonds may differ. For example, lab-grown diamonds may have metallic inclusions or be more likely to have certain growth patterns that are not found in natural diamonds.

2. UV fluorescence: Some natural diamonds exhibit UV fluorescence, which means they emit a visible glow under ultraviolet light. However, not all natural diamonds exhibit UV fluorescence, and some lab-grown diamonds can be made to fluoresce in the same way as natural diamonds.

3. Color: Some lab-grown diamonds may have a slightly different color hue compared to natural diamonds. This is because natural diamonds can have trace elements or other impurities that affect their color, while lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment without these impurities.

4. Grading report: A grading report from a reputable laboratory, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), can confirm whether a diamond is natural or lab-grown. The report will include information on the diamond's origin, as well as its cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.

Overall, while it can be difficult to tell the difference between natural and lab-grown diamonds, a trained expert can use a combination of these factors to identify the origin of a diamond with a high degree of accuracy.

What's the price difference between a lab grown diamond and a natural diamond?

The price difference between lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds can vary depending on a number of factors such as the size, quality, and shape of the diamond, as well as market conditions and demand. In general, lab-grown diamonds are typically priced lower than natural diamonds of equivalent size and quality.

For example, a one-carat lab-grown diamond with high clarity and color grades may cost around 20-30% less than a similar natural diamond. The price difference may be more significant for larger diamonds, as natural diamonds of larger sizes are much rarer and command a higher price.