What Is A Lab Grown Diamond?

A Lab Grown Diamond has the exact same chemical, physical and optical features as a natural diamond, however, they are grown in a machine rather than created in the earth. Lab grown diamonds are produced from a tiny carbon seed of pre-existing diamonds. Advance technology, either extreme pressure and heat (HPHT) or an special deposition process known as (CVD) which mimics the method of a natural diamond formation. Some manmade diamonds created through deposition may also undergo pressure and heat treatment after they are grown. Man made fancy colored diamonds are formed when small amounts of specific trace elements are present during the growth phase of the created diamond, just like in nature. A man-made diamond can only be distinguished from natural diamonds using specialized equipment that can detect the minor differences in trace elements and crystal growth. 

Lab grown diamonds also known as (lab created diamonds, man-made diamonds, engineered diamonds and cultured diamonds) are grown in highly controlled laboratory environments using advanced technological processes that duplicate the condition under which diamonds naturally develop when they form in the mantle, beneath the Earth’s crust. These lab created diamonds consist of actual carbon atoms arranged in the characteristic diamond crystal structure. Since they are made of the same material as natural diamonds, they exhibit the same optical and chemical properties. 

Cost of Lab Grown Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds

The cost to grow lab grown diamonds is much less than it takes to mine diamonds from the earth’s crust. Because of this those savings get passed along to you, the consumer. Typically, a lab grown diamond with the same specs (4Cs) as a natural diamond will cost about 1/3 to 1/4 of the price. The only downside to the purchase of these diamonds is there is not a resale value for lab grown diamonds on the secondary market. 

Lab Grown Diamond Grading

Lab grown diamonds are graded on the same scale as a natural diamond taking into consideration the 4Cs-Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight. While the GIA does lab grown diamonds, you will see more grading reports from the IGI because they cornered the market years ago. Both labs are equally reputable.