Diamonds-USA.com Lab created Diamonds Manual
In the last decade, lab created diamonds have become increasingly common and more profitable than original gems. Lab created diamonds are capable of matching the brilliance of original stones, despite the fact that some do not recognize them as equally valuable or rare. Let's try to explain why these lab grown diamonds are so similar and at the same time so different from natural stones.
Lab created Diamond - What is it?
Lab created diamonds, also known as synthetic diamonds, are created in much the same way as naturally occurring diamonds, except that the process is faster and takes place in a laboratory (or manufactory) rather than in the ground . For this same reason, the production of these stones is currently increasing, which contributes to their price being reduced. This is why some maintain that they do not have the same lasting and sentimental value of pure sourced created gems.
Lab Created Diamonds-Are They Real?
In a nutshell, yes. La created diamonds are believed to be authentic and genuine: they share a common chemical structure with those from a mined source. When placed side by side, the lab diamond will be the same as a natural diamond of the same grade.
Production of a Laboratory Creation
There are various techniques to manufacture lab created diamonds, although there are two processes that stand out from the rest:
- CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) places a high quality diamond compound (or any other class of material with high thermal capacity) inside a vacuum chamber that houses varying degrees of
gases or carbon elements. Next, this type of material is subjected to extreme temperatures (between 700 and 900°C), which causes crystallization to begin to form in the "mother diamond". Think
of a fine combination of carbon elements as droplets of water that form new diamond crystals.
- HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature) is a similar method, where high pressures and high temperatures are used in a "diamond matrix" to promote the generation of crystalline structures.
The finished and rough stones are collected to be fine-tuned and sculpted. Theoretically, there is no limitation on the size of a lab grown diamond or the quantity that can be made.
Lab reated Diamonds - Are They Really Cheaper?
Unlike diamonds of natural origin, lab crown diamonds have a very low cost. Depending on their color, cut and clarity, lab-grown diamonds can be sold at prices 30-70% cheaper than naturally-derived diamonds.
If you are considering purchasing diamonds and are wondering if lab-grown diamonds hold their value in the future, we recommend that you go for natural diamonds. The price of natural diamonds can increase over time, since these diamonds, due to their rarity, are more in demand than those created in the laboratory.
| Natural round diamond
1 carat, color F, VS2
excellent cut, GIA
$5500 | Lab created diamond
1 Carat, Color F, VS2
Round, excellent cut, IGI
$900 |
|---|
| Chemical Composition |
C |
C |
| crystal structure |
Cubic |
Cubic |
| Refractory Index |
2.420 |
2.420 |
| Dispersion |
0.044 |
0.044 |
| Hardness |
10.00 |
10.00 |
| Energy use |
Around 450 KWH |
Around 250 KWH |
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Lab Created Diamonds - Are They More Ethical?
There is a lot of controversy about the sustainability of lab diamonds, and whether they are truly green and fair. While there are those who think this is obvious, the real situation is that laboratory created diamonds consume a huge share of energy resources for their production. And while it can be complex to calculate the amount of carbon in a particular diamond, specialists have discovered that most laboratory stones consume a large proportion of non-renewable energy resources.
A study by the Natural Diamond Council showed that laboratory created diamonds produce an average of three higher flue gas levels than mined diamonds (511 kg per carat, compared to 160 kg for natural diamonds). However, it is important to note that this study was initiated by large mining companies, after all, mining for natural diamonds has a clear effect on the environment.
In order to calculate the carbon load of each carat of a diamond, both natural and laboratory created, it is necessary to consider a wide variety of parameters. For example, the use of machines, energy supply and mining procedures, as well as the country in which the diamond is produced.
All these characteristics make the data uncertain and contradictory. In reality, this kind of study can lead to ambiguity and inaccuracy, which is why it is essential that both suppliers of natural and laboratory diamonds try to act in a more sustainable way.
Achieving zero carbon emissions in diamond manufacturing is challenging, but not impossible. We have at their disposal a complete offer of laboratory diamonds created with hydraulic technology and, therefore, 100% recyclable. For the sake of clarity, this indication appears on the diamond certificate under the line "Forge of the diamond".
Achieving zero carbon emissions in diamond manufacturing is challenging, but not impossible. We have at their disposal a complete offer of laboratory diamonds created with hydraulic technology and, therefore, 100% recyclable. For the sake of clarity, this indication appears on the diamond certificate under the line "Forge of the diamond".
Although sustainability refers to the state of the environment, it implies the protection of people and their way of life. The production of laboratory diamonds receives one of the main criticisms, since it fails to maintain the balance between employment and the development of the economy in the diamond-producing countries. Certain countries, such as Botswana, have been highly favored by diamond mining. After opening its first mine in 1967, Botswana has become one of the world's fastest developing economies and has managed to raise the standard and quality of life for its people through health, education and better in technologies.
However, it is easier to follow the starting point of a laboratory created diamond and, in contrast to natural gemstones, it can provide a better perspective in terms of respect for human rights and the working conditions of workers.
Differences between lab Created diamonds and natural diamonds
As we have mentioned before, it can be difficult to differentiate a natural diamond from a laboratory one, since they are virtually identical. Only an expert with specialized instruments would be able to observe the nature of the incrustations found in a laboratory created diamond.
To find out if a diamond is natural or laboratory created, the best idea is always to ask your jeweler for an evaluation report. The Gemological Institute of America (Gemological Institute of America) gives each laboratory grown diamond an official report to be completely transparent about the nature of the stone.
As stated before, it can be difficult to tell a natural diamond from a lab diamond as they are virtually the same. Only a specialist with specialized tools could ascertain the essence of the encrustations found in lab created diamonds.
In order to know if a diamond is natural or created in a laboratory, it is best to ask your jewelry supplier for a certificate of appraisal. The Gemological Institute of America provides each laboratory created diamond with an official report to be totally clear about the composition of the gem.
Is it necessary to keep looking at the color, carat, clarity and cut of the diamond?
Just because a diamond is grown in a lab does not mean that it is a perfect piece. Like naturally occurring gems, lab diamonds can have flaws and inlays in their manufacture. When acquiring a diamond, it is necessary to study its carats, its color, its clarity and its size, regardless of the origin of the gem. These factors clearly influence the final price and the investment that is intended to be made.
Final recommendations
Lab created diamonds are a worthwhile alternative for those looking to buy diamonds at a discount. They are an excellent choice for ornamental and decorative jewelry, and are more economical for customers who want larger gems.
However, customers who purchase diamonds for the sentimental value of owning a unique and rare item tend to opt for natural diamonds. After all, they are stones that are billions of years old, created under the influence of forces of nature that are simply unbelievable. Precisely for this reason, high-quality natural gems are a good deal, as their value always increases over time.
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