Lab grown diamonds, also known as cultured diamonds, have been around for a while but have only recently gained popularity. We've been in the man-made diamond industry since 2005, long before it was fashionable. We've been able to perfect our processes and build relationships with the best vendors and jewellers in the industry during that time. We can now offer higher-quality lab diamond jewellery at lower prices than our competitors.
Lab grown diamonds, also known as cultured diamonds, are identical to natural diamonds in every way except that they are grown in a lab from a diamond seed rather than being extracted from the earth. Diamonds are almost entirely composed of pure carbon. As a result, both lab and mined diamonds have the same physical properties. They mimic the exact natural process that produces earth-grown diamonds while costing up to 75% less. Let's compare how diamonds are grown in a lab to how diamonds form in the earth.
Moissanite is not the same as a laboratory-created diamond. Moissanite has grown in popularity in recent years, but it differs greatly from diamonds in many ways. Moissanite is formed from meteors, as opposed to mined diamonds, which are formed from the earth. Moissanite is not a diamond and does not pretend to be one.
Moissanite is doubly refractive, unlike diamonds, which are either lab or earth grown. This produces a disco ball of light, allowing you to see all of the colours of the rainbow. So, while some people prefer the fiery sparkle of moissanite, it does not appear to be a genuine diamond.
While mined diamonds are a popular option, that does not make them superior. In fact, as more consumers seek a more environmentally and socially conscious option, lab diamonds are becoming increasingly popular, while mined diamonds are declining in popularity.
Many people wonder if a laboratory grown diamond can be distinguished from a mined diamond. Let's see how lab grown and mined diamonds compare in terms of physical similarities and differences.
In a side-by-side comparison, it is impossible to tell the difference between a lab grown diamond and a mined diamond. To tell one from the other, you need specialised equipment. Because they are identical in every way.
Check the grading report of your diamond to ensure that it was grown in a lab. It will indicate the diamond's grade on all 4Cs, including carat weight, colour, clarity, and cut, as well as the fact that it was grown in a lab. A grading report ensures that your diamond is of the quality you expect.
Even those with little knowledge of diamonds have heard the term "carat weight." Because larger diamonds have higher carat weights, they are more valuable. Because larger natural diamonds are rarer, natural diamonds with higher carat weights will typically cost more. This is also true for lab-grown diamonds. However, the quality of a diamond is determined by factors other than carat weight. While it may have a greater influence on price, it is not the only factor to consider.
Color can be introduced to the lab-grown diamond during the growth process, giving it a yellow or brown tint and lowering its colour grade. The colorlessness of the diamond increases its value. Lab-grown diamonds in the D-H colour range are the most popular. Due to the higher costs associated with natural stones, there is a greater willingness to explore lower colour ranges with natural diamonds.
Diamonds have been created by man for decades, but only in the last five years have they been commercially viable for use in jewellery. Until then, most diamonds were produced for industrial purposes and lacked the size, clarity, and affordability that would make them appealing for jewellery use.
Diamond crystals form in a few weeks under these controlled conditions. They contain evidence of the factory conditions under which they were created. Color zoning, metallic inclusions, weak strain patterns, and ultraviolet fluorescence colours are all visible in lab-grown diamonds.
Most natural diamonds can be identified automatically using advanced testing equipment. Some will be referred for additional testing. 100% of lab grown diamonds can be identified by diamond grading laboratories. To ensure that buyers understand what they are getting, labs usually engrave the words "laboratory grown" on the girdle of lab-grown diamonds.
Laboratory-grown diamonds do not have a long enough track record to determine what consumers are willing to pay for them on a consistent basis.
Because there is so much uncertainty about the value of lab-grown diamonds, there is no secondary market for them yet. Today, lab-grown diamonds are much more affordable than they were five years ago. We don't know if lab-grown diamond prices will fall further or dramatically.
We've always taken the long view of fine jewellery because we come from a family of diamond professionals. We believe in quality and value, and we strive to create jewellery that will be passed down through generations. We're also conscious of the significance of jewellery, how it represents love, carries family traditions, and commemorates significant life events.
We began asking our customers what they thought about lab-grown diamonds because our scepticism was based on our concerns about whether we would be providing real value. Finally, we decided to listen to our customers and offer lab-grown diamonds in all of our engagement rings and other jewellery designs.