Absolutely, lab-grown diamonds are indeed graded and certified much like their natural counterparts.
Esteemed gemological institutions such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) provide grading services for these diamonds. The GIA provides detailed reports on aspects like cut, clarity, and carat weight. However, do note that the grading criteria might differ slightly from natural diamonds due to the unique conditions under which lab-grown diamonds are formed.
Similarly, the IGI has a robust system for grading lab-grown diamonds. While some might argue that IGI is not as strict as GIA for natural diamonds, it stands equally competent for lab-grown ones.
Rest assured, whether you opt for a lab-grown or a natural diamond, both uphold high standards and come with certifications based on specific criteria. This aids you in making an informed decision when buying a diamond.
Yes, lab-created diamonds are absolutely real diamonds.
The key difference is their origin – they come from a lab, not the Earth’s mantle. However, they share the same crystal structure, sparkle, and hardness as natural diamonds.
Lab-grown diamonds are created using either high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapour deposition (CVD) methods in a controlled lab environment. Despite their man-made origin, they’re not “fake” or “synthetic” – they’re chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds.
Lab-created diamonds offer the same allure and physical characteristics as real diamonds, only their creation process is more controlled and sustainable. So, when you’re buying a lab-grown diamond, you’re getting a real diamond with an added peace of mind.
Lab-grown diamonds, just like natural diamonds, last forever.
They share the same physical properties as natural diamonds, including a Mohs hardness of 10, which is the highest rating on the scale used to measure the hardness and durability of minerals. This means they’re incredibly resistant to scratching and damage.
Because they are real diamonds, lab-grown diamonds don’t lose their sparkle or beauty over time. They can be cut, polished, and set into jewellery just like natural diamonds, and with proper care, they’ll retain their brilliance for generations.
Lab-grown diamonds have the potential to be flawless, but it’s not a guarantee.
Just like natural diamonds, they can have inclusions or flaws because the lab process mimics the natural growing conditions. The speed of crystal growth might also cause clarity issues. So, while a lab-grown diamond can be internally flawless, this isn’t always the case. Each one has its own unique characteristics, much like mined diamonds.
Despite this, many people choose lab-grown diamonds for their comparative beauty, quality, and affordability, even if they’re not entirely flawless.
Lab-grown diamonds are just as durable and sparkling as natural ones, and they don’t typically get cloudy. They’re made of the same material, after all.
However, if subjected to extreme heat, their clarity might be affected, although this is not a common occurrence with regular use. It’s important to note that some people may confuse lab-grown diamonds with cubic zirconia, a diamond simulant that can cloud over time.
Yes, there is a difference.
Lab-grown diamonds and synthetic diamonds, while often used interchangeably, are not exactly the same.
Lab-grown diamonds are genuine diamonds that have been created in a laboratory setting. They share the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, as they are made from the same carbon material under high pressure and high temperature conditions. The only difference is their origin.
On the other hand, synthetic diamonds are typically referred to as diamond simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite. They look similar to real diamonds but are compositionally and optically different. Diamond simulants are made from different materials, and they do not have the same properties as real diamonds.
However, some sources use the term “synthetic” to describe lab-grown diamonds, which can create confusion. But scientifically speaking, “synthetic” is not an accurate term for lab-grown diamonds.
Yes, lab-grown diamonds do have value.
They’re made of the same material as natural diamonds and possess the same physical characteristics and beauty. While their prices tend to be lower than those of natural diamonds because they’re more sustainable and easier to produce, they’re still valuable gems. The value of a lab-grown diamond is determined by the same 4Cs used to evaluate natural diamonds: carat weight, colour, clarity, and cut.
However, it’s important to note that like any other gemstone or piece of jewellery, the resale value can vary based on market demand.
Lab-grown diamonds are incredibly versatile and can be used in all types of jewellery.
Whether it’s a stunning engagement ring, a delicate pendant, elegant earrings, or even a dazzling bracelet, these diamonds can bring any piece of jewellery to life. Their quality and sparkle are identical to natural diamonds, making them a perfect fit for both contemporary and traditional designs.
So, regardless of your style or the occasion, you can find or create pieces with manufactured diamonds that perfectly suit your needs.
Choosing lab-grown diamonds has several advantages. Here are a few reasons why you might consider them:
The value of lab-grown diamonds as an investment can depend on a few factors.
While lab-grown diamonds are identical to natural diamonds in terms of their physical and optical properties, they typically don’t hold their value as well over time compared to natural diamonds. This is largely because the supply of lab-grown diamonds can be controlled, whereas natural diamonds are finite and becoming more scarce, which can drive up their value.
However, what makes lab-grown diamonds attractive is their affordability. They usually cost 20-30% less than natural diamonds of the same size and quality. This means you can get a larger or higher quality diamond for the same amount of money.
It’s also important to note that the primary reason most people buy diamond jewellery is not for investment purposes, but rather for the beauty, sentiment, and symbolism associated with it.
If you’re considering diamonds as an investment, it may be better to consult with a financial advisor or a gemologist who can provide guidance based on your specific circumstances.
Lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical, meaning they both exhibit the same sparkle and hardness. To the naked eye, there is virtually no difference between a lab-grown diamond and a natural diamond.
However, experts equipped with specialised tools can sometimes identify subtle differences in certain growth patterns or inclusions (internal characteristics) that may hint at a diamond’s origin. For instance, some lab-grown diamonds may have microscopic inscriptions on the girdle of the diamond indicating their lab-grown origin.
It’s also worth noting that many lab-grown diamonds come with grading reports from reputable gemological labs, just like natural diamonds do. These reports detail the diamond’s specifications, including its origin.
Yes, lab-grown diamonds sparkle just as beautifully as natural diamonds. That’s because their sparkle – technically referred to as brilliance and fire – comes from the way the diamond is cut and its inherent properties, not its origin.
Brilliance refers to the light that’s reflected from the inside and surface of the diamond, while fire is the dispersion of light into the colours of the spectrum. Since lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties, they exhibit the same levels of brilliance and fire.
So whether a diamond was formed deep in the earth over billions of years or in a lab over a few weeks, it will sparkle just the same. The key factor affecting the sparkle is the quality of the diamond’s cut: Excellent and Ideal cut diamonds will have the most sparkle.
Lab-grown diamonds have several benefits that make them an attractive choice for many consumers:
Availability: While natural diamonds are becoming increasingly rare, the supply of lab-grown diamonds can be scaled to meet demand. This means that certain sizes and styles might be more readily available in lab-grown options.
Yes, lab-grown diamonds can be insured just like natural diamonds. The insurance process is also the same. You’ll need to provide your insurance company with a detailed description of the diamond, including its 4Cs (carat, cut, colour, clarity), and a valuation, typically from the receipt or an appraisal.
Insurance for lab-grown diamonds will generally cover the same incidents as for natural diamonds, such as theft, loss, or damage. However, the premiums may be lower because lab-grown diamonds are often more affordable than natural diamonds.
As with any insurance policy, it’s important to read and understand the terms and conditions to know exactly what is covered.
The best way to clean lab-grown diamonds is the same as with natural diamonds:
Diamonds (whether lab-grown or natural) can scratch other gems and metals, so store your diamond jewellery separately to prevent accidental scratches. Regular cleaning will keep your lab-grown diamond sparkling bright for years to come.
Yes, lab-grown diamonds are absolutely safe to wear.
They are chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds and pose no health or safety risks. In fact, because they are produced in controlled environments, lab-made diamonds are often more pure and less likely to have internal flaws or inclusions that could potentially weaken a natural diamond.
Just like natural diamonds, lab-grown ones are very hard and durable, making them suitable for everyday wear. However, as with all jewellery, they should be treated with care to prevent damage. It’s also advised to remove diamond jewellery during activities where it might get knocked or damaged, such as sports or heavy manual work.
In terms of skin safety, unless you have a specific allergy to the metal in the diamond setting, lab-grown diamonds should not cause any skin irritations or reactions. If you do have allergies, consider hypoallergenic metals like platinum or 18k gold for the setting.
Natural diamonds are precious stones that form over billions of years under high pressure and temperature conditions in the Earth’s mantle, about 150 kilometres (or 90 miles) beneath the Earth’s surface. They are made almost entirely of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure, making them one of the hardest known substances.
These diamonds are brought closer to the Earth’s surface through volcanic activity. Miners extract them from primary deposits known as kimberlite pipes or from secondary deposits where the diamonds have been transported by erosion.
Natural diamonds can vary in size, colour, shape, and quality. They are often used in jewellery for their brilliance and durability. Each natural diamond is unique, with its own set of characteristics known as the Four Cs: Carat (weight), Cut, Color, and Clarity.
It’s important to note that natural diamonds should be distinguished from synthetic diamonds (also known as lab-grown or man-made diamonds), which are produced through artificial processes but have the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds.
The cost of natural diamonds can vary significantly based on several factors, including the diamond’s size (carat weight), quality (cut, clarity, and colour), shape, and whether it is certified.
On average, the price of a 1-carat round brilliant cut diamond with a “very good” cut, “H” colour, and “VS2” clarity ranges from $5,000 to $7,000. A 2-carat diamond of the same quality ranges from $18,000 to $23,000. However, these are rough estimates and prices can go much higher for diamonds of exceptional quality or lower for those of lesser quality.
It is recommended to consult with a reputable jeweller or diamond expert to get an accurate pricing estimate based on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re interested in purchasing a natural diamond, consider visiting Britton Diamonds for a personalised consultation and a wide selection of high-quality, GIA-certified diamonds.
Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle, approximately 150 kilometres (or 90 miles) below the surface, in conditions of intense heat and pressure.
The process begins with carbon dioxide buried in the Earth’s mantle. Over billions of years, under high temperatures of at least 1,000 degrees Celsius (1,832 degrees Fahrenheit) and pressure over 725,000 pounds per square inch, these carbon atoms start bonding in a unique way that results in diamonds’ beautiful and strong crystalline structure.
Volcanic eruptions then bring these diamonds closer to the Earth’s surface. These eruptions create ‘kimberlite pipes’, which are tube-shaped formations of rock from the Earth’s mantle to the surface. Most natural diamonds are found in these pipes or in alluvial deposits where they have been transported by erosion.
It’s a long and complex process that makes every natural diamond incredibly old – most are between 1 to 3.5 billion years old. The exact age can be determined by examining inclusions, which are tiny fragments of older rocks trapped within the diamond.
Natural diamonds often appear as clear, sparkling stones, but can also come in a variety of colours including yellow, blue, green, and even pink or red, depending on the types of impurities present during their formation.
In their rough state, before they are cut and polished, natural diamonds look like translucent pebbles with a greasy lustre, and they may not be immediately recognizable as the gemstones we see in jewellery. They are usually octahedral (shaped like two pyramids stuck together at the base) but can also be found in other shapes such as cubes or dodecahedrons.
Once cut and polished, they transform into the dazzling gemstones we’re familiar with. The most popular shape is the round brilliant cut, known for its exceptional sparkle. However, diamonds can be cut into a variety of shapes like princess (square), pear, oval, marquise, emerald, and more.
Natural diamonds take billions of years to form under extreme heat and pressure conditions deep within the Earth’s mantle. This process can’t be rushed or controlled, making each natural diamond incredibly rare and unique.
Then, locating and mining natural diamonds is a costly and complex process. It involves extensive geological surveys to locate diamond-rich areas, followed by the construction and operation of large-scale mining projects. These operations often need to be carried out in remote locations, adding to the cost.
In the end, each rough diamond needs to be carefully evaluated, cut, and polished – a highly skilled process that adds further value.
In contrast, lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment using high-tech equipment that can replicate the conditions under which diamonds naturally form. This process takes only a few weeks or months, and the supply can be increased or decreased based on demand, resulting in a lower cost.
When looking to buy natural diamonds, there are several reputable places online where you can make your purchase. If you’re searching for a personalised experience with expert guidance, look no further than Britton Diamonds. At Britton Diamonds, we specialise in creating custom jewellery that tells your unique story. We offer high-quality, GIA-certified loose diamonds, and our professionals will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you choose the perfect diamond for your piece.
So, why wait? Explore the world of natural diamonds with us and create a piece of jewellery that’s uniquely yours. Visit Britton Diamonds today!
Natural diamonds are made of carbon, one of the most common elements in the universe. What makes diamonds special is the way these carbon atoms are arranged. Under high pressure and temperature conditions deep within the Earth’s mantle, carbon atoms bond together in a unique crystal lattice structure. This arrangement gives diamonds their extraordinary hardness, brilliance, and thermal conductivity.