What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds, also referred to as man-made diamonds, engineered diamonds, or lab-created diamonds, are diamonds that are engineered in a controlled lab environment using technology. Lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical properties, pure carbon structure, brilliance, and hardness a natural diamond does; the only difference lies in their origin.
Like a natural diamond, lab-grown diamonds are evaluated with the 4 Cs: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Lab-grown diamonds can be manufactured in the same shapes as natural diamonds, including oval, cushion, emerald, princess, and round brilliant.
Unlike natural diamonds, formed in the Earth’s crust billions of years ago, lab-grown diamonds are not considered rare because they can be produced in limitless quantities in a matter of weeks. Since their quantities are not finite as with natural diamonds, it is uncertain what the lab-grown diamond resale value will remain over time.
History of Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds were first created by General Electric in 1953. Up until recent years, lab diamonds could not be created in a quality suitable for jewelry. They were primarily used as abrasives or in industrial tools such as saws and drill bits because of a diamond’s superior hardness. During the past few years, refinements in the diamond manufacturing process have produced increasingly finer quality stones, suitable for use in lab-grown diamond jewelry.
How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made?
Natural diamonds are formed by three factors: heat, pressure, and time. Natural diamonds are grown deep underground, approximately 100 miles into Earth’s mantle crust. Carbon atoms bind together and grow diamond crystals over the course of millions of years. Arguably, the time factor is what makes a natural diamond so unique. The diamonds mined today and diamonds we have in our showcases grew in the Earth’s crust for many years – actually, billions of years.
In comparison, lab-grown diamonds are made in a laboratory setting in a much faster way.
Currently, there are two different technological ways to create lab-grown diamonds. The first is through HP/HT (High Pressure/High Temperature), which models how natural diamonds are formed in the earth. Lab-grown manufacturers place what’s called a diamond “seed,” which can be a miniscule fragment of a natural diamond or lab-grown diamond, into a device able to create hydraulic pressure, alongside metals like iron, nickel, and cobalt to interact and foster crystal growth. Under this intense pressure, the crystals develop into a lab-grown diamond. This complete process can take three to four weeks.
The second method to create a lab-grown diamond is through CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition). Like the HP/HT method, a starter “seed” is placed in a sealed apparatus that heats to intense temperatures. From there, the vacuum-sealed chamber is filled with hydrogen and a carbon-rich gas, typically methane. An energy source, like a microwave beam, will then break down the gas molecules, and carbon atoms disperse towards the cooler temperature of the starter seed. Crystals in a CVD are typically formed within two weeks.
Is a Lab-Grown Diamond Right for You?
To the human eye, laboratory-grown diamonds look identical to a natural diamond. Only specialized instruments can identify lab-grown diamonds. The question as to whether to purchase a synthetic diamond versus a natural diamond is a personal choice. To some, it might be important to own a diamond that was formed naturally billions of years ago and has stood the test of time. Others may wish to enjoy the beauty and brilliance of a man-made diamond at a reduced cost. Another factor to consider is that, throughout history, natural diamonds have appreciated in value, and this is expected to continue as they become scarcer. Lab-grown diamonds are expected to decline in value over time as the manufacturing process is refined.
Whichever you select, you want to choose a diamond or engagement ring from a jeweler you can trust. Day’s has professional jewelry consultants in all of our locations to help educate you and guide you through some of the most important purchases in your lifetime.
Can I Purchase a Lab-Grown Diamond from Day's Jewelers?
Yes, a selection of loose lab-grown diamonds and lab-grown diamond jewelry is available for sale in all Day's stores. Please visit any of our eight store locations across Maine and New Hampshire to receive a free lab-grown diamond education presentation and to view our full selection of lab-grown diamond jewelry.