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Everything you need to know about lab-grown diamonds and how they differ from mined diamonds.
If I were to show you a photo of 2 diamonds, telling you that one is a lab grown diamond and the other is mined, I guarantee you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.
So, let’s give it a shot and if you get it right, you could win a $100 gift card. Here’s the picture:
Any idea? The chances are, you’d look at both and think “they’re beautiful. There’s literally no difference between them. How is one of them ‘real’ and the other not?”
So, let’s address that first idea before we dive in: lab-grown diamonds are just as ‘real’ as mined diamonds.
Let’s explore how.
How are lab-grown diamonds made?
A lab grown diamond is identical to a mined diamond: physically, chemically and optically.
Mined diamonds are created underground by extreme pressure and the harsh heat of nature; lab-grown diamonds use exactly the same process.
It’s just through an advanced scientific machine, rather than relying on the heat of the Earth. The carbon, (identical to a mined diamond), is pushed to pressure through extreme heat off the machine using high pressure. The result? A diamond.
Labs can use 2 different methods to create a diamond:
1. HPHT:
A tiny diamond seed is placed inside a piece of carbon. Then, the carbon is put under extreme pressure of approximately 1.5 million pounds per square inch. If this wasn’t intense enough, the heat is then added, at temperatures of over 2700 degrees Fahrenheit. The high pressure and heat proves too much for the carbon, which begins to melt away. What pops out? A beautiful, sparkling, (and very real) diamond.
2. CVD:
The CVD method also uses a diamond seed. The difference is that the seed is popped into an air-tight chamber which is heated to over 1400 degrees Fahrenheit. Think of it like it’s own little sauna. But hotter. Way, way hotter.
The chamber is then fed gasses with high levels of carbon, like hydrogen or methane. The gas helps the carbon stick to the seed, which forms a stunning, shiny, (and equally real) diamond.
Are lab-grown diamonds expensive?
One of the main benefits of lab-grown diamonds is the lighter price tag. They’re 20 to 40% cheaper than a mined diamond. The only reason for this is that it requires fewer people to create a diamond than to find one, so it’s a beautifully affordable option. No compromise on quality, but far more accessible for your budget.
Are lab-grown diamonds good for the planet?
Meghan Markle, who reigns from a family of jewelers, promotes lab-grown diamonds. Despite her bank account being healthy, (and that’s an understatement), she wears lab-grown diamonds. This is because she’s showing her dedication to the ethical way of stunning jewelry.
Mined diamonds require a lot of environmental upheaval. In fact, for every 1 carat of mined diamonds, it disturbs almost 100 square feet of land and causes nearly 6000 lbs of mineral waste. Lab-grown diamonds? No environmental disturbance. Making them, by far, the more ethical choice.
Are lab grown diamonds a new invention?
Lab-grown diamonds actually date back to the 19th century! Of course, as technology has advanced and modernized, the end result is a clearer, more sparkly diamond.
Lab-grown diamonds have only recently got the attention they deserve. With big celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and Meghan Markle showing the world that lab-grown diamonds are the way forward, many people believe that it’s a new invention.
Having been around for centuries, the lab-grown diamond has simply evolved and bettered over time.
So, what’s the real difference between a lab grown diamond and a mined diamond?
While mined diamonds are beautiful, lab-grown diamonds are equally as beautiful, kinder to the planet and kinder to your wallet. And, the only difference is its origin.
The properties of a mined diamond vs a lab diamond are absolutely 100% identical, from the chemical composition to the density to the way they are certified - the lab diamond is exactly the same as a mined diamond.
Are lab-grown diamonds valueless?
Let’s crack out the myth-buster! This statement is 100% false.
Lab-grown diamonds hold a massive amount of value. When a lab-grown diamond is sold, it should come as certified by a reputed grading institute. It has the exact same process and policies as a mined diamond, and doesn’t drop in value.
It must pass the 4 C’s test to determine its value. The origin, however, doesn’t have an impact.
Are lab-grown diamonds only for engagement rings?
Absolutely not. Lab-grown diamonds are most commonly sold as engagement rings, as it brings down the budget by 20-40%. But, Meghan Markle flaunts her stunning pair of lab-grown diamond earrings frequently.
Lab-grown diamonds can be made into any jewelry, just like mined diamonds. Penelope Cruz, for example, owns necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings. She’s a self-confessed lab-diamond advocate, showing the world the way to shine bright like a diamond, (thanks Rihanna), while playing your part for the planet.
Emma Watson, who is beloved by everyone for her activist attitude toward feminism and equality, also wears lab-grown diamonds with pride. The Harry Potter star owns lab-grown earrings, bracelets and rings.
Where can I buy a lab-grown diamond engagement ring?
Choosing a lab-grown diamond is a no-brainer. Every one of our lab-grown diamond engagement rings and wedding bands will entrance your fiance-to-be while saving the planet, one ring at a time.
Check out our range of stunning engagement rings and wedding bands.
We also offer customizable engagement rings, making it as easy as clicking a few buttons to create the ring she’s always been dreaming of.
PS: Aren’t you dying to know which diamond is lab-grown and which is mined? We’ll be announcing the result next week. For your chance to win a $100 gift card, share your answer on Instagram. Make sure you tag us @engagementdesigns and use the hashtag #labdiamondsarerealdiamondsED and we’ll announce the winner in 7 days!
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