Diamonds are very rare and valuable. They take billions of years to form under the Earth’s surface. Diamonds’ major component is carbon. In natural diamonds, this carbon is pressed under intense pressure over a long period of time to create them. Since people confuse “natural” diamonds, with “real” diamonds, you may wonder “Are lab grown diamonds real?”

Well, instead of waiting for billions of years to get earth mined diamonds, you can now get affordable lab created diamonds or lab grown diamonds. You might be wondering: are lab grown diamonds real just like mined diamonds? Can they be called fake diamonds?

Lab Created Diamonds are Real Diamonds

They are not fake diamonds; instead, they are created under the same conditions that it takes to create natural diamonds. It is, in fact, difficult to tell the difference between a lab diamond and a natural diamond. You would need to be a trained professional, and even then, you would be unable to tell the difference with the naked eye.

Making lab grown diamonds starts in the laboratory. It doesn’t take billions of years, but a matter of weeks. World-class technology allows scientists to create diamonds with the same chemical and physical properties as the mined diamonds from the earth under the same conditions that allow natural diamonds to form.

In comparison to mined diamonds, There is really no doubt that lab grown diamonds are real diamonds.

How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Made?

Lab grown diamonds are made under careful conditions using high-quality diamonds. A natural diamond is an important component needed for producing lab diamonds; these diamonds are cut into tiny bits called seed crystals. The seed crystal is placed under extreme pressure and heat to form diamonds.

However, there are two methods through which lab created diamonds are made.

High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT)

This method requires a lot of power. It is a method that copies the process beneath the earth whereby diamonds are pressed together and carbon is exposed to extreme temperatures.

High-pressure high temperature (HPHT) diamonds are provided with the proper environment for the diamonds to grow. HPHT causes high pressure and temperature around a tiny diamond called seed which is then placed in carbon; the high heat forces the carbon to grow; at this point, the melted diamond begins to form diamonds.

The melted diamonds that have begun to solidify are left to cool off, creating diamonds-just as nature does.

Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)

Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) is the second method through which lab grown diamonds are made. Crystallized carbon atoms are formed when a thin piece of diamond is placed in a chamber under high temperature with a mixture of gas filled with carbon.

The pure carbon forms around the diamond seed as the molecular bonds break; lab created diamonds are formed when this process is complete.

With either of these methods, lab grown diamonds are made; if either of the processes is controlled properly with the appropriate amount of pressure and carbon and the help of an expert, higher-quality diamonds would definitely be the result.

Why Lab Created Diamonds Are a Better Option

At first, many were skeptical about lab diamonds because they were not sure it was the same as natural diamonds and didn’t want to waste thousands of dollars on what wasn’t the real deal. But over the years, people have come to see that lab created diamonds are the real deal and worth spending their money on.

Here are reasons why lab created diamonds are definitely a good choice.

It Is the Same as a Natural Diamond

We emphasize this point about lab grown diamonds because it is a major argument in the diamond industry that keeps coming up in any conversation about the lab grown diamond.

Lab grown diamonds have the same sparkle under the light and the same carat weight as a natural diamond. Lab diamonds shine just the way natural diamonds do. They look the same; they have the same chemical properties, and gemologists make them under the same conditions that form natural diamonds.

Again lab grown diamonds are the same as natural diamonds; by now, you should have no doubt about it.

Your Best Bet for Affordable Diamonds

Mined diamonds are expensive because they are rare, and their demand is on the high side. However, you can get lab grown diamonds for 20-40% less than the cost of traditionally mined diamonds for the same carat weight and diamond quality because lab grown diamonds are more available in the market than mined diamonds.

Choosing to buy a lab grown diamond will save enough money to get a natural diamond of lesser carat weight.

If You Want to Make More Ethical Choices

Reports have shown that mined diamonds have a lot of negative impacts on the earth, and it is the cause of a lot of damage that has affected the earth.

Lab grown diamonds, compared to their natural counterparts, are conflict-free diamonds. Suppose you have concerns about the negative issue that mined diamonds have caused, and you desire to make more ethical choices. In that case, lab created diamonds are a better option.

Rare Diamond Colors

Colored diamonds like blue diamonds, red diamonds, orange diamonds, yellow diamonds etc., are difficult to find naturally. However, they’re easier to create in a lab to make available for you. Lab grown colored diamonds have incredible brilliance and sparkle. More unique colors with the best quality are readily available whenever you desire them.

Lab Grown Diamonds vs. Natural or Mined Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds or lab created diamonds are the same as natural diamonds. They’re sometimes called synthetic diamonds, mostly because they are man-made and not because they are fake diamonds like cubic zirconia.

With just the naked eye, it is difficult to tell the difference between lab created diamonds and mined diamonds. As pointed out previously, they look alike and share the same chemical properties. However, they have some differences that make them unique to themselves.

What Is Their Market Value?

Which one is more valuable? This question comes up in the conversation between natural diamonds and lab grown diamonds.

The value of natural diamonds is generally higher. They are rare to find, and it takes a more rigorous process to have them mined and polished. Natural diamonds also have more resale value; this is also because they are rare gems and more widely accepted.

Gemologists make lab grown diamonds with state-of-the-art technology that costs tons of dollars. These diamonds are as much as 40% to 50% less expensive than natural diamonds. Why? Because of shorter production time and less demand.

Only Experts Can Tell the Difference

Despite what you may have heard about using a lab created diamonds test to see if they’re real, the naked eye cannot see the difference between the two. However, with the use of a diamond tester, expert gemologists can tell the difference between real lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds. The presence of nitrogen found in natural diamonds, but absent in lab grown diamonds, is the major identity difference.

Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings

The decision to use diamond engagement rings has become less challenging and less costly with the introduction of lab grown diamonds. They are more affordable in comparison to natural diamonds. However, just like natural diamond engagement rings, there are things you should look out for before you get that lab grown diamond engagement ring for your partner.

An Honest Retailer Will Set You Right

You shouldn’t get your diamond engagement ring from just anywhere. Suppose you want the best quality lab grown diamond for your engagement ring. We recommend you find an honest retailer who doesn’t just want your money. One who truly wants to give you value.

The Price

It’s best to have a budget. However, if you want to use a lab grown diamond for your engagement ring, you are already on the budget-friendly side. Lab grown diamonds are generally more affordable.

The beauty of this is that you can afford a much bigger carat size at a better price than you would probably be able to pay if you want a natural diamond. You save a lot of money when choosing lab diamonds, which you can always use to cover other costs.

Her Ring Size Matters a Lot

Getting her ring size can be challenging. This is especially true if the engagement ring is a surprise, but there are ways to get around it. You can start with a ring size chart; if that isn’t good enough, get her family and friends to help you. Another good idea is to use one of the rings she already has. Whatever method you choose, get her correct ring size; it matters a lot.

The Perfect Shape

Just like natural diamonds, jewelers cut them into different unique diamond shapes such as emerald shape, round shape, oval shape, pear shape, radiant shape, princess shape, and many more; you can also have them cut into any custom shape you want. All shapes are unique and beautiful, but the perfect shape is the one your partner loves.

What Metal Works for You

To complete your lab grown diamond engagement ring, the gem has to sit pretty on a well-polished metal. You have various options, from platinum to white gold (for a silver look), or choose rose gold or yellow gold. It is best to know what your partner likes before making this decision

Are Lab Created Diamonds Graded and Certified?

Yes, lab created diamonds are graded and certified. When you buy a lab created diamond you receive grading reports and diamond certificates just as with natural diamonds; this is done by an expert. Grading and certification of a diamond are just as important as buying a diamond. They are not just a show of ownership, they also contain vital information about the quality of diamond you purchased. Certificates also ensure you don’t pay inflated prices for a diamond without that much value.

The grading process for lab grown diamonds follows the 4C’s, just like natural diamonds.

The Lab Grown Diamond Cut

This is a very important factor for diamonds, and it is no different when it comes to lab grown diamonds. The first C stands for the cut. A good cut means that the lab grown diamond has good brilliance. A good lab created diamond cut allows light to enter the stone and reflect through the top. In terms of a well-cut lab grown diamond, symmetry and proportion are important factors.

The Lab Grown Diamond Clarity

The second C stands for clarity. Lab grown diamonds clarity focuses on its appearance. Here, you are looking out for any sign of defect that might have happened in the process of creating lab grown diamonds. Avoid lab grown diamonds with cracks. Lab grown diamonds with S12 grade are better because they hardly have any inclusions or blemishes.

The Lab Grown Diamond Color

The third C stands for color. The less color in the Lab grown diamond, the higher the grade. Lab diamonds use the same color grading scale as a traditional diamond; the scale ranges from D to Z. The best Lab grown diamond color grades range from D to J.

The Lab Grown Diamond Carat

The fourth C stands for Carat weight. Carat focuses on the Lab grown diamond weight and size. Usually, the bigger the carat weight of a mined diamond, the higher the price. But because lab grown diamonds are about 40% less expensive than mined diamonds, you can get a large lab grown diamond with the same size, brilliance, and sparkle as a natural diamond.

Ensure you speak with an expert before purchasing a lab grown diamond. Also ensure the grading report and certification are completed in line with the 4’Cs

Lab grown diamonds have become a major part of the diamond industry. They have gained immense popularity that continues to grow. Without a doubt, lab grown is here to stay.