What are Lab-Created Diamonds?
Lab-created diamonds are the subject of lots of discussion right now in the jewelry industry. These lab diamonds, can be also known as 'cultured diamonds'. These are diamonds that are produced above ground. They are produced in labs that emulate the conditions of how the earth creates diamonds. This is accomplished by multiple processes to create these diamonds.
A lab created diamond is chemically identical to a mined diamond (carbon). These diamonds are not diamond stimulants, such as cubic zirconia or moissanite, they consist of actual carbon atoms making them diamonds. These are 100% REAL DIAMONDS and are not "artificial" or "fake". While they are an alternative to a mined diamond, they are becoming harder and harder to identify and understand. However, GIA is in the fore-front of identifying and testing lab stones for a 'no confusion' marketplace. Though we have our exclusive "Eco-Rock" Diamonds, we want to explain the methods and give a bit more background information.
Methods of creating Man-Made Diamonds
Most lab-grown diamonds are typically created one of two ways. Either by a high-pressure, high-temperature process (HPHT) or a chemical vapor deposition (CVD).In both ways these diamonds are identical to the diamonds mined on the earth. It is not detectable by the naked eye, it takes an expert trained gem grader with the proper lab and tools to identify them.
HPHT
High-pressure, high-temperature diamonds is the name given to diamonds created under pressure of 5 GPa at more than 1500 degrees Celsius. Though this is not new to creating a lab diamond, this process has been used on diamonds to treat them in the past. It has been used to add or subtract colors or enhance the diamond as a whole. Typically this process is now started with a lab diamond and is, known as the seed. These seeds grow or crystallize in the process to create the HPHT diamonds.
CVD
This process of Chemical Vapor Deposition, is another way to form synthetic diamonds. This method is a crystal formation process, using carbon plasma where the carbon atoms start to form. These deposits start to form the diamond from also a seed diamond. Along with the plasma, various gases are released into the chamber to create the right environment of the process.
How to tell if your Diamond is Lab or Natural?
With the prevalence of these new diamonds in the market, a lot of questions that get posed are: How can you tell if your diamond is natural or lab grown? Simply the best ways are to either send them off to GIA to get a report, or check the laser inscription on the diamond itself. It is cost prohibited for now, for the jeweler, however soon a machine will be available, at a jewelers level to detect mined from lab diamonds.
GIA tests every diamond to see if it is natural. If the diamond is lab grown, then it will come with its Diamond Grading Report. In the same report it identifies your diamond and the ratings of cut, color, clarity, and carat.
As well, GIA, IGI and other report labs will laser inscribe the diamonds on their girdle with the report number and a note that the diamond is lab grown. If you are curious about your diamonds, Distinctive Gold Jewelry should be able to help you find this inscription on the diamond. A microscope can see these inscriptions to help verify it.
Benefits to Lab Created Diamonds
The benefits to having a lab grown diamond are not hard to realize. These diamonds are identical in nature to the mined diamond. So for all the positives you find with most diamonds, you can find in these lab diamonds. The major benefit is that these diamonds are a lot more affordable for your budget. Also Eco-Friendly, sustainable and a vastly smaller carbon foot print. Please see the below "Eco-Rock" diagram.
Price & Value
The "Eco-Rock" diamonds that we offer come in the same clarity, color, and cuts of mined diamonds. However, these diamonds big benefit is their value. Being more affordable because they are created and not mined is the basic benefit. The costs of mining along with the rarity, creates the high value of these stones. Taking the cost of mining and rarity out creates a slightly lower price. (In some instances, up to 50% less for the same mined stone).
Eco-Friendly & Sustainable
The "Eco-Rock" diamonds that we offer is the most sustainable diamond we have available. These are: Conflict-free. Eco-Friendly. Green. While the world changes, technology has created a new way for us to avhieve goals on a more sustainable product and industry.
Negatives
The only negatives for lab diamonds are that in some cases, carat sizes offered are capped - so if you want a bigger diamond, you may be out of luck. To clarify, by "big" we mean massive, like the size you would see on the Queen of England's crown. Nearly every popular carat size is offered as a lab grown. However, we advise a word of caution before buying a lab stone - You need to get a report with it. As this is a newer market and product for the industry, there are always bad actors looking to swindle the public. We highly suggest only buy from trusted labs or jewelers like Distinctive Gold Jewelry, and always have the certification/report when purchasing.
Where can you find Lab-Created Diamond in Frankfort?
Have we sparked your interest? Because ours was! Lab diamonds represent a very small part of the diamond market currently, but we have seen the prominence of these diamonds more and more. So much so we have partnered with one of the labs and offer the "Eco-Rock" diamond. Reach out to us or stop in to see one today, you will not be disappointed, because IT'S A DIAMOND!