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The Truth About Man-Made vs Mined Gems
In recent years the diamond industry has undergone changes due to the increasing popularity of lab grown diamonds. These gems are attracting consumers looking for cost effective options as compared to mined diamonds. However their arrival has sparked a debate; do lab grown diamonds qualify as real diamonds?
While lab-grown diamonds are scientifically and optically identical to the natural diamonds, they differ in terms of their origin and value. This article will delve into the complexities of lab grown diamonds, exploring their creation process, similarities and differences from earth-mined diamonds, and the ongoing debate over their legitimacy.
Lab-grown diamonds, also referred to as cultivated, or man-made diamonds, are diamonds produced in controlled laboratory settings using advanced technology. Unlike natural diamonds, which take billions of years to form deep within the Earth's mantle under extreme heat and pressure, lab-grown diamonds can be manufactured in a matter of weeks or months.
The two primary methods used to grow lab diamonds are:
1. High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT): In this process, a small diamond seed is placed in a hydraulic press and exposed to extremely high temperatures (around 1,500°C) and pressures (around 1.5 million pounds per square inch). These conditions replicate the intense environment found deep within the Earth's mantle, allowing the seed to slowly crystallise and develop into a larger diamond. The HPHT method was first successfully used in the 1950s by a team of researchers at General Electric to create synthetic diamonds. Today, it remains a popular and efficient way to produce high-quality lab-grown diamonds, particularly for larger carat weights.
2.Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD): This method involves placing a diamond seed in a sealed chamber and exposing it to a hot plasma of carbon-rich gases, such as methane [1]. The gases undergo a breakdown process causing the carbon atoms to settle on the seed and gradually form a diamond layer by layer. The CVD process is known for producing diamonds with exceptional clarity and purity due to the controlled environment that reduces the risk of inclusions or impurities. It's also more suitable for growing smaller carat weights and fancy coloured diamonds.
Regardless of the technique used for growth, lab created diamonds possess the same chemical composition ( carbon) and crystal structure as natural diamonds. They display the same physical and optical properties, such as extreme hardness (scoring 10 on the Mohs scale) , thermal conductivity, and that signature sparkle that makes diamonds so desirable.
In fact, lab-grown diamonds are so optically identical to natural diamonds that even experienced gemmologists require specialised equipment to distinguish between the two.
One of the main driving forces behind the growing popularity of lab-grown diamonds is their ethical and environmental advantages over mined diamonds. The traditional diamond mining industry has long been plagued by issues such as:
Conflict Diamonds: Also known as "blood diamonds," these gems are mined in war zones and sold illicitly to finance armed conflicts and civil wars, often involving human rights abuses and violence.
Environmental Impact: Diamond mining is a resource-intensive process that can cause significant environmental damage, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution.
Labour Practices: The mining industry has been criticised for poor labour practices, including low wages, hazardous working conditions, and even child labour in some regions.
In contrast, Lab-grown diamonds offer several advantages over traditional mining, highlighted by their production and regulatory environment:
Controlled Production: Lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments, eliminating the risk of conflict diamonds and reducing environmental impact.
Strict Labour Regulations: The industry adheres to stricter labour regulations, ensuring better working conditions for employees.
Energy Efficiency: Diamond synthesis processes are more energy-efficient with a significantly lower carbon footprint than traditional mining.
Use of Renewable Energy: Some companies in the lab-grown diamond industry use renewable energy sources to further decrease environmental impact.
Progress in Traditional Mining: It's important to recognize that traditional diamond mining has also evolved, adopting measures like the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and the Responsible Jewellery Council to address similar issues.
To the naked eye, lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds are virtually indistinguishable. They share the same optical properties, including:
Brilliance: The intense sparkle and reflective quality of diamonds is due to their high refractive index and exceptional ability to bend light.
Fire: The colourful flashes of light (known as "fire") that diamonds exhibit when moved are caused by the precise way the gemstone disperses light into its colour spectrum.
Scintillation: The pattern of light and dark areas that create the "sparkling" effect in diamonds is known as scintillation, and it's a result of the diamond's facet arrangement and cut quality.
Both natural and lab-grown diamonds can display these optical characteristics to the same degree, depending on their cut quality and overall proportions.
Despite their scientific legitimacy, lab-grown diamonds have faced a fair share of myths and misconceptions. Here are some of the most common ones debunked:
Myth: "They're not real diamonds."
Fact: Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds. They are real diamonds, just created through a different process.
Myth: "They're less valuable."
Fact: The value of a diamond is tied to its rarity, quality, and demand, not necessarily its origin. While natural diamonds may currently hold a higher resale value, the gap is narrowing as lab-grown diamonds become more mainstream.
Myth: "They get cloudy over time."
Fact: Lab-grown diamonds are just as stable and durable as natural diamonds. They will not cloud, discolour, or deteriorate over time with proper care and maintenance.
Myth: "You can tell a lab diamond by its metallic look."
Fact: This is a common misconception likely stemming from confusion with cubic zirconia or other diamond simulants. Lab-grown diamonds exhibit the same optical properties as natural diamonds, including their characteristic sparkle and fire.
When it comes to caring for and maintaining their beauty, there is no difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds. Both types of diamonds share the same properties, including:
Hardness: With a rating of 10 on the Mohs scale, diamonds are the hardest known natural material, making them highly resistant to scratches and abrasions.
Durability: Diamonds are incredibly durable and can withstand high temperatures, chemicals, and even exposure to most acids without being damaged.
Stability: Diamonds are stable and will not fade, discolour, or deteriorate over time if properly cared for.
The recommended care and cleaning practices are the same for both lab-grown and natural diamonds:
Use a soft brush and mild soap and water to gently clean the diamond regularly.
Avoid exposing diamonds to harsh chemicals, such as chlorine or abrasive cleaners.
Store diamonds in a safe, protective place when not being worn.
Get your diamond jewellery professionally cleaned and inspected periodically at any of our three stores.
By following these simple guidelines, both lab-grown and natural diamonds can maintain their brilliant sparkle and beauty for generations to come.
The consumer market for lab-grown diamonds is diverse and growing rapidly. While initially met with disbelief, lab-grown diamonds are gaining widespread acceptance as a legitimate and desirable alternative to mined diamonds. Here are some of the key reasons why people are choosing lab-grown diamonds:
Affordability: As mentioned earlier, lab-grown diamonds can cost 50% or more less than natural diamonds of comparable quality and size. This makes them an attractive option for those looking for larger carat weights or seeking to maximise their budget.
Ethical and Environmental Considerations: Many consumers are drawn to lab-grown diamonds for their ethical and eco-friendly credentials. By avoiding the potential issues associated with traditional diamond mining, lab-grown diamonds offer a guilt-free option for those concerned about sustainability and human rights.
Unique Designs and Colors: The ability to consistently produce fancy coloured diamonds in a wide range of hues opens up new possibilities for unique and creative jewellery designs. Lab-grown diamonds can also be grown in uncommon shapes and cuts, appealing to those seeking something truly unique.
Investment Potential: While the resale value of lab-grown diamonds is still lower than natural diamonds, their growing acceptance and market demand suggest that their investment potential could increase over time.
Personal Preference: For some consumers, the idea of owning a gemstone created through cutting-edge technology holds a certain appeal and novelty factor. Others may simply prefer the idea of a conflict-free, eco-friendly diamond without sacrificing quality or beauty.
As lab-grown diamonds continue to gain mainstream acceptance, it's likely that their consumer base will continue to expand, encompassing a diverse range of preferences, budgets, and values.
Ultimately, the choice between a natural or lab-grown diamond comes down to personal preferences, values, and priorities. For those seeking a more affordable and ethical option without sacrificing quality or beauty, lab-grown diamonds present a compelling alternative. On the other hand, those who value the rarity and natural history of mined diamonds may still prefer the traditional route.
As the lab-grown diamond industry continues to evolve and gain mainstream acceptance, it's likely that the debate will persist. However, one thing is clear: these gemstones have disrupted the diamond market, offering consumers more choices and challenging traditional notions of value and rarity.
Whether you choose a natural or lab-grown diamond, the most important consideration is finding a reputable and transparent source, like here at Blackwell Jewellers. We can guide you through the process and ensure you make an informed decision that aligns with your values and desires.
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