Rough lab grown diamond, on right after polishing, picture: GIA
Lab-grown and mined diamonds have been considered natural diamonds, according to Federal Trade Commission (FTC), since 2018. The difference between both diamonds is that one has a defined origin while the other doesn’t.
One cannot recognize the difference between a lab-grown diamond and a mined diamond, as no such difference can be seen through the naked eye. If we talk about the properties of lab-grown diamonds and organic diamonds, both have barely any difference. Even expert gemologists cannot tell the two diamonds apart using traditional methods. They also have to use advanced technology to serve their purpose.
Formation of Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are formed by two methods practiced everywhere in the world. One is High-Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT), and the other is (CVD) Chemical Vapor Deposition. Both techniques successfully produce genuine, high-quality diamonds that are replicas of those found in nature The HPHT Method
The HPHT method is more expensive and larger energy consumer. This thermodynamic process includes placing the diamond grain in pure carbon and exposing it to extreme heat and pressure. The carbon attaches to the diamond seed from many different directions and forms a multi cuboctahedron shape rough diamond
The CVD Method
Chemical Vapor Deposition CVD is comparatively more economical and sustainable than the HPHT process. In this process, they use vacuum chambers to convert heavy carbon gasses into plasma, having less energy consumption. Kinetics lets the rough diamond grow into a cleaner square shape, which enables the carbon atoms inside the chamber to stack up on top of the diamond grain in a single vertical direction
How Diamonds-USA Creates Diamonds?
Diamonds-USA creates lab-grown diamonds using the CVD method. A plasma reactor contains a tiny diamond chip. Once carbon is atomized inside the reactor, the process starts. The slice becomes a pristine, jewelry-grade diamond as the carbon atoms pile up one on the other. The initial diamond chip can be cut off and repeatedly used as a starting material.
When the diamond is formed, a team of expert craftsmen at Diamonds-USA expertly cut and polish the diamonds in international workshops to the highest standards.
Diamonds-USA prioritizes sustainability when creating top-quality diamonds. The foundry, located in the breathtaking Pacific Ocean in America’s northwest, creates no emissions as it is hydro-powered and uses water from the Columbia River to run its machinery. It can sustainably produce diamonds using renewable energy.
These foundries use cutting-edge technology and are operated by highly talented scientists and engineers. Kinetics lets the rough diamond grow into a cleaner square shape, which enables the carbon atoms inside the chamber to stack up on top of the diamond grain in a single vertical direction Check out a wide range of lab-grown diamonds at Diamonds-USA.com
How long is the Lab-Grown Diamonds process?
It takes approximately a month for a lab grown diamond to form. After that, it is further cut and shaped before selling them in the market.
Why Choose Lab Grown Diamonds?
When you go for a lab-grown diamond, you are enjoying the beauty of a diamond without having the guilt of any environmental damage through the mining process.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Good for the Environment?
Many lab diamonds are made in foundries that primarily rely on fossil fuels for energy. The carbon footprints can be as large as traditional mines themselves. At the same time, lab-grown diamonds from Diamonds-USA come from zero-emission foundries and are grown sustainably.
Are these Diamonds Certified?
Lab-grown diamonds must be certified. It is not wise to purchase any diamond without certification as the diamonds go through a grading process keeping the 4Cs n mind, regardless of their origin.
Lab diamonds are subjected to stringent evaluations during certification by grading facilities. You can filter your diamond search using the typical cut, color, and clarity requirements.
Can you tell the differences Between a Lab-Grown and an earth grown one?
Mined and lab diamonds both are identical when it comes to chemical composition and appearance. It is almost impossible to tell them apart. A few differences come from their growth process, which doesn’t change the quality of the diamond. A professional gemologist with special training and equipment can only determine the difference.
Morphology of Lab-Grown vs. Mined Diamonds
The main difference between lab-grown and mined diamonds is the morphology—their natural shape before polishing and cutting.
CVD diamond grows in a cube form, whereas HPHT diamond is grown in the shape of a cuboctahedron. On the other side, the naturally grown diamond is formed in the shape of an octahedron. Mined diamonds might also contain traces of nitrogen because of the surface where they were formed.
Lab-Grown vs. Mined Diamond Inclusions
Diamond inclusions, which occur naturally throughout the growing process, are present in both lab and mined diamonds. Inclusions are mall flaws in the diamond’s structure because of the intense pressure and heat that carbon experiences during the transformation of carbon into a diamond. It is crucial in judging diamond clarity. Both sources provide perfect diamonds that are highly valuable and rare.
Diamond imitations like cubic zirconia lack these imperfections. Therefore, they cannot be evaluated for clarity. This is because of their chemical makeup, not how they were developed in the lab.
Lab Grown vs. Mined Diamond Sparkle
Because they are both genuine diamonds, they both exhibit the same sparkling quality. Jewelers and gemologists refer to it as the brilliance of the diamond.
A diamond’s capacity to bend or refract light gives it its brilliance. When light penetrates a diamond, it reflects off the facets on its internal surfaces. The interaction of light with the facets of the diamond is responsible for its brilliance. White light inside a diamond indicates that it is real regardless of whether it is naturally grown or manmade.
Cut also determines a diamond’s brilliance. A diamond with a bad cut will not sparkle as brightly as it would have with a better cut. Because they don’t refract light the same way as real diamonds, imitations like cubic zirconia will have little to no brilliance.
Lab-Grown vs. Mined Diamond Fire
The term fire of a diamond refers to the colorful flashes of light the diamonds emit when exposed to light. It only occurs on the outer surface of the diamond. No matter if it’s a lab-grown or mined diamond, it is considered synthetic if the diamond fire appears.
Cubic zirconium and Moissanite are known for their rainbow color reflection. Some love this disco effect. However, it is one of the most obvious ways to identify stimulants.
