Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?
Yes, lab-created diamonds are real diamonds. They share the same physical, atomical, and chemical properties as their mined counterparts. Yet lab-grown diamonds have ushered in a new era of sustainability, offering environmentally friendly choices in an industry historically dominated by mined diamonds. Below we’ll break down what a lab-grown diamond is, why they are considered real, and how they compare to mined diamonds.
For further diamond education and to explore our inventory of CARATICE created diamonds,book an appointment with our CARATICE diamond experts.
What Is A Lab-Grown Diamond?
Today, lab-grown diamonds are diamonds that are produced by two methods: chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or high pressure, high temperature (HPHT). While both offer a controlled environment, the HTHP is more costly and less energy efficient. The thermodynamic process involves placing a diamond seed into pure carbon, then exposing it to intense pressure and heat. The carbon attaches to the diamond seed in 14 different directions and forms a rough diamond with a complex cuboctahedron shape.
CVD is a more economical and sustainable process, using vacuum chambers to convert carbon-heavy gasses into plasma with less energy consumption. Kinetics allows the carbon atoms inside the chamber to build on top of the diamond seed in a single vertical direction, so the rough diamond grows into a cleaner square shape.
Lab-grown diamonds are cut, polished, and evaluated by a certified gemologist, just like mined diamonds. They can be sold as loose diamonds or set into jewelry.
What Is A “Natural” Diamond?
A “natural” diamond is another name for a mined diamond. Officially, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) defines a diamond as “A mineral consisting essentially of pure carbon crystallized in the isometric system.” Whether a diamond is mined or created, both share this chemical composition. The difference and designation between lab-grown and mined diamonds lie in the way in which it is created. Titles like “lab-grown” and “mined” designate origin.
Mined diamonds are extracted from Earth through complex pit, underground, or alluvial methods, and utilize heavy machinery as well as an extensive amount of labor. To distract consumers from the human and environmental toll of these methods, some in the diamond industry have begun to call their diamonds “natural.” The term is for marketing purposes only and does not make a mined diamond atomically different from its lab-grown counterpart.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Considered Real?
If you’re wondering if a lab-grown diamond is a real diamond, the answer is yes. Lab-grown diamonds are considered real diamonds.
Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Test As Real?
Lab-grown diamonds test as real because they're made of crystallized carbon, as are mined diamonds. And, just like mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are graded by independent gemological organizations on their diamond 4C’s - cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Not all lab-grown diamonds are “perfect” — they will differ in color and quality, just as a mined diamond would, but lab-grown diamonds will be graded and tested just the same.
Are Diamonds Made In A Lab Considered Minerals?
Lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds are both considered minerals, as they have identical chemical compositions. The only difference between the two is how they are made, not what they are made of.
Can A Jeweler Tell If A Diamond Is Lab Created?
CARATICE created diamonds are inscribed with a microscopic inscription at the girdle. A jeweler can use this lot number to pull up that specific diamond’s grades and measurements. This would inform them of its origin and therefore, if it’s a lab-grown.
