Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve most likely heard of lab-grown diamonds. This man-made counterpart to natural diamonds caught our attention since they are *a lot* kinder on our wallet. To find out more about these special diamonds, we chatted with Basma Chaieri, founder of Etika Jewels.
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C: What are lab-grown diamonds?
Basma Chaieri: Lab-grown diamonds, also known as man-made, engineered, or cultured diamonds, are real diamonds created in a controlled laboratory environment rather than being extracted from the earth through mining. These diamonds possess the exact same chemical composition and physical properties as natural diamonds, making them indistinguishable from mined diamonds of equivalent quality.
C: How are lab-grown diamonds made?
BC: The process of creating these diamonds involves simulating the conditions that occur deep within the Earth’s mantle, where diamonds are formed naturally. Carbon atoms, the building blocks of diamonds, are subjected to high heat and pressure in a state-of-the-art laboratory. This process allows the creation of diamonds in a significantly shorter timeframe, typically ranging from a few weeks to a couple of months. By replicating the geological processes that occur over millions of years, lab-grown diamonds offer a sustainable and ethical alternative to mined diamonds.
C: Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
BC: Yes, their physical, chemical, and optical properties are identical to those of natural diamonds. To illustrate this point, let’s consider the analogy of ice. When we freeze water in a freezer, the resulting ice is still real ice, even though it is formed through a different process than naturally occurring ice. The fundamental nature of ice remains the same, regardless of whether it develops in a freezer or through natural freezing in lakes or rivers.
Similarly, lab-grown diamonds possess the same fundamental qualities as natural diamonds, with the only distinction lying in the process by which they are created. They are formed when carbon atoms are subjected to high temperatures and pressure in a laboratory environment, facilitating and accelerating the growth of diamond crystals. The result is a genuine diamond with the same chemical composition and crystal structure as a natural diamond.
These diamonds are so similar to natural diamonds that even trained gemologists require specialised equipment to differentiate between the two. They have the same hardness, refractive index, and dispersion as natural diamonds. From a scientific standpoint, lab-grown diamonds meet all the criteria that define a real diamond.
C: How do lab-grown diamonds differ from natural diamonds?
BC: They differ from natural diamonds in several key aspects, offering distinct advantages and characteristics that set them apart:
Place of Birth
They are created in a laboratory, while natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle over millions of years.
Quality
Due to the controlled growth conditions, these diamonds offer exceptionally high quality. The process allows for precise control over factors such as colour, clarity, and carat weight, resulting in diamonds that are mostly colourless or near colourless, with fewer internal flaws or impurities. Natural diamonds, on the other hand, vary in quality due to the unpredictable nature of their formation process and the different elements they are exposed to.
Accessibility and Pricing
They offer a more accessible pricing structure compared to natural ones, which are limited in supply and subject to market fluctuations. They can be produced on demand, reducing the price volatility often associated with mined diamonds. Also, the manufacturing process in the lab has been optimized to be more cost-efficient. This accessibility allows more people to enjoy the beauty and luxury of diamonds at a more accessible price point.
Ethical and Sustainability
These diamonds provide a more thoughtful alternative to natural diamonds. Growing diamonds in a laboratory eliminate the need for diamond mining and its environmental impacts and reduces the social challenges related to it in certain regions. By choosing lab-grown diamonds, consumers can make a conscious choice to support environmentally friendly practices and responsible sourcing.
C: What is the difference in price between lab-grown and natural diamonds?
BC: On average, lab-grown diamonds are typically priced anywhere between 30% to 60% less than their natural counterparts. Several factors contribute to the price advantage of lab-grown diamonds.
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C: What are the advantages and disadvantages of lab-grown diamonds?
BC: Lab-grown diamonds offer several advantages that make them an attractive choice for consumers:
Best Value for Money
They typically offer a lower price point than natural diamonds of equivalent quality, allowing you to get more for your budget. This means you can choose a larger, more impressive diamond for the same amount.
Diamond quality
With lab-grown diamonds, you have the opportunity to wear a big, dazzling stone of the highest quality. Since lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment, they often exhibit exceptional clarity and color, making them visually stunning and comparable to the highest quality natural diamonds.
Ethical and Environmentally Friendly
Lab-grown diamonds are free from the ethical concerns and environmental impact associated with traditional diamond mining.
Genuine Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds in every aspect. They possess the same chemical composition, physical properties, and beauty as natural diamonds. They are visually identical to natural diamonds, with the same durability and brilliance.
Accessibility and Everyday Wear
Their lower price point allows more individuals to experience the allure of diamonds without breaking the bank. Lab-grown diamonds are a perfect choice for incorporating diamond jewelry into our everyday look and enhancing our personal style.
C: Is it easy to spot the difference between lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds?
BC: Differentiating between lab-grown and natural diamonds is incredibly challenging, if not impossible, with the naked eye, a loupe, or a microscope. Even for professional gemologists or certified diamond graders, distinguishing between the two can be extremely difficult.
C: Do lab-grown diamonds test as natural diamonds?
BC: Since lab-grown diamonds have identical physical and chemical properties to natural diamonds, they will test as real diamonds. The methods used by these testers are based on the properties shared by all diamonds, regardless of their origin.
C: Do lab-grown diamonds get cloudy?
BC: Lab-grown diamonds, just like natural diamonds, do not undergo a change in colour over time. Claims suggesting it are typically untrue because lab-grown diamonds possess the same properties as mined ones. Their physical and visual appearance remains consistent and does not alter.
C: Do lab-grown diamonds sparkle and shine like natural diamonds?
BC: Yes. Lab-grown diamonds exhibit the same level of sparkle and brilliance, reflecting and refracting light as much as natural diamonds. In fact, they can shine just as bright as the highest quality Type IIa diamonds, which account for less than 2% of all-natural diamonds. Type IIa diamonds are renowned for their exceptional purity, as they contain almost exclusively carbon.
C: Where should we buy lab-grown diamonds?
BC: When it comes to purchasing lab-grown diamonds, it is advisable to buy from specialised jewellery stores with certified diamantaires or diamond graders. These professionals possess the expertise and knowledge to address any questions or concerns you may have about lab-grown diamonds. They can guide you throughout your journey and help you make the most informed decisions within your budget.
In the Middle East, there are now some reputable and trustworthy LGD jewelry brands available, with Etika Jewels being one of them. Our team is dedicated to advising customers on the various options available and personalizing our offerings to meet their specific needs and requirements. We prioritize transparency and honesty in our approach, ensuring customers can make confident choices when purchasing lab-grown diamonds.