Is There A Difference Between Lab Grown Diamonds And Natural Diamonds?
In today’s world, diamonds are categorized into two types- natural, mined diamonds and lab grown diamonds. However, lab grown diamonds have managed to gain immense popularity among customers due to their affordability. Nowadays, almost every jewelry store sells a variety of lab grown diamonds.
If you are looking for diamond bracelets in Las Vegas, NV, then you will see that the bracelets consisting of lab grown diamonds are much cheaper than the ones made from natural diamonds. Now, this will naturally make you wonder what’s the difference between these two types of diamonds. Let us now dive deeper to find out if there is a difference between lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds.
How are mined diamonds formed?
We all know that mined diamonds are naturally created under the Earth’s surface. These precious stones are formed from carbon atoms at extremely high temperatures and pressures over a period of 1 billion to 3.3 billion years. The part of the Earth where natural diamonds are formed is the mantle.
How are lab grown diamonds manufactured?
Ever wondered how your favorite solitaire lab grown diamond in Las Vegas, NV was manufactured? Well, the manufacturing process of lab grown diamonds takes place in a laboratory.
The scientists artificially create an environment that resembles the natural environment in which mined diamonds are formed. The methods they employ to manufacture lab grown diamonds include Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT).
In the CVD process, the manufacturers transform a small diamond seed into a fully grown diamond, by allowing it to come in contact with gases such as methane at high temperatures. The carbon molecules that are formed convert this thin diamond seed into a diamond.
In the HPHT process, the manufacturers transform graphite into diamond through compression. It takes place at a high temperature and high pressure.
Just like mined diamonds, you can assess the quality of lab grown diamonds as well. You can do so by grading them according to their cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. GIA and IGI are the laboratories that are responsible for grading these lab grown diamonds.
Jewelers use lab grown diamonds to make different types of jewelry pieces. Be it a necklace or a pre-owned Rolex in Las Vegas, NV, you will see that a lot of accessories and jewelry pieces are made up of lab grown diamonds.
The Bottom Line
Although lab grown diamonds are created in laboratories, the process of manufacturing these diamonds is similar to the natural formation process of mined diamonds. As a result, there isn’t a vast difference between lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds.