FAQs About Lab-Grown Diamonds

Understanding the advantages is crucial if you’re looking to purchase a lab-grown diamond.  Ethically sourced lab-grown diamonds are certified and graded under the same standards as mined diamonds. They also cost 30% to 50% less than traditional mined diamonds.

What are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds are also known as manufactured, synthetic or laboratory created. Regardless of what they’re called, these stones are real diamonds sourced responsibly and offer many benefits compared to mined diamonds. From a chemical and physical standpoint, lab-created diamonds are identical to natural ones, and they’re even harder than those found in the ground, with a Mohs hardness rating of 10. It makes them so popular among those who want to avoid mining or prefer the sparkle of a real diamond over alternatives like Moissanites and Cubic Zirconia. 

Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Forever?

Unlike diamond simulants, often sold at lower prices, lab diamonds are real and chemically identical to mined diamonds. They also boast the same sparkle and durability as natural diamonds. The technology behind the creation of lab diamonds allows gem experts to mimic the environmental conditions that create natural diamonds without harming any ecosystems. Additionally, lab diamonds are cheaper to produce than natural diamonds; savings are passed on in pricing. However, there is a risk that lab diamonds will only hold value once supply increases and demand decreases. It is a major consideration for anyone considering buying a lab-created diamond for investment purposes.

How are Lab-Grown Diamonds Created?

Diamonds are formed in a combination of heat and pressure deep inside the Earth. Modern technology allows experts to recreate these conditions in a lab without endangering ecosystems. Experts create lab-grown diamonds through either High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) processes. These processes can generate gem-quality diamonds that look and behave just like natural diamonds. They can even be graded using the same four ‘Cs’ as naturally occurring diamonds!

The CVD method is currently the preferred approach for creating lab-grown diamonds for jewelry. This method uses less energy than HPHT and produces only about half the carbon footprint of mining a natural diamond. It makes it an environmentally conscious choice for couples seeking sustainable style. MiaDonna is proud to carry certified Lab Grown diamonds from reputable jewelers that use this advanced technology.

Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real?

Some may believe diamonds are only real if they come from the ground. Still, many retailers offer lab-created diamonds because of their lower environmental and social impact. These stones use the same chemical properties as naturally occurring diamonds and go through the same grading processes as natural diamonds. They’re also more affordable than mined diamonds and are less likely to chip like other diamond lookalikes, such as cubic zirconia or moissanite. Whether you want to purchase a ring for yourself or an engagement ring for your significant other, the options are endless! In addition, some diamonds—including the lab-created version—come in various colors. It is a key selling feature for individuals who desire the appearance of a fancy-colored diamond.

How Am I Able to Tell a Lab-Grown Diamond From a Natural Diamond?

Gemological lab analysis is the only technique to distinguish between a lab-created diamond and a natural one. The stones will look identical and have the same chemical composition, but a trained gemologist can use special equipment to distinguish them. The first lab-created diamonds were made in the 1950s using either the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) or High-Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) methods. They were used for industrial purposes until the mid-1980s, when manufacturers started to produce gem-quality laboratory-created diamonds in large quantities. The big plus for lab diamonds is that they are available in various colors. Fancy-colored diamonds are especially rare and expensive, so lab diamonds can be a more affordable option for some couples looking to get that perfect engagement ring.

Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Ethical?

The same certification process and criteria are used to certify lab-grown diamonds, which may also be graded for color, clarity, and carat weight. It is fantastic news for people who desire a fancy-colored diamond ring but need more funds to purchase a real stone at the top price. Many companies that sell lab-created diamonds market them as ethical and environmentally conscious, and some have proven track records regarding fair labor practices. However, it’s important to note that lab-grown diamonds are not carbon-free and use much energy to produce. It’s up to each manufacturer to carefully monitor their energy usage and ensure they aren’t contributing to negative environmental impacts.

Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Affordable?

Like any new technology, lab diamonds started to become expensive. But over time, prices dropped as demand rose and production costs fell. You can now find beautiful 1-carat, investment-grade lab diamonds for around the same price as a natural diamond. However, it’s important to remember that lab-created diamonds don’t have the same resale value as mined diamonds. So, if you’re concerned about making an ethical and financial decision, a traditionally mined diamond may be your better choice.