The question of whether lab-grown diamonds are "real" diamonds has become increasingly common as these diamonds grow in popularity. With consumers seeking more ethical and cost-effective alternatives to mined diamonds, understanding the nature of lab-grown diamonds is essential. This blog will explore what lab-grown diamonds are, how they compare to mined diamonds, and ultimately answer the question: Are lab-grown diamonds real?

What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds, also known as synthetic or man-made diamonds, are diamonds created in a laboratory environment that mimics the natural conditions under which mined diamonds are formed. Two main processes are used to create these diamonds:

1. High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT): This method mimics the natural process of diamond formation by subjecting carbon to intense heat (around 1,500°C) and pressure (1.5 million pounds per square inch). Over time, this pressure causes the carbon atoms to bond and crystallize into a diamond structure.
2. Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD): In this method, a diamond seed (a tiny fragment of diamond) is placed in a chamber filled with carbon-rich gases. The gases are heated, causing carbon atoms to bond to the diamond seed and grow layer by layer into a larger diamond. This process allows for precise control over the size and quality of the diamond.

Though these diamonds are grown in a lab, the resulting gems are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. The key difference lies in their origin lab-grown diamonds are the result of human innovation, while mined diamonds form naturally over millions of years deep within the Earth.

Chemical and Physical Properties: Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Differ?

Lab-grown diamonds are made of pure carbon atoms arranged in a crystalline structure, the same way mined diamonds are formed. This structure gives diamonds their exceptional hardness, which is a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale—the highest of any natural material. Just like mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds:

• Sparkle the same way, thanks to their refractive index and dispersion.
• Are incredibly durable, making them ideal for everyday wear.
• Have the same optical properties (brightness, fire, and scintillation).

Even professional gemologists require advanced equipment to distinguish between lab-grown and mined diamonds. Both types of diamonds can be certified and graded by renowned organizations like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and International Gemological Institute (IGI) based on the same criteria: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight.

Thus, lab-grown diamonds are indistinguishable from mined diamonds in terms of composition and properties.

Lab-Grown Diamonds vs. Diamond Simulants

It is important to differentiate lab-grown diamonds from diamond simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite. While lab-grown diamonds are chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds, simulants are made from different materials that only look like diamonds but lack the same hardness, brilliance, and longevity.

For example:

• Cubic Zirconia is made from zirconium dioxide and is much softer than a diamond.
• Moissanite is made from silicon carbide and has different optical properties that create more rainbow flashes, which some people find less appealing than the white sparkle of a diamond.

Simulants are far less expensive than lab-grown and mined diamonds, but they are not "real" diamonds in the same sense. If you’re looking for a gemstone that holds the same value, brilliance, and physical durability as a diamond, a lab-grown diamond is a genuine alternative.

Environmental and Ethical Considerations

One of the primary reasons many consumers are turning to lab-grown diamonds is due to concerns over the environmental and ethical issues associated with mining. Let’s break these down:

Environmental Impact:

• Mined Diamonds: Extracting diamonds from the Earth through mining, especially open-pit mining, leads to significant environmental degradation. This includes deforestation, soil erosion, and ecosystem displacement. Additionally, mining consumes large amounts of energy and water, contributing to pollution and carbon emissions.
• Lab-Grown Diamonds: While the production of lab-grown diamonds does require energy, especially in HPHT processes, many labs aim to use renewable energy sources, reducing the overall carbon footprint. Lab-grown diamonds don't require land excavation, making them a more eco-friendly option.

Ethical Sourcing:

• Mined Diamonds: The diamond mining industry has a history of ethical issues, such as conflict diamonds (also known as blood diamonds), which are diamonds mined in war zones and sold to finance armed conflicts. Even though the Kimberley Process has been implemented to prevent the sale of conflict diamonds, it is not foolproof. There are also concerns about labour exploitation and poor working conditions in some mining regions.
• Lab-Grown Diamonds: Lab-grown diamonds are free from these ethical concerns, as they are produced in a controlled laboratory environment. They offer a conflict-free, transparent alternative to mined diamonds, making them an attractive choice for socially conscious consumers.

Cost: A More Affordable Option

One of the most significant differences between lab-grown and mined diamonds is price. Lab-grown diamonds are generally 20-60% less expensive than mined diamonds of similar size and quality. This price difference is due to several factors:

• Production Control: Lab-grown diamonds can be produced on demand, allowing for better control over supply. Mined diamonds, on the other hand, are constrained by geological availability and the labor-intensive process of extraction.
• Marketing and Scarcity: Mined diamonds have been marketed for decades as rare and precious, which drives up their value. In contrast, lab-grown diamonds do not rely on perceived scarcity to maintain their price.

This affordability makes lab-grown diamonds an attractive option for consumers who want the look and durability of a diamond without the high cost. Additionally, it allows buyers to choose larger or higher-quality stones for their budget.

So, Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real?

Yes, lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. They share the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as mined diamonds. The only difference is their origin—lab-grown diamonds are created in weeks in a lab, while mined diamonds take millions of years to form in nature. They are not fake or synthetic in the sense of being different materials; rather, they are simply created through a different process.

If you value sustainability, ethical sourcing, and affordability, lab-grown diamonds offer a real, beautiful alternative to mined diamonds. Whether you choose a lab-grown or mined diamond, you are selecting a gemstone that is a testament to both nature and innovation.

Conclusion

The debate between lab-grown and mined diamonds often boils down to personal values and budget. If you're looking for a gemstone with natural rarity and tradition, a mined diamond may be for you. However, if you prioritize ethical practices, environmental sustainability, and cost-effectiveness without compromising on quality, lab-grown diamonds are a brilliant choice.

No matter which option you choose, both lab-grown and mined diamonds hold their unique appeal and both are, without question, real diamonds.