Lab-Grown Diamonds. Top 3 Things You Need To Know

Most of our clients have never heard of the term Lab-Grown Diamond before looking to purchase an Engagement Ring. It is an exciting topic both in the jewellery industry and for our customers to discover! As couples create their dream ring, they naturally have many questions to ask about them. One of the first and main decisions around designing your ring is whether the centre stone is a natural diamond or a lab-grown diamond.

Have you been wondering about what Lab-Grown Diamonds are and if you should buy one for your Engagement Ring? We share the top 3 things you need to know.

What are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Lab-Grown Diamonds are exactly as they sound, Diamonds that are created in a Laboratory. Advances in technologies have allowed manufacturers to simulate the conditions that replicate the growing process of Natural Diamonds. In modern high-tech facilities, the highest quality Lab-Grown CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)

Diamonds are created using a method that imitates how diamonds are formed naturally in interstellar gas clouds. The way this works is that a Diamond Seed (a thin slice of diamond) is placed inside a vacuum chamber at around 700-1300 degrees celsius, the chamber is then filled with carbon rich gasses, plasma is released and carbon bonds to the diamond seed. This results in a pure carbon diamond rough just like those mined from the earth. Once the Diamond is grown to the desired size (carat weight), it continues its journey to be cut and polished into a finished stone.

Want to know the process to create lab grown diamonds? Read CVD & HPHT Lab Grown Diamonds.

Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?

Yes. Both Lab-Grown and Natural Diamonds are real diamonds. The process of creation is the only thing that differs between a Lab-Grown Diamond and a Natural Diamond. A natural diamond is formed deep within the earth's mantle over billions of years under intense pressure and heat. A CVD Lab-grown diamond is created in a facility which mimics natural conditions and is grown in 7-14 weeks.

Both diamonds have the same chemical makeup (Carbon) and visually they look the same. Lab-Grown Diamonds are available in the same variety of cuts, colours and shapes as you would find natural diamonds. They sparkle the same, look the same, feel the same, and are graded/certified the same way. They are just as strong and sparkly - and assessed by gemologists under the same 4C’s criteria.
A fake diamond is a simulant that is an imitation - such as Moissanite or Cubic Zirconia.

Can you tell the difference between Lab-Grown and Natural Diamonds?

It is almost impossible to spot the difference! They are both real diamonds made from carbon. The only reliable way to guarantee you are buying a Lab-grown or Natural diamond is by purchasing a certified Diamond. Leading Gemological laboratories such as GIA, GCAL and IGI conduct a full analysis of each stone to certify whether a diamond is natural or lab grown. Examples of some tests conducted to determine lab-grown diamonds include checking for inscriptions, evaluating growth patterns under microscopes, testing for fluorescence, assessing for traces of nitrogen, analysing inclusions and placing the stones inside sophisticated machinery to check if a diamond is type IIA.

These labs evaluate the qualities and individual characteristics of each natural and lab-grown diamond to develop a grading report. These certificates include information around the Diamond Shape, Measurements, 4C’s, Polish, Symmetry, Fluorescence, Laser Inscriptions, Proportions, and Inclusion mapping. On occasion Diamond suppliers will also produce a branded card/document to accompany these certificates to provide proof of origins.

With more choices than ever, it is important to be educated around which Diamond is right for your Engagement Ring. Choosing between a Lab-Grown or a Natural Diamond should be based around your own values and priorities. Remember visually, you will not be able to tell a difference! The most essential thing is that you and your partner are happy and create the ring of your dreams.

Book your appointment with us below to discover our fine collection of Lab-Grown and Natural Diamonds for your Engagement Ring or custom-made jewellery.

Janai Jewellery - The destination for the best engagement rings in Melbourne!