When it comes to buying diamond jewelry, you have plenty of options. Whether you are shopping for a beautiful engagement ring, wedding anniversary set, tennis bracelet, sparkling necklace or studded earrings, you can choose from a variety of styles. You can even decide whether you want to buy a mined diamond or one that was created in a laboratory.

Lab made diamonds are a bit of an enigma to many people, but if you know more about them, you can make a better, educated decision about the jewelry you select. Keep reading to learn more about this new type of diamond!

What are Lab Grown Diamonds?

Lab made diamonds are pretty self-explanatory. They are diamonds that were crafted in a lab. There is often a misconception about them, however, as many people automatically assume that lab created diamonds are cubic zirconias. They are not; they are genuine diamonds that are grown inside a lab instead of mined from the earth. Special technology is used to essentially replicate the natural process of growing diamonds. The end result is a diamond that is visually, physically and chemically the same as a diamond that was mined.

Why are These Diamonds Classified Differently?

In general, there is no difference between a diamond created in the earth in a mine and one that was grown in a lab. However, it is still important for jewelry shoppers to be well aware of the origins of every gem. This allows them to make an educated decision when they ultimately choose the diamond they will purchase. It works concurrently in protecting consumers and the diamond industry.

How are Lab Created Diamonds Made?

While mined diamonds are formed from within the earth, it is misunderstood exactly how they came into existence. However, geologists believe that the diamond creation process involves carbon dioxide buried deep beneath the surface of the ground. They also believe that heat greater than 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit combined with carbon dioxide helped to create diamonds.

The process using the carbon dioxide and 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit temperature is combined to create lab grown diamonds. Two methods can be used and are known as high pressure/high temperature (HPHT) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). To make the former type of diamonds, a belt press, cubic press and split-sphere press are used to generate high temperatures and pressure. Carbon and a diamond seed are used in this process.

To create a CVD diamond, a piece of diamond seed is used and heated to 800 degrees Celsius inside a chamber. Gases like Methane are used as well to create the diamond.

Can You Tell the Difference Between Mined and Lab Grown Diamonds?

It is impossible to tell the difference between a mined diamond and one created in a lab. Advancements in technology ensure that lab grown diamonds look exactly the same as those that are mined. They have the same look to the average person’s eye. At the same time, no two diamonds are exactly alike no matter what their origins.

What are the Benefits of Lab Made Diamonds?

There are a number of benefits of buying lab grown diamonds instead of mined diamonds. One of the most significant is the price as they are slightly cheaper in price. With that in mind, if you are shopping for a gorgeous engagement ring that will absolutely wow your significant other, don’t think you have to get a mined diamond. A lab grown one is just as extravagant and sparkling.

A lab created diamond is also environmentally friendly, which means you can take pride in getting an engagement ring made from a lab grown gem. They do not harm the environment and it requires less labor to produce them.

Another benefit of a lab made diamond is that they are ethical. The mined diamond industry has been viewed as being unethical as a result of certain shady practices being brought to light. You also know exactly where your diamond originated when you get one made in a lab.

Ultimately, it is up to you and your loved one to choose the diamond that is best for you. Knowing the benefits of lab grown gems can help you make that decision.

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