Diamonds have long been a symbol of enduring love and luxury, with natural diamonds traditionally being the ultimate representation of beauty and sophistication. However, a groundbreaking shift is happening in the diamond industry, as lab-grown diamonds gain significant popularity. These synthetic diamonds, also known as laboratory-grown diamonds, are created using advanced technologies that replicate the conditions in which earth mined diamonds form. Not only do they offer the same brilliance and hardness, but they also bring significant ethical and environmental benefits.
So, what exactly is a lab-created diamond? And how do lab-created diamonds compare to their mined counterparts? Let's dive in.
What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
A lab-grown diamond, also known as a lab created diamond, is a real diamond — chemically, physically, and optically identical to a natural mined diamond. The only difference lies in its origin. Instead of forming over billions of years deep within the Earth, lab diamonds are grown using cutting-edge technology in just a few weeks.
They are made of pure carbon atoms, arranged in a cubic crystal structure, just like their natural counterparts. The process creates a diamond that’s virtually indistinguishable from earth mined diamonds.
Some common terms you might encounter are:
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Man-made diamond
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Engineered diamond
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Synthetic diamond
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Cultured diamond (although "synthetic diamond" is often discouraged due to misconceptions)
However, it’s important not to confuse lab-grown diamonds with diamond simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite. These are often mistaken for diamonds due to their appearance but are structurally different and not nearly as hard.
In fact, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) now officially recognizes lab-grown diamonds as real diamonds, removing the term “natural” from its definition of a diamond.
How Are Lab Diamonds Made?
There are two primary methods for creating lab diamonds:
1. HPHT – High Pressure High Temperature
The HPHT method replicates the extreme conditions that natural diamonds undergo beneath the Earth’s surface.
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A small diamond seed is placed in a chamber along with carbon and a metal catalyst.
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The chamber is exposed to intense pressure (1.5 million psi) and high temperatures (over 2000°C).
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The carbon melts and crystallizes around the seed, forming a diamond.
HPHT diamonds are often characterized by a cuboctahedral shape and may have metallic inclusions, which can be identified with a microscope. Colored diamonds, such as yellow diamonds, can also be produced using the HPHT process.
2. CVD – Chemical Vapor Deposition
The CVD method is more modern and often more efficient for creating lab-grown diamonds.
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A diamond seed is placed in a vacuum chamber filled with carbon-rich gases (like methane).
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Energy (often microwaves) is used to ionize the gases, breaking them into carbon atoms that deposit onto the seed.
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The diamond grows layer by layer, creating a high-quality stone.
CVD diamonds are typically produced with fewer inclusions, and the process is ideal for producing larger diamonds. Many CVD diamonds are Type IIa, which means they’re among the purest diamonds available.
Lab-Grown vs Natural: What’s the Difference?
While both lab-created diamonds and natural diamonds are real diamonds, they differ in their origin. Let’s compare their key characteristics:
Lab vs Natural: What’s the Difference?
Let’s break it down:
| Property | Natural Diamond | Lab-Grown Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Earth’s mantle | Laboratory environment |
| Formation Time | Billions of years | Weeks to months |
| Chemical Makeup | Pure Carbon | Pure Carbon |
| Hardness | 10 (Mohs scale) | 10 (Mohs scale) |
| Brilliance/Fire | Identical | Identical |
| Inclusions | Minerals, feathering | Metallic or carbon-based |
| Trace Elements | Often Nitrogen (Type Ia) | Often Nitrogen-free (Type IIa) |
| Certification | 4Cs by Gemological Institute of America/International Gemological Institute | Same 4Cs by Gemological Institute of America/International Gemological Institute |
To the naked eye, they are virtually identical. Only a trained gemologist using specialized equipment can tell the difference.
How Experts Spot the Difference
While consumers can’t tell the difference between lab diamonds and natural diamonds, gemologists have advanced techniques to identify their origin:
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Inclusion patterns (metallic vs. mineral)
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Growth patterns under a microscope
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UV light tests for fluorescence colors
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Advanced spectroscopy (Raman, IR, PL)
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Laser inscriptions on the girdle (for lab-grown diamonds)
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Magnetic response (for HPHT diamonds)
Still, for most buyers, the difference is nearly impossible to see with the naked eye.
Why Lab Diamonds Are Better for the Planet
Mined diamonds come with significant environmental costs. Diamond mining causes:
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Land degradation
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Water pollution
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Habitat destruction
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Energy-intensive operations that contribute to carbon emissions
Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, don’t involve destructive mining. They’re made in controlled environments, which means:
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No land disruption
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Lower water usage
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Often produced using renewable energy
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Ethically sourced labor
Although lab diamond production can still be energy-intensive, advances in technology are making the process more eco-friendly. With growing interest in sustainable luxury, lab-grown diamonds are helping reshape the jewelry industry, making them a greener choice overall.
Lab Diamond Prices vs. Natural Diamond Prices
One of the most attractive aspects of lab-grown diamonds is their price. Lab diamond prices are typically 30-50% less expensive than their mined diamond counterparts. Here’s why:
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No mining overheads: There’s no need for the large-scale operations that diamond mining requires.
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Efficient production: Lab diamonds can be grown in a more controlled, scalable manner.
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Shorter supply chain: Lab-grown diamonds don’t have to travel from the mines to processing centers, reducing costs.
However, resale value for lab diamonds is currently lower. This is because natural diamonds are seen as rare and traditional, which supports their second-hand price. Lab diamonds are still evolving in this regard, but many consumers find the initial savings worth the trade-off.
Beyond Jewelry: Real-World Applications
Lab-grown diamonds aren’t just for diamond jewelry. Their exceptional hardness makes them ideal for a variety of industries:
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Industrial cutting tools
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Electronics and semiconductors
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Heat sinks in high-performance devices
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Lasers, sensors, and even quantum computing
Thanks to their superior thermal conductivity, lab-grown diamonds have diverse applications in fields requiring extreme durability.
Is a Lab-Grown Diamond Right for You?
When deciding whether a lab-grown diamond is right for you, ask yourself:
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Do I want a larger, high-quality diamond at a better price?
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Do I care about ethical sourcing and sustainability?
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Am I okay with slightly lower resale value?
If your answer is yes, a lab-grown diamond is likely a great fit. Whether you're shopping for a diamond ring, a diamond necklace, or any other piece of diamond jewellery, lab-grown diamonds offer the same brilliance and beauty as natural diamonds — without the ethical concerns or high price tag.
Lab-grown diamonds are the real deal — in every sense of the word. They offer the same beauty, brilliance, and hardness as mined diamonds, but with a greener, more affordable backstory. By choosing a lab-grown diamond, you're not just getting a stunning gem — you’re choosing sustainable luxury and making a more ethical purchase.
At Aurelia Diamonds, we’re proud to offer lab diamond jewellery that’s not only breathtakingly beautiful but also kind to the planet. Whether you’re looking for a diamond ring, diamond earrings, or a statement piece like a diamond necklace, a lab-created diamond is a fantastic choice.
