What are Lab Created Diamonds?
Lab created diamonds, otherwise known as man-made or cultured diamonds, are grown in a laboratory using cutting-edge technology that mimics the conditions under which natural diamonds develop. As they are formed from the same material and exposed to the same conditions, lab created diamonds are optically and chemically identical to the natural variety.
Why buy lab grown diamonds?
1. Value
Lab-created diamonds can be up to 30% cheaper than the Natural variety. They are perfect if you are on a tight budget or wish to maximise your diamond size for the same price.
2. Quality & Beauty
Lab-created diamonds exude the same beauty and quality as the Natural variety - in fact, they are visually and chemically identical.
3. MODERN
Lab-created diamonds have taken the jewellery industry by storm. They are grown in a laboratory with the help of cutting edge technology - offering a modern alternative to Natural Diamonds.
How are lab grown diamonds made?
Our lab created diamonds, as their name suggests, are made in a laboratory. The journey of each lab grown diamond begins with a tiny carbon seed, just like those found in nature. What sets them apart is the controlled environment in which they are nurtured. In a process known as Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD), lab grown diamonds are subjected to extreme heat and pressure, replicating the conditions deep within the Earth where natural diamonds form over millions of years. This method allows scientists to accelerate the growth of diamonds, resulting in a remarkable transformation that takes place over a relatively short period. Over the course of six to ten weeks, the carbon seed evolves into a rough diamond. This rough diamond is then carefully cut and polished, just as Natural diamonds are, revealing their brilliance. The end result is a stunning lab grown diamond that shares the same physical, chemical and optical properties as natural diamonds. While lab grown diamonds may sound like a relatively new invention, they were actually created in the mid-20th century. However, advancements in the 21st century have allowed for more efficient and scalable production of lab grown diamonds. Find out more about the history of lab grown diamonds.
STEP 1:
DIAMOND SEED
STEP 2:
HEAT & PRESSURE
APPLICATION
STEP 3:
THE DIAMOND STARTS
TO GROW
STEP 4:
DIAMOND IS READY
Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes! Lab grown diamonds are, without a doubt, real diamonds and are distinguished solely by their origin. They possess all the intrinsic qualities and characteristics that make a diamond a diamond. In fact, they are indistinguishable from their natural counterparts to the naked eye, and specialised equipment is required to tell them apart.These lab created diamonds are not imitations or substitutes. They share the same chemical composition as natural diamonds, composed of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure. This identical chemical makeup results in the stunning brilliance, fire and durability that diamonds are renowned for. The only difference lies in the way they are brought into existence, with lab grown diamonds being cultivated in controlled environments instead of being mined from the Earth.
Lab-Created Diamond vs.
Natural Diamonds
Lab-created diamonds and natural diamonds are equally as beautiful as each other. Both are chemically and visually identical, and therefore impossible to differentiate. The only real difference is their origin. Lab-created diamonds are man-made and grown in a laboratory, while natural diamonds are found in nature and formed within the Earth’s mantle. While natural diamonds are still the favoured traditional choice, lab diamonds can be up to 30% cheaper than a natural diamond of the same size and quality.
How to Buy Lab-Grown Diamond Jewellery
All of our diamond jewellery is available to buy with synthetic lab-grown diamonds. When selecting your products, simply choose “Lab-Created Diamonds” from the options before adding to your cart. Whether you’re buying a ring, necklace, bracelet, or earrings, the options to select lab-created diamonds will help you create the perfect piece of jewellery.
Lab-Created Diamond Tips
Cut
The cut of a diamond refers to its symmetry, and more specifically to the overall polish and proportion of the diamond. Just like natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds are cut and created using the exact same process. As lab grown diamonds can be made more uniformed in shape in a laboratory, diamond cutters can often cut better stones, meaning less imperfections and a better overall diamond cut in comparison to a natural diamond.
Clarity
Natural diamonds can have imperfections or inclusions that affect their value. The clearest, colourless diamonds are the most valuable and offer the best sparkle so are therefore the most sought after. Lab diamonds are almost always colourless or nearly colourless, putting them on par with the more valuable natural diamonds on the market.
Budget
Lab-created diamonds are perfect for those on a budget.Because they are created instead of mined, the cost of these diamonds can be around 30% lower than that of their natural counterparts meaning you can get more for your money.
FAQs
Lab created diamonds can be an excellent choice for individuals looking for a beautiful, cheaper and ethical alternative to natural diamonds, but they may not be the best option for those primarily seeking a long-term financial investment. Unlike traditional natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds do not typically appreciate in value over time. Instead, their value remains relatively stable.While lab grown diamonds may not be a traditional investment in the same sense as other assets, they offer value in their affordability, ethical sourcing, and the opportunity to own a beautiful and high-quality diamond at a lower price point. When considering a lab created diamond, it's essential to prioritise your personal values and preferences, as well as the emotional and aesthetic value it holds, rather than viewing it primarily as a financial investment.
Both Natural and lab diamonds are physically and chemically identical. They are real diamonds that offer the same characteristics and sparkle as a natural diamond. It is impossible to differentiate lab diamonds from Natural diamonds using the naked eye. Specialist equipment is required to distinguish lab diamonds from the natural variety.
Just like Natural diamonds, every lab diamond is unique and varies in cut, colour and clarity. Lab created diamonds can have minor internal flaws or surface inclusions, in a similar way to high-quality Natural diamonds. Using the same strict standards applied to evaluate Natural diamonds, lab created diamonds are rigorously tested and graded by independent gemological labs.
Yes, lab created diamonds offer great value for money and can be up to 30% cheaper than a natural diamond of the same size and quality.
Yes, you can insure lab diamonds, in the same way as Natural diamonds, for further peace of mind.
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