When you think of diamonds, it’s likely that you think of the natural variety. That’s why some people might be hesitant to consider a lab grown diamond when shopping for an engagement ring.
The truth is, lab grown diamonds are real, and look just like the ones mined from the earth. They are made with two popular methods Lab grown diamonds cvd: Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT).
1. They Are Real
When you hear the terms ‘man-made diamonds’ or ‘cultured diamonds’ or even ‘artisan diamonds’, you can get confused. However, they are all referring to the same thing – a certified diamond that was ‘grown’ in a lab.
These diamonds are created by a process called Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). They start out as a tiny diamond seed that is placed in a chamber and heated.
They then ‘grow’ through layers of carbon forming a beautiful square shaped diamond crystal.
Unlike other manufactured diamond simulants like moissanite or cubic zirconia, these lab-created diamonds have all the same physical and optical properties as natural diamonds; they are as sparkly and bright as a diamond can be.
They are also as durable and hard wearing as diamonds, so you can be sure that they will look great for many years to come. This makes them a much better choice for those who don’t want to break the bank with a natural mined diamond.
2. They Are More Affordable
Lab grown diamonds are 40- 50% less expensive than mined ones, which makes them a great alternative for couples looking to get a larger diamond without breaking the bank. They also come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, so you can choose a stone that is just right for you.
However, if you are more concerned about resale value, you should consider a natural diamond. This is because natural diamonds have a higher rarity factor and will generally hold their value better than lab grown diamonds.
Another big benefit of lab grown diamonds is their sustainability, as they are not only ethically and environmentally friendly, but they also do not harm the earth. And they are not prone to the same issues that have plagued the natural diamond industry, such as conflict diamonds and supply chain problems.
3. They Are More Sustainable
Lab grown diamonds are a more sustainable alternative to natural mined diamonds because they do not require the same destructive mining that is done to create mined diamonds. They also produce less waste and emit less carbon dioxide than mined diamonds.
But a report from the World Jewellery Confederation has revealed that many of the laboratories where diamonds are produced are not transparent and do not comply with labour laws. This can cause problems for the workers in India, where many of these labs are located.
In addition, some of the labs are not equipped with proper ventilation. The dust that is created can be inhaled and cause silicosis, which is a deadly lung disease.
These issues could lead to a lack of supply and a dip in prices in the future. This is a real concern because people love diamonds and they are important symbols of love, wealth and family.
4. They Are More Eco-Friendly
Lab grown diamonds are a new, environmentally friendly alternative to natural mined diamonds. They can be just as dazzling and beautiful as their natural counterparts, but they don’t have the same environmental impact as mined diamonds.
The process of mining diamonds requires tremendous water and energy resources. It’s also a practice that has caused significant ecological damage to the region where it occurs.
These factors have led to CVD diamonds a growing demand for lab-grown diamonds. As a result, lab diamond companies are making more of an effort to reduce their environmental impact.
They can do this by reducing the amount of carbon emissions they produce and using renewable energy to power their operations.
Conclusion
Despite these advantages, there are some things to consider when choosing whether or not to buy a lab-grown diamond over a mined diamond. Here are a few of them:
