Lab Grown Diamonds
The Future of Sparkling Jewellery
What are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds, also known as lab created diamonds, cultured diamonds, or man made diamonds, are diamonds that have been produced using advanced technology in a controlled laboratory setting. Despite their origin, lab grown diamonds possess the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, which are formed deep within the Earth's crust over millions of years.
Table of Content
- How are Lab Grown Diamonds Created?
- Why Choose Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings?
- How to Spot a Lab Grown Diamond
- Comparing Lab Grown Diamonds to Diamond Simulants
How are Lab Grown Diamonds Created?
There are two primary methods of creating lab grown diamonds: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both processes recreate the conditions under which natural diamonds are formed, resulting in diamonds with a similar crystal structure and appearance to their Earth-mined counterparts.
HPHT involves subjecting carbon to extreme pressures and temperatures (similar to those found in the Earth's crust) in order to produce a diamond. In contrast, CVD involves the use of a gas mixture containing carbon, which is exposed to high temperatures and low pressures. The carbon atoms in the gas then deposit onto a substrate, gradually forming a diamond crystal.
Why Choose Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Rings?
1. Ethical and Conflict-Free
One of the most significant benefits of lab grown diamonds is their ethical nature. Unlike natural diamonds, which have a long history of being linked to conflict and human rights abuses in countries such as South Africa, lab grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment, ensuring a conflict-free and ethically sourced product.
2. Environmentally Friendly
The process of mining natural diamonds can cause significant damage to the environment, including deforestation, soil erosion, and pollution. Lab grown diamonds, on the other hand, require far less land and resources, making them an eco-friendlier choice.
3. Cost-Effective
Lab grown diamonds are generally more affordable than natural diamonds, as the cost of production is significantly lower. This means that you can purchase a lab grown diamond engagement ring with a larger carat weight or higher quality for the same price as a smaller, lower-quality natural diamond.
4. Quality and Beauty
Lab grown diamonds exhibit the same stunning sparkle and brilliance as natural diamonds, with many experts finding it nearly impossible to differentiate between the two without specialized diamond testers. This means that when you choose a lab grown diamond engagement ring, you can be confident that you are getting a high-quality, visually stunning gemstone.
How to Spot a Lab Grown Diamond
While lab grown diamonds share many similarities with natural diamonds, there are a few key differences that can help you distinguish between the two:
1. Inclusions:
Lab grown diamonds often have unique inclusions that are not typically found in natural diamonds, such as metallic inclusions or growth striations. These inclusions can be identified using a jeweller's loupe or microscope.
2. Diamond Testers
Specialized diamond testers can be used to differentiate between lab grown and natural diamonds based on their thermal and electrical conductivity properties.
3. Laser Inscriptions
Many lab grown diamonds are laser-inscribed with a unique identification number and the words "lab grown" or "man made" to clearly indicate their origin. This inscription can be viewed under magnification.
4. Certification
Reputable labs, such as the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) and International Gemmological Institute (IGI), provide grading reports for lab grown diamonds, which include detailed information about the diamond's origin, carat weight, and quality. Always request a certificate when purchasing a lab grown diamond engagement ring to ensure that you are getting a genuine, high-quality product.
Comparing Lab Grown Diamonds to Diamond Simulants
It is important to understand the difference between lab grown diamonds and diamond simulants, such as cubic zirconia and moissanite. While lab grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds, diamond simulants are not. Simulants are composed of different materials and have a different crystal structure, which means they do not possess the same properties as real diamonds. Although they may look similar to the naked eye, diamond simulants are not as durable or valuable as lab grown or natural diamonds.
Conclusion
Lab grown diamond engagement rings offer a beautiful, ethical, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional natural diamonds. At Ralph Jacobs Jewellers, we are proud to provide our customers with an exquisite selection of lab grown diamond rings, each crafted with the same care and attention to detail as our natural diamond pieces.
By choosing a lab grown diamond engagement ring, you are not only making a statement about your love and commitment, but also demonstrating your dedication to a sustainable and responsible future. If you have any questions about lab grown diamonds or would like to explore our stunning collection, please feel free to contact our knowledgeable team at Ralph Jacobs Jewellers. We are always here to help you find the perfect ring that reflects your love story and values.
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