The difference of Lab Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds are chemically identical, but lab grown diamonds are created in weeks in a lab, while natural diamonds form over millions of years underground.

Overview of Lab Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds

What are lab-grown diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds – diamonds that are created in the laboratories through the advanced technology. The diamonds, also known as synthetic diamonds or cultured diamonds, have the same physical, chemical and optical properties. There are two main methods for creating the lab-grown diamonds, namely, High Pressure and Temperature and Chemical Vapor Deposition.

Are lab-grown diamonds real?

Yes, the lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds that consist of carbon atoms whose structure is similar to the natural one. The diamonds have the same brilliants, hardness and sparkle as the natural diamonds do. The differences between the two types of the diamonds can be determined only through gemological laboratories’ equipment.

Their differences of Lab grown diamonds vs Natural Diamonds

Creation Process

1. Lab Grown Diamonds: HPHT method – the high pressure of about 5-6 GPa and the high temperature for forming the diamond of about 1300-1600°C is applied to the carbon source.
2. CVD method – the carbon atoms are got from the carbon – rich gases, such as, for instance, methane, for depositing the hearts on the surface’s form.
3. Natural Diamonds: are naturally formed by the nature over millions to billions of years under the pressure and temperature conditions deep within the Earth’s mantle from 140 to 190 kilometers.

Their differences

1. Lab Grown Diamonds: have a high speed of production in a few weeks to a few months.
2. Natural Diamonds: take millions to billions of years to occur.

Cost and Pricing

Lab Grown Diamonds: the production costs are lower, and the time of production is shorter so, the price is incomparably lower for the equivalent size and quality of the natural diamond, and is often 30-40 percent less.while natural Diamonds much more expensive, due to the high costs of mining and being less widespread.

Impact on the Environment

1. Lab Grown Diamonds: have less impact on the environment no land should be dug, no habitats of many animals are destroyed.
2. Natural Diamonds: the mining is disastrous for the environment; the water quality, soil, plants types, animals habitats are devastated.

Qualities and Characteristics

Definition:Both of them are evaluated on the basis of the 4Cs

Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat. Cut: how well the diamond reflects the light. The lab-grown and natural types can be excellent.

Color: lab-grown types are often colorless, and with no impurities at all they have higher color grades.

Clarity: the number of inclusions and blemishes is lower. Carat both of them can be a lower to higher-carat size, however, the lab-grown types can be more regular in the higher sizes and not inferior to less availability sizes.

Creation Process of Lab Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds

How are lab grown diamonds made?

Lab grown diamonds are produced using two common methods. High Pressure High Temperature and Chemical Vapor Deposition. Both methods strive to imitate the natural diamond formation conditions while laboring in a laboratory setting.

Comparison of HPHT and CVD methods for lab grown diamonds

Aspect HPHT CVD Process Uses high pressure (5-6 GPa) and high temperature (1300-1600°C) with metal catalysts. Uses carbon-rich gas in a vacuum chamber at high temperatures (800-1000°C). Efficiency Produces diamonds in a few weeks. Produces diamonds in a few weeks, scalable for larger sizes. Cost Higher than CVD due to high-pressure equipment, lower than natural diamonds. Generally lower than HPHT, very cost-effective. Quality Can have metallic inclusions from catalysts. Typically fewer inclusions, very high purity. Environmental Impact Less than natural mining, but significant due to energy use.Less environmental impact, more energy-efficient. Control Difficult to control impurity levels and size. Better control over size and purity. Applications Suitable for industrial applications and jewelry. Ideal for high-quality jewelry, electronics, and scientific applications. Production Scale Smaller, limited by chamber size and pressure capability. Larger, scalable with chamber size. Natural diamonds formation process

Natural diamonds are formed deep inside the Earth’s mantle, in the most extreme temperature and pressure conditions. They are formed over millions to billions of years.

Depth: They are formed in depths of 140-190 kilometers. Conditions: Temperatures are approximately 900-1300°C, and pressures are around 4.5-6 GPa.

Timeframe: They are formed over millions to billions of years

Eruption: Diamonds are actually brought to the Earth’s surface through volcanic eruptions, embedded in the earth. It is kimberlite, a rock that is rarely found.

Environmental Impact: Diamond mining causes a great deal of damage to everything around it, including habitat, soil, and water. It also has many ethical implications.

Characteristics and Grading of Lab-grown and natural diamonds

Cut Definition

how well the diamond has been shaped and faceted to reflect light. A well-cut diamond will be sparkly and brilliant.

Lab Grown Diamonds: Can be cut to the same standards as a natural diamond. The quality of the cut depends on the skill of the cutter.

Natural Diamonds: Can also be cut to various standards, with the better versions demanding higher prices.

Cost Impact: Lower quality of cuts reduces the cost significantly. Lab grown diamonds are more affordable but excellent cuts are more expensive and require additional skill.

Color:

Definition: how colorless the diamond is, as range low as N is categorized as yellow or brown. Diamonds are valued by how little color they possess.

Lab Grown Diamonds: Fewer impurities make them more colorless. Natural diamonds get their color from the impurities in the growing environment. Diamonds can be intentionally colored during the growing process.

Natural Diamonds: They vary in color, and the most valued colorless diamonds are rare.

Cost Impact: Higher-value diamonds are generally more expensive, whether lab-grown or natural. The lab-grown version in this color range is more affordable.

Clarity

Definition: whether a diamond has any interior or exterior inclusions or blemishes. The fewer inclusions, the higher the clarity.

Lab Grown Diamonds: These can be produced with very few inclusions due to controlled growing conditions. This often ranges from IF internally flawless to VS very slightly included. Natural Diamonds: Vary greatly in their inclusions, and the higher clarity is rarer and higher.

Cost Impact: The higher the clarity, the more expensive. Lab-grown diamonds with high clarity are less expensive.

Carat

Definition: Carat refers to the weight of the diamond. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams.

Lab-Grown Diamonds: Can be grown to various sizes, including larger carats that are often more consistent in size.

Natural Diamonds: Larger diamonds are very rare and thus more expensive.

Cost Impact: Larger carat weights increase the price exponentially. Lab-grown diamonds provide a cost-effective option for larger stones.

Factors affecting the price

Material and Quality

Lab Grown Diamonds: high-quality diamonds of uniform nature free from impurity differences due to the controlled production environment. Natural Diamonds: quality varies greatly, with high-quality, high carats and natural variety being worth more.

Production Time and Technology

Lab Grown Diamonds: HPHT or CVD methods and produced within several weeks or a month. Natural Diamonds have up to billions of years of natural formation, with inefficient extremely high-pressure extraction times.

Environmental and Ethical Factors: Lab Grown Diamonds: cost less given more environmentally friendly settings and lack the ethical concerns of diamond mining. Natural Diamondshas large environmental impact and unethical production costs. Market Trends and Consumer Preferences: Lab-Grown Diamonds Low sourcing costs make it price cheaper and are increasing in use.

Natural Diamonds: historic and mainstream presence increase their value.

Certification and Grading: Lab Grown Diamonds: are certified through the General Industry Association and other labs, and are treated lower on the market due to their lab-making recognition. 

Natural Diamonds: GIA-certified natural diamonds are often more valuable on the market due to recognizing their history.

 Where can I buy a lab-made diamond ring?

At Esdomera, or beautiful selection of lab-made diamonds to fit any style and any occasion.  No matter whether you are looking for an engagement ring, a gift for somebody special, or just want to treat yourself to a glamorous, great-looking piece of jewelry – at Esdomera, our selection is just what we are sure you are looking for.

Visit our selection or check our website to learn more about lab-made diamonds.  They are not only stunning but also ethical and very affordable.  Understand the differences between CVD and HPHT, and select the perfect diamond for your needs at Esdomera.