Diamond is a mineral composed entirely of carbon. It is the most highly sought-after gemstone and the hardest naturally occurring mineral on record. Diamonds have a variety of vital industrial uses due to their high hardness.
Diamonds created in a laboratory are real diamonds with the same chemical, optical, and physical properties as natural diamonds. But there are still a lot of questions about lab-grown diamonds.
Here are some answers to some of the most frequently asked questions on lab diamonds:
How do I know if a diamond is lab-grown?
Diamonds are a treasured gem for many reasons. They’re durable and can withstand daily wear and tear for decades, which makes them the perfect gemstone for engagement rings and other special occasions. They’re also the epitome of commitment and are often seen as a symbol of love.
It can be challenging to distinguish between a lab-grown diamond and a natural one just by looking at it. However, specific characteristics can help you determine whether or not a diamond is a lab grown.
For example, a lab-grown diamond will have no visible inclusions. Inclusions are tiny crystals, feathers, clouds, and other markings indicating a diamond’s origin.
In addition, lab diamonds are evaluated using the same processes as traditional diamonds. They’re graded based on color, clarity, cut, and carat weight (the 4 Cs). Furthermore, all lab-grown diamonds are labeled as such by independent gem laboratories. They also come with a certificate of authenticity that identifies them as laboratory grown. This helps consumers have confidence in their purchases.
Are lab-grown diamonds more durable than mined diamonds?
Diamonds are one of the most complex materials known to man. It would take a powerful tool to break or chip a lab-grown diamond. It would take an ultra-high-powered laser to separate a lab diamond from its carbon source.
Lab diamonds are also much more sustainable than mined diamonds. They don’t come with the ethical baggage of a dark past. The mining of diamonds has been linked to war, human trafficking, and brutal working conditions. Lab-grown diamonds have none of these issues and are 100% conflict free.
Additionally, lab-grown diamonds have a more excellent purity rating than the ‘dirt’ diamonds blasted out of the Earth with dynamite and diesel. A lab diamond is ten times more pure than a mined diamond.
Finally, lab-grown diamonds are much cheaper because they don’t need to travel as far as mined diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are a cost-effective alternative to mined diamonds, priced 30%-50% lower while maintaining the same size, shape, and clarity. This makes them an excellent choice for those seeking to add some shine to their lives without breaking the bank.
Are lab-grown diamonds more expensive than mined diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds have grown in popularity and are now just as beautiful, durable, and real as their mined counterparts. While they may be more expensive than their mined equivalents, it is essential to remember that all new technology starts expensive and eventually becomes less as it scales up and production speeds up.
Unlike their mined counterparts, lab-grown diamonds are not sourced from mining companies that exploit and overwork their workers. They also don’t require digging huge holes in the ground, are a huge waste of natural resources, and can be dangerous and destructive to local wildlife.
Lab grown diamonds also have a much shorter supply chain than their mined counterparts, making them cheaper. They’re 30%-40% less expensive than their mined equivalents and offer the same, if not better, sparkle. Plus, they can be sourced and crafted in just months. They are easily accessible with affordable interest-free payment options.
Are lab-grown diamonds more environmentally friendly than mined diamonds?
There’s no denying that diamond mining is devastating to the environment. However, the industry is working hard to mitigate these negative impacts. As a result, they are now much more environmentally friendly than they used to be.
Additionally, lab-created diamonds are 100% recyclable and have been shown to reduce the environmental footprint of other gems. For example, lab diamonds can be converted to a new form of raw material called graphite by heating it in an electrical furnace. This material can then be reconstituted into a new diamond. The resulting gems are chemically, optically, and physically identical to natural diamonds.
Are lab-grown diamonds more ethical than mined diamonds?
Lab diamonds cause less environmental damage and are more affordable, making them an excellent choice for everyone involved in their production, including the buyer, the manufacturer, and the planet as a whole. However, it’s essential to consider the total energy used and whether it comes from clean sources.
The mining process involves drilling into the Earth and destroying the surrounding environment, creating air pollution and wasting water. It also consumes large amounts of fossil fuels and causes acid mine drainage, contaminating water supplies and poisoning the surrounding ecosystem.
In addition to the environmental costs, many people involved in diamond mining are forced into poor conditions and work under dangerous circumstances. While some natural diamonds may increase in value, most do not.
