Lab-grown diamonds have been a game-changer in the world of gemstones and jewelry, sparking curiosity and interest among shoppers.
These diamonds have raised numerous questions. Are they real diamonds? How are they made, and how do they compare to natural diamonds? Can they pass a diamond tester? Do they hold their value over time? These questions, and many more, are the focus of this comprehensive guide.
Vatche U-113 6-Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring
We will delve into the fascinating world of lab-grown diamonds, addressing your FAQs one by one, and shedding light on everything you need to know before choosing one for your jewelry. Let's explore the remarkable world of lab-grown diamonds and demystify the key aspects surrounding them.
1. Is a Lab Grown Diamond a Real Diamond?
1.04 ct D VS1 Precision Round Cut Lab Grown Diamond
It is a question that is asked more than you think, and the question on everybody’s lips is are lab grown diamonds real? Yes,
a lab grown diamond is real, it is a synthetic diamond; crystallized carbon with essentially the same basic chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamond. As such, it has many applications for industry as well as for fine jewelry.
2. How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made?
Known also as LGDs, synthetic, man-made, or lab created diamonds, lab grown diamonds were first produced experimentally in the 1950s, but only in the past ten years have they become commercially available in significant quantities.
As the name suggests, lab-grown diamonds are created in laboratories or factories, and there are different processes used to grow them – usually in a matter of a few weeks. In one process massive presses are used to simulate the conditions that give rise to natural diamonds in the Earth's core.
HPHT has been used to grow diamonds since the 1950’s – the pressures and temperatures beneath the crust of the Earth are mimicked in a lab to crystalize carbon and create a synthetic diamond.
The CVD process begins with a diamond seed crystal (usually an HPHT crystal). As a carbon rich gas is broken down using microwaves in a vacuum chamber, carbon atoms are deposited onto the diamond seed, resulting in a synthetic diamond.
3. What Is the Difference Between Lab-Grown Diamonds and Diamond Simulants?
Even though
cubic zirconia and
moissanite may look like diamonds to those unfamiliar with them, they are chemically different, and neither are as durable or have quite the light performance as real diamonds.
Lab grown diamonds are a major improvement over diamond simulants such as cubic zirconias which are now ubiquitous in costume jewelry. Lab grown diamonds will fill a role in higher-end fashion jewelry, and are a welcome addition to the jewelry industry in general.
4. Do Lab Created Diamonds Pass a Diamond Tester?
A lab-grown diamond's chemical and physical properties, including its carbon atom crystal lattice structure, are virtually identical to that of a natural diamond. In this regard, the majority of diamond testers will yield positive results for both types of diamonds.
However, the reliability of these testers can vary, and in some cases, lab-grown diamonds with high boron content may produce a moissanite reading on certain testers.
Traditional tools and even experienced jewelers cannot reliably tell the difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds, requiring specialized gem laboratories with advanced testing equipment to make a definitive identification. However, most lab grown diamonds are inscribed with an identifier, and in those cases it only requires a 10X jewelers loupe for a even a novice to tell the difference.
ROUND CUT LAB GROWN DIAMONDS
1.00 D VVS1 Round Ideal
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1.00 E VVS2 Round Ideal
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1.01 F VVS2 Round Ideal
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1.01 D VVS1 Round Ideal
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5. Are Lab Diamonds Rare and Do They Hold Their Value Over Time?
Lab-grown diamonds are not rare in the same way natural diamonds are. In addition to their beauty, diamonds have historically been prized for the amazing and rare natural process of
diamond formation deep within Mother Earth. A deep sense of nature's infinite beauty and mystery can be felt when viewing these valuable treasures, which were created over billions of years and made available by the rarest of geological events.
In contrast, lab grown diamonds can be produced on-demand, which means there is a consistent supply. This accessibility, combined with their manufacturing process, distinguishes them from natural diamonds, and makes them significantly less expensive.
Lab-grown diamonds can offer cost savings when compared to natural diamonds, but they will not appreciate in value over time like some natural diamonds.
It's important to note that the primary reason many people choose lab-grown diamonds is not as an investment but for cost-related reasons. If you're considering a lab-grown diamond for an
engagement ring or other jewelry, it's advisable to focus on its visual and quality characteristics rather than investment value.
6. Are Lab Diamonds Available Faster?
Several weeks are all that it takes to produce a lab-grown diamond. The beauty of lab diamonds can be enjoyed and harvested sooner and more easily since they are created under controlled conditions in laboratories or factories, instead of deep beneath the Earth's surface over millions of years.
In short, the production of a lab diamond involves far less time and money than the discovery and mining of a natural diamond.
7. Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Have Flaws or Inclusions Like Natural Diamonds?
Because lab-grown diamonds are man-made, are they better than natural diamonds? Not at all. Despite growing under careful conditions, lab-grown diamonds aren't perfect. To improve the appearance of lab diamonds, some must be treated after they are grown.
Although lab-grown diamonds tend to have fewer internal flaws, they can still contain small crystal irregularities and gas bubbles. It's essential for shoppers to review the grading report or ask the retailer about the clarity characteristics of the specific lab-grown diamond they are considering.
It's also a good idea to look at high-quality pictures and videos of the diamond. To get a sense of how a lab-grown diamond interacts with light, start with jewelers who have
high-resolution imagining and videos of their diamonds.
Cut is the most important factor when it comes to any diamond. This quality controls a diamond's "sparkle," which ultimately determines its beauty. Lab-grown diamonds should never be compromised on their cut quality considering that the cost of the raw material is very small compared to a natural diamond where retaining as much carat weight as possible is a goal for most cutters.
There is no difference in the way natural and lab-grown diamonds are cut. Regardless of how the raw stone looks, the process is the same. In lab-grown diamonds, making a perfect diamond and maximizing its brilliance and refraction is just as difficult. The only difference? The cost of lab-grown diamonds is much lower, which makes it much more feasible to prioritize the cut quality over the carat weight yield.
With every certified lab grown diamond purchased from our in-house inventory Whiteflash is able to verify that it is a Hearts and Arrows diamond (rounds) with no post-growth treatments applied. Each diamond is of high color (DEFG) and clarity (IF-VS1) and is inscribed LG with the report number.
A lab diamond with this quality has superior light performance and is more beautiful than most natural diamonds on the market! Most commercial quality natural diamonds are not well cut and have much lower color or clarity than
Precision Lab diamonds from Whiteflash.
8. Natural vs. Lab Diamonds: Which is More Affordable?
Tacori 2620RDP Dantela Crown Diamond Engagement Ring
Lab-grown diamonds are generally much more affordable compared to their mined counterparts. Due to their controlled production process, lab-grown diamonds eliminate the uncertainties associated with mining, resulting in more availability and accessible pricing.
In most cases,
people opt for larger diamonds with the cost savings, overlooking the possibility of acquiring an exquisite designer setting to make their lab grown diamond pieces unique. A beautiful designer setting might have been out of reach for some due to the price of natural diamonds, but lab-grown diamonds can make it more attainable.
9. Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Ethical and Sustainable?
While lab-grown diamonds are conflict-free, they aren't the only conflict-free diamonds - the vast majority of natural diamonds available today are brought to market under strict regulation to follow ethical processes. More specifically, you should be skeptical of jewelers that claim their lab-grown products are “socially responsible” alternatives to natural diamonds.
Since the early 2000s, most diamonds are mined in accordance with the
Kimberley Process, a system that serves to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the supply chain.
As a result, all diamonds sold by Whiteflash have been obtained from legal sources operating in accordance with the United Nations Resolutions, and are not linked to any funding conflicts. As a practice, we only deal with suppliers who explicitly guarantee that the Kimberley Process has been followed when bringing their diamonds to market.
It is important to do your research as a buyer and look into the validity of any claims made by jewelers about their products and policies, including social responsibility. While Whiteflash is best known for elite quality natural diamonds including our internationally acclaimed A CUT ABOVE® super ideals,, it is the Whiteflash view to provide products that our customers seek. We are therefore proud to offer our own top quality brand of lab grown diamonds -
Precision Lab.
10. What Are the Available Shapes, Sizes, and Colors of Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds offer a wider range of choices for any budget - much more accessible than their natural counterparts. Compared to natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are unbeatable when it comes to sizes, shapes, and
oh-so-icy DEF color ranges for the money.
Furthermore, most retailers offer customized designs, allowing shoppers to select the lab diamond colors, shapes, and sizes to match their jewelry vision.
11. Is It Possible To Use Lab Diamonds in Jewelry Like Natural Diamonds?
Four-Prong Basket Pendant Setting
Lab-grown diamonds provide endless design possibilities for jewelry. Due to their availability in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, you can create a truly unique and personalized piece that reflects your style and preferences.
With the help of Whiteflash's expert designers and craftsmen, you can bring your vision to life and adorn yourself or your loved one with a
one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
For diamond devotees, there has never been a greater range of unique, customizable diamond options. The possibilities here are endless. Wherever natural diamonds can be set as center stones in jewelry designs, lab-created diamonds can be used instead.
Take a look at some of our stunning designer collections - many are suitable for lab-grown diamond centers and available to see in our Houston showroom. From the exquisite and spirited
Tacori to the exceptional workmanship and design of
Simon G, explore the beautiful collections below to maximize the beauty and impressiveness of your lab diamond.
12. Where Can I Purchase Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab diamonds are most definitely real and viable means to acquire the beauty that diamonds possess, and they are here to stay. To accommodate customers looking for lab grown diamonds, Whiteflash offers the finest lab created diamonds in our
Precision Lab category. With our expertise in cut quality, the lab diamonds we stock are the best of the best.
They are certified Hearts and Arrows Ideal Cut, and at the
top of the scale in terms of color and clarity (DEFG color VVS1 -VS1). Whiteflash
Precision Lab Grown Diamonds with their precision cutting and top color and clarity, are actually superior to most natural diamonds in the market!
If you're considering lab grown diamonds for your next jewelry piece, we invite you to browse our curated selection of lab-grown diamonds at Whiteflash. And should you have any questions or need assistance on your journey to finding the perfect lab-grown diamond, our knowledgeable experts are here to support you every step of the way.