Lab Grown Diamond

WHAT IS A LAB GROWN DIAMOND?

Lab grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds mined from the earth. The only difference is the origin. A lab grown diamond, as the name suggests, is grown in a laboratory using state-of-the-art technology that replicates the natural diamond growing process.

Similar to natural diamond growth, a lab grown diamond variates in colour and clarity. They are graded on the exact same criteria as natural diamonds by independent gemological laboratories that grade earth-extracted diamonds. Unlike simulants such as cubic zirconia and moissanite, lab grown diamonds have the same brilliance, fire and scintillation as natural diamonds. They offer the same sparkle that’s perfect as an engagement ring.

HOW ARE LAB DIAMONDS GROWN?

HIGH PRESSURE HIGH TEMPERATURE (HPHT)

A HPHT diamond begins its journey as a small diamond seed that is placed into carbon, where it is exposed to temperatures of about 1500°C and pressurised to 70,000 times the pressure at sea level.

At this extremely high pressure and high temperature, the pure carbon melts and begins to form a diamond around the starter seed. Thereafter, it is cooled into the strongest form of carbon; a diamond crystal.

HOW ARE LAB GROWN DIAMONDS GRADED?

Lab grown diamonds are graded and certified using the same process as natural diamonds. Diamonds are sent to a gemological laboratory that specialises in grading diamonds, where the 4 C’s – Cut, Carat, Clarity and Colour, are used to assess the diamonds.

All Star Carat Shop diamonds are sold with a certification from IGI, one of the major diamond grading laboratories.

LAB GROWN DIAMONDS BENEFITS?

When it comes to cutting, polishing and inspection, both natural and lab grown diamonds have the same costs. Up to this point, the cost and processes vary significantly between the two.

Natural diamonds have a lengthier supply chain which requires the laborious process of having them mined, while lab grown diamonds forgo the mining process, requiring less labour, making them lesser in costs.

CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION

A CVD diamond is a lab made diamond created through the process of chemical vapor deposition. This method is primarily used for large stones. CVD stands for chemical vapour deposition.

Diamond made of the same material as natural diamonds: pure carbon, crystallized in an isotropic 3D form. Synthetic diamond are different from both natural diamond, which is created by geological processes, and imitation diamond, which is made of non-diamond material.

LAB GROWN DIAMONDS VS NATURAL DIAMONDS?

Whether it is a lab grown or natural diamond, both are beautiful diamonds. While some may contest that one is better, more valuable or holds more emotional values than the other, these two diamonds of different origins can’t be compared.

Diamonds hold a certain significance; it represents your story, your milestone or that special moment. The true significance of the diamond doesn’t lie in the origin, neither can it be measured by its price or grading. It all boils down to what is important to you, especially if you’re picking out diamonds for an important occasion such as an engagement ring. The diamond you choose is the endearment it represents.