Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real?
Although grown in a lab over a few months, instead of under the earth’s crust over millions if not billions of years, lab grown diamonds are absolutely real.
Unlike diamonds simulants such cubic zirconia or moissanite, lab grown diamonds share the same chemical, optical, and physical properties.
Lab grown diamonds are grown from the tiny carbon seeds of pre-existing diamonds. Advanced technology – either extreme pressure and heat or a special deposition process known as CVD – mimics the natural method of diamond formation. Some lab diamonds grown through deposition may also undergo pressure and heat treatment after they are grown. Lab grown fancy colored diamonds are formed when small amounts of specific trace elements are present during the growth phase of the diamond, just like in nature. In both white and fancy colored lab diamonds, the exact composition of trace elements may differ from their natural diamond counterparts.
Impossible To Distinguish
With advancing technology it is virtually impossible to distinguish the difference between a lab grown diamond and a natural diamond. The only way to tell the difference is with advanced specialized laboratory equipment, another indicator is if the diamond is laser inscribed on the diamond girdle.
More Affordable
Lab grown diamonds usually cost 20-40% less than natural diamonds and every bit as beautiful as it’s natural counterpart. However, it is important to note that lab grown diamonds do not hold the same resale value as natural diamonds. As technology gets better lab grown diamonds will become less expensive to reproduce which will make them even more affordable in the future. On the other hand, natural diamonds were created millions if not billions of years ago and there are no more natural diamonds being reproduced by Earth allowing them to keep hold a greater resale value.
Final Thoughts
If price is your main concern then lab grown diamonds might be the way to go. If you love the idea of your diamond being millions of years old and formed by Mother Earth then perhaps a natural diamond is more for you. To learn more about Lab Grown Diamonds checkout our blog post, Lab Grown Diamond Myths and Truths
If you are not sure which diamond is right for you schedule and appointment with one of our diamond experts to help you with the diamond shopping process.
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