SPOILER ALERT: LAB DIAMONDS = REAL DIAMONDS

Recently, it seems like lab-grown diamonds are everywhere. From Meghan Markle to Penelope Cruz, celebrities have been debuting stunning lab-grown diamonds on the red carpet and flashing them in their engagement pics. But how does a lab-grown diamond compare to a natural diamond and can people tell the difference between the two? Keep reading to find out!

WHAT ARE LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS?

Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds that were simply created in a lab. To better understand how lab-grown diamonds are similar to and different from mined diamonds, it is important to first understand how a natural diamond is created.

Naturally mined diamonds are created deep within the earth's surface amidst extreme pressure and heat. They are then carried to the earth's crust by volcanic vents called kimberlites, once close to the earth's crust, they are mined.

Lab-grown diamonds are created in a similar manner but are created inside of a lab. The two primary methods to create lab-grown diamonds are:

HPHT DIAMOND METHOD

HPHT is an acronym for High Pressure/High Temperature. The HPHT process starts with a diamond seed (a small square-shaped diamond crystal that is around the size of a strand of hair) that is placed into a chamber with oxygen and helium gases at temperatures near 2000°C. The carbon-rich gas flows around the diamond seed and its growth position and recreates the intense heat and pressure that occurs around diamonds formed deep within the earth's surface.

Because HPHT diamonds are grown rather than mined, they have a much lower carbon footprint and are generally easier to trace. Growing high-quality diamonds under high pressure/high temperature allows near flawless diamonds to be produced in various sizes and colors.

CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION DIAMOND METHOD

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is a method of producing lab-grown diamonds that involves depositing carbon atoms on a seed crystal, which is then heated to high temperatures. The process takes place in a vacuum chamber and can take up to several weeks to complete.

The process begins with a seed crystal, typically a piece of pure carbon or graphite. The seed is placed in the bottom of a crucible and surrounded by metal rods that provide heat. Then, methane gas is introduced into the system, where it reacts with the carbon inside the crucible to form diamond crystals. These crystals grow over time until they reach their desired size where they are then retrieved to be cut and polished to fine jewelry specifications.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LAB-GROWN DIAMOND AND NATURALLY OCCURRING DIAMONDS?

Unlike common natural diamond simulants like cubic zirconia or quartz, a lab-grown diamond shares the same chemical makeup as a natural diamond. In fact, lab-created diamonds will pass the same diamond tester qualifications as mined diamonds....lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds.

The International Gemological Institute of America (GIA) holds lab-grown diamonds to the same standards as natural diamonds created by Mother Earth. Each lab-grown diamond will undergo rigorous testing before being assigned a grading report that shares the grades of each component of its 4Cs.

The difference between a lab-created diamond vs natural diamonds lies in how the diamond was produced, as described above, and its retail price.

WHAT IS THE COST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS AND NATURAL DIAMONDS?

Lab-grown diamonds offer a cost-effective way to get more sparkle for your buck. On average, the prices of our lab-grown diamond rings are 48% more affordable than our natural mined On average, our lab-grown diamond rings are 48% more affordable than our natural mined diamonds.

Why? Mined diamonds require a large amount of financial and human resources and have a longer supply chain than lab-grown diamonds. That means that they cost more to produce and then sell, which drives up the price of their final product.

On the flip side, lab-grown diamonds can be created within controllable environments and don't have to navigate a cumbersome supply chain, thus creating a diamond that is more affordable but just as sparkly.

ARE LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS MORE ETHICAL THAN NATURAL DIAMONDS

While it may seem like a simple question, the answer can depend on a variety of factors. We've highlighted a few of them below to keep in mind.

THE KIMBERLEY PROCESS

Prior to 2003, there was little oversight in the diamond industry in regards to ethical mining practices and sustainability. Because of this, many diamonds that were mined using violent or unethical practices were able to make their way into the market.

As a result, the Kimberley Process was formed by government officials from more than 40 countries in an effort to address these issues. The process is designed to ensure that rough diamonds are sourced from conflict-free areas and that they are not being used to fund war or human rights abuses. The KP system works by ensuring that a diamond has been mined in an area under government control, monitored and audited by independent observers, and tracked through the supply chain so that it can be traced back to its source.

The Kimberley Process has bolstered and uplifted mining companies that produce ethically sound natural diamonds, however, some groups, such as Human Rights Watch, argue that the Kimberley Process is "too narrow in scope" and fails to prevent blood diamonds from being released into the diamond market. So, are lab-grown diamonds any better? It depends.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS OF LAB-CREATED DIAMONDS VS NATURAL DIAMONDS

Lab-grown diamonds are environmentally friendlier than natural diamonds. In general, 2 50 tons of earth are removed per one carat weight of natural diamond that is mined. Compare this to lab-created diamonds that disrupt just 0.07 square feet of land per carat weight. Compared with the environmental cost of natural diamonds, lab-created diamonds make quite the difference!

ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS OF LAB-CREATED DIAMONDS VS NATURAL DIAMONDS

If lab-created diamonds are more environmentally friendly than natural diamonds then surely they must also be more ethical, right? Again, the answer to this question is...it depends.

Thanks to the Kimberley Process, it is more difficult for mining companies to exploit local communities and the labor force behind them to mine diamonds. And while human exploitation still happens, the aptly named, 'blood diamonds' are not eligible to be sold on the diamond market.

On the flip side, although lab-created diamonds do not exploit human labor, because they are laboratory grown, they ultimately take jobs away from developing communities that could otherwise greatly use the economic boon that comes from mining diamonds. As a result, economic opportunity is missed and communities suffer.

HOW TO CHOOSE BETWEEN A LAB-GROWN AND NATURAL DIAMOND

When considering whether you prefer a lab-created diamond or a natural diamond engagement ring it is important to remember that there is no physical difference between the two and that they share the same chemical properties.

In fact, it may help to ask yourself the following questions to better decide what type of diamond is right for you:

Would you describe yourself as more traditional or modern?

Since time immemorial natural diamonds have been the preferred gift to express love and desire. The natural diamond engagement ring speaks to a more traditional mindset that loves the classics and wants to honor tradition.

If you identify as more modern, you may find yourself drawn to lab-created diamonds. Lab diamonds shine because of modern technology that allows the creation of the diamonds to be incredibly precise and perfect. This can make them a great choice if you want a gorgeous jewelry piece and don't mind that the diamonds were not naturally mined.

What issues are important to you?

As discussed above, both lab-created and natural diamonds have pros and cons. If the economical sustainment of mining communities is important to you it might do well to look into sustainably sourced and ethical natural diamonds.

On the flip side, if you are concerned about the environmental effects that occur when mining natural diamonds, lab-created diamonds are the way to go.

What is your budget?

When determining what type of diamond is right for you you should always ask yourself which of the 4C's you want to prioritize. If you want to go big and bold by buying a larger carat diamond but have not so large budget, consider lab-created diamonds. Because of their creation in a lab, you will be able to afford 30% more bling for your diamond engagement ring.

FIND PREMIUM LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS AND NATURAL DIAMONDS AT OLIVIA EWING JEWELRY

You might say that the traditional ways of determining a diamond's value—its cut, color, clarity, and carat weight—are what matter most. But we believe that a diamond's origins are just as important. That's why Olivia Ewing Jewelry makes it our priority to offer both premium mined and lab-grown diamonds so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you. So whether you feel drawn to a sparkling earth-gathered gem or lab-grown stunner we have a diamond for you.

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Meet the Author: Olivia Ewing