A Guide to Lab-Grown Diamonds
These days, with all of the ethical and socio-economic concerns surrounding the gem and gold mining industry, many jewelers have sought alternative methods, such as creating lab-grown diamonds. However, you might have some questions before purchasing your very own piece of sustainable fine jewelry, so näas Jewelry has collected some important information for you here.
FAQs About Lab-Grown Diamonds
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are identical to real diamonds in appearance, as well as physically and chemically. The only major difference is that they’re a little cheaper than traditionally mined gemstones.
Can You Tell the Difference Between a Lab-Grown Diamond & a Mined Diamond One?
To the naked eye, lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds appear exactly alike. However, there are some minor differences that can be noticed by the eye of an expert. By using a high-powered magnifying glass, a jeweler can identify a tiny laser inscription present on the widest part of the diamond, also known as the girdle, when viewed from the top of the lab-grown diamond. Most diamonds grown in a lab will have a small inscription that identifies them as such.
Additionally, lab-grown diamonds boast a lab report number around the girdle as well to enable jewelers to obtain additional information about where it was created and other important data. If there is no information present on a diamond’s girdle, the only way to determine without the shadow of a doubt whether it’s real or lab-grown is by having it inspected by a certified gemological laboratory.
It’s important to note that since chemically and structurally, lab-grown diamonds are the same as mined diamonds, they will pass a diamond test in a lab. Again, the two types of stones are so much alike that many jewelers won’t even be able to tell the difference unless they send out the stones to a gemological institute for thorough testing.
How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made?
There are two different methods to creating lab-grown diamonds, they are:
- The HPHT Method: This method to create lab-grown diamonds mimics the way the stones are formed naturally in nature. The abbreviation HPHT stands for high-pressure/high-temperature and the process for creating the diamonds is by subjecting carbon to high pressures and temperatures, then pressing the element together to form a lab-grown diamond. It’s the most expensive method of creating them due to the time and energy involved.
- The CVD Method: Also referred to as the Chemical Vapor Deposition method, this way of creating lab-grown diamonds is a bit more complicated but much less costly. This method employs methane and hydrogen gas that’s mixed in a pressurized chamber with a seed crystal. The diamond then grows on this crystal. Over the years, this has become the preferred method for creating lab-grown diamonds due to its ease and accessibility.
Isn’t a Lab-Grown Diamond Simply a Fake?
A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond. Unlike other typical imitation diamonds like zircon, topaz, or cubic zirconia, lab-grown diamonds are strong and durable and won’t fall victim to chips or scratches, and they look just as beautiful.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Worth What They Cost?
It’s no secret that lab-grown diamonds are worth less than mined diamonds. However, they can still appreciate over a very long period of time. They’ll also make great heirlooms to give to your family members.
Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Grow Cloudy Over Time?
Some synthetic diamonds like cubic zirconia or zircon will eventually begin to appear cloudy over time. But lab-grown diamonds maintain great clarity and if they were created in a reliable lab, they’ll never get cloudy and maintain their vibrant, natural beauty for a lifetime.
Why is Buying Lab-Grown More Ethical Than Mined Diamonds?
Over the years, diamond and gemstone mining has become a hotly contested topic, especially when it comes to the socio and ethical connotations involved in the traditional gemstone and gold mining industry. One thing you can be sure of is that when buying a lab-grown diamond or gemstone, you’ll never be buying a “blood diamond” that has been unethically sourced from a native community. They also have a reduced environmental footprint, meaning lab-grown diamonds are a sustainable alternative.
Of course, there are many ethically sourced mined diamonds that come from mines located all around the world. There are also many jewelers that specialize in recycled diamonds and recycled gold jewelry as a sustainability practice.
Why Do Some Lab-Grown Diamonds Come in Colors?
One of the biggest benefits of investing in lab-grown diamonds is they come in many different wonderful colors. There are unique yellow diamonds that can truly catch the eye, as well as more subtle pink diamonds that are in high demand. However, colored lab-grown diamonds are often more expensive than traditional ones, but they can create a truly unique piece of jewelry with the right setting.
Contact us to learn more about lab-grown diamonds and recycled gold jewelry!
All of our pieces are made from 14K recycled gold, minimizing environmental impact and providing outstanding beauty for each one of our collections. Näas Jewelry is inspired by the beauty of the female body and how it corresponds to the natural shapes and landscapes found in nature. We offer a variety of different pieces, such as necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets, and more.
Näas Jewelry is committed to finding a sustainable way to celebrate a woman’s beauty every day of the year. Our fine jewelry collections are meant to be both beautiful and functional, worn every day instead of simply being saved for special occasions.
To learn more about our inventory, contact us online today or call 6199883993.