Are lab grown diamonds real?
Yes! Lab grown diamonds are just as real as natural diamonds.
With the exact same optical, chemical, thermal and physical properties, the only difference between lab diamonds and natural diamonds is their origin. Lab diamonds are grown in controlled laboratory environments that produce the same pressure and heat conditions that form natural diamonds in the earth's crust.
Are lab grown diamonds simulants?
Lab grown diamonds are completely different to diamond simulants. Simulant diamonds are manufactured to look like a real diamond, but are made from totally different materials. The most well-known simulant is cubic zirconia (CZ) which is a crystal form of zirconium oxide. Lab grown diamonds are made from actual carbon atoms arranged in the characteristic diamond crystal structure - making them 100% real diamonds!
What is the difference between a simulant and a lab grown diamond?
A lab grown diamond has the same chemical and physical properties as a diamond while a simulant is made of a different material, designed to simply mimic the appearance of a diamond. One of the most well-known simulants is cubic zirconia which is made from a soft substance called zirconium dioxide. Simulant diamonds will not have the same longevity as real diamonds and will need to be replaced every few years. Lab grown diamonds are just diamonds, with their origins being the only distinguishable difference. Lab and mined diamonds are both made of pure carbon and hold a hardness rating of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. A lab diamond will last just as long as a natural diamond.
Are lab diamonds less expensive than natural diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds are an excellent alternative to natural diamonds as they provide much more value. Without sacrificing quality for price, lab diamonds will be more affordable than natural diamonds of the same quality and size.
Are lab created diamonds flawless?
Just like their natural counterparts, every lab created diamond is unique. Grown under the same intense heat and pressure as a natural diamond, a lab diamond undergoes the same growth process and may still contain minor internal or surface imperfections like a natural diamond will. This means every lab diamond will vary in colour, clarity and cut. Expert gemological labs such as the IGI and GIA evaluate and certify every single lab created diamond using the same strict standards applied to natural diamonds.
Do lab grown diamonds get cloudy?
Absolutely not! Since lab diamonds have the exact same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds, they are just as durable and scratch-resistant, meaning they will never become cloudy.
Are lab grown diamonds ethical?
Since lab diamonds are grown in controlled laboratory environments, they do not need to be extracted from the earth like their natural counterparts. By removing the need for mining, lab diamonds reduce the impact on the environment and eradicate the risk of unethical labour practices and community displacement.
What is the history of lab grown diamonds?
Scientists have attempted to grow diamonds in a laboratory since the late 1800s. The first company to successfully produce large quantities of lab diamonds was General Electric in the 1950s. However, these were largely created for industrial use and were not suitable to be worn in fine jewellery. Gem quality lab diamonds have only been available from the late 1980s.
Will a lab grown diamond pass a diamond tester?
Yes, lab grown diamonds will pass a diamond tester. Since lab grown diamonds are made of pure carbon and have the same thermal conductivity and chemical properties as real diamonds, they will record a positive test on a diamond tester.
Are lab diamonds truly conflict-free?
Lab diamonds are produced in controlled laboratory environments and do not need to be mined from the earth. Unlike mined diamonds, only lab created diamonds can be 100% conflict-free. It is near impossible to know the origins of a natural diamond and whether unsafe or unethical labour practices were involved in its extraction from the earth.
Are lab diamonds truly eco-friendly?
Lab diamonds are the eco-friendly alternative to mined diamonds. Did you know that over 250 tons of ore must be moved just to mine 1 carat of natural diamond? By removing the need for mining, lab diamonds reduce the devastating impact on the environment and ensure natural habitats, fauna and ancestral communities were unharmed in their production.