Laboratory grown diamonds have existed in the world of jewelry since the 1960s, but they’ve never really caught on as an alternative to mined diamonds. Now, as lab grown diamonds are getting more popular and companies are able to produce them more efficiently, they’re poised to overtake mined diamonds as the diamond jewelry market’s most profitable option. Here are three big reasons why laboratory grown diamonds will become the dominant form of diamond jewelry in the near future.
According to the Diamond Producers Association, mined diamonds make up 97% of the world’s supply, with only 3% being lab-grown diamonds. The latter number might not seem like much, but it’s steadily growing as more and more jewelers begin to stock lab-grown diamonds in their stores—and it’s easy to see why!
You may have heard of lab grown diamond jewelry before, but you may not know exactly what they are or how they differ from real diamonds mined from the earth. While they used to be incredibly expensive, advanced technology in recent years has made them much more affordable and even better quality than many natural diamonds! Here’s what you need to know about lab grown diamonds as an alternative to natural diamonds.
What is a lab-grown diamond?
A lab-grown diamond is a diamond that is created in a laboratory, as opposed to being mined from the earth. These diamonds are physically and chemically identical to mined diamonds, but they come with a few key benefits. First, they are much more affordable than mined diamonds. Second, they are more environmentally friendly, since their production does not require mining operations that can damage ecosystems. Third, they do not contribute to conflict, as many mined diamonds do. Finally, lab-grown diamonds are just as beautiful as mined diamonds, making them a great choice for engagement rings and other jewelry.
What makes it different from mined diamonds?
First, a little bit about how lab grown diamond earrings are made: they’re created using a tiny seed diamond in a controlled environment that replicates the conditions under which natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth. The result is a real diamond, with the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as a mined diamond. So what makes them different? Well, first off, you won’t find any conflict or blood diamonds here; lab-grown stones are produced without ever touching anything but pure silicon. Second, because it’s created from a single crystal of carbon atoms instead of from an aggregate of many crystals–in other words, it starts out as a rough diamond–it’s much more perfect than the cut stones you’ll find in your neighborhood jeweler. In fact, for most people who can afford the price tag (currently $5-$10k), it’s just not worth buying an earth-mined stone when there’s such an amazing alternative available for sale.
How are they made?
In a lab, diamond growers start with a small diamond seed, which they place in a container called a growth cell. They then add a carbon-rich gas to the chamber and heat it to about 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit. The gas turns into plasma—a hot, ionized gas—and breaks down into carbon atoms. These atoms settle on the diamond seed, slowly building up layers of pure carbon. It can take up to 10 weeks to grow a single diamond in this way.
Is this type of diamond real?
Of course, lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. In fact, they’re so indistinguishable from mined diamonds that even experts can’t tell them apart without special equipment. So, why should you choose a lab grown diamond over a mined one?
Are lab grown diamonds better than mined diamonds?
In recent years, lab grown diamonds india have become more popular than mined diamonds. And it’s no wonder why! These diamonds are environmentally friendly, ethically sourced, and often cheaper than mined diamonds. Plus, they’re just as beautiful as mined diamonds. So if you’re in the market for a diamond engagement ring or other piece of jewelry, consider a lab grown diamond. You’ll be making a smart and responsible choice.
Where can I get more information about lab grown diamonds?
Consumers are becoming more aware of the origin of their engagement rings and other jewelry. They want to know that their diamonds are ethically and sustainably sourced. So where do lab grown diamonds fit in? One thing you should be careful about is not to confuse them with synthetic diamonds, which are man-made diamond crystals created for industrial purposes and often used in making car windows. Lab grown diamonds, on the other hand, come from a chemical process that mimics the earth’s natural processes of growing a diamond over millions of years.
Lab-grown or cultured diamonds start out as an organic substance called crystalline silicon carbide (SiC). A high-pressure press then compresses this substance into a diamond shape while it is exposed to carbon gas at around 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The result is a diamond with all its qualities: hardness, luster, color, and clarity – just like mined gemstones.
