The Rise of Lab-Grown Diamonds: Everything You Need to Know

The popularity of lab-grown diamonds has significantly increased in recent years, thanks to their affordable price and real-like appearance. These jewels are set with a tetrahedral arrangement of carbon atoms securely bound together, and they are made in labs using technology that mimics the natural diamond-growing process. This makes them chemically and visually identical to their mined counterparts. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about these unique pieces. 

History of lab-grown diamonds

Although they have been present since the 1950s, they have just started gaining more popularity. Historically, they were not so popular because of the high manufacturing costs and low demand. Scientist Henri Moissan successfully grew a lab diamond in 1954. He achieved the same results as the natural formation of diamonds, which occur at very high temperatures and pressures, by using an electric arc furnace.

Using chemical vapor deposition, scientists honed the process of producing these diamonds in the 1970s. Combining carbon and hydrogen at a low temperature and then exposing the mixture to energy created a thin film that, layer by layer, crystallized into a diamond.

What’s the difference between natural and lab diamonds?

The main distinction between the two kinds is their origin. Diamonds come from carbon atoms that are compressed and heated to an extremely high temperature and pressure for millions of years. A lab-grown diamond, on the other hand, is developed in a controlled environment. When searching about lab-grown diamonds, you’ll find out that the chemicals between these kinds are rather similar, while their trace elements can be what sets them apart. They are both graded according to the same standards concerning their cut, color, clarity, and carat weight, so no one is superior to the other. Even the most skilled experts will have a tough time distinguishing between the natural and lab-grown gems. 

Benefits

Socially responsible

Lab-grown diamonds eliminate the chance of violating human rights during mining processes natural gems are usually made. Natural diamonds are often mined against the laws of governments and are notorious for various ethical concerns, including armed conflicts, human trafficking, and others. On the other hand, lab-grown diamonds come from controlled laboratory environments where there are no workers exploited or the environment destroyed. They are more socially responsible and ethical choices without compromising on quality and beauty. 

Sustainable

Lab-grown diamonds are less harmful to the environment, as they usually use power from renewable energy sources, like solar panels, and so lessen the industry’s impact on Earth. Everyone who wants to be eco-friendly should choose this option.

Affordable

Lab diamonds can be 30% to 40% cheaper than mined ones for the same carat weight and cut grade. A 2-carat lab gem will usually cost about the same as a 1-carat natural diamond. This can be a great option for anyone who is trying to save money while not losing the beauty of a genuine and sparkling diamond.

Lab-grown diamonds have become quite popular recently and for good reason. They are more affordable, sustainable, and eco-friendlier, and do not differ in almost anything from the natural ones, so if you want to have this glossy piece of jewelry, you should think about these options.