What are lab-grown diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds are identical to their natural counterparts and can be a more affordable option. We are committed to going beyond industry standards to offer lab grown diamonds that are ethical and sustainable.
Are lab made diamonds real diamonds?
Yes, lab diamonds are 100% real diamonds, and are optically, chemically and physically identical to natural, mined diamonds. The demand for lab made diamonds has soared in recent years, as engineering methods and technology have been perfected to produce diamonds that are, by all accounts, beautiful, economical, real diamonds.
Here, our gemmology experts take you through an extensive guide to how lab created diamonds are grown, how they do and don’t differ from natural diamonds and diamond alternatives, and discuss the intricacies of grading, certification, and the cost of man made diamonds. You’ll come away with an expertise that will help you decide if a lab grown diamond ring is the best choice for you.
Lab diamonds vs natural diamonds - what are the differences?
The first thing most people want to know is ‘are lab grown diamonds real diamonds’? Rest assured, diamonds created in a lab are 100% real diamonds. Visually, chemically, physically, a man made diamond bears no difference to a natural diamond. For this reason, lab grown diamonds will register as real diamonds when they’re tested. Specialist laboratory equipment will note whether a diamond has been created in a laboratory, but even the most advanced gemmologists are unable to make the call - by eye or under extreme magnification.
How are lab grown diamonds created?
We all know natural diamonds are a wonder of nature, but how are diamonds formed? Understanding the natural process of diamond creation is fundamental for learning about the creation of synthetic diamonds. So let’s start with how natural diamonds are formed: around 90 to 150 miles deep in the Earth’s mantle, pure carbon particles are exposed to intense heat and pressure, encouraging crystallisation that builds over time. Diamonds are transported to the Earth’s surface through volcanic explosions.
So how are lab diamonds made? Essentially, the conditions of the Earth’s mantle are emulated in a laboratory. There are two techniques to create a lab diamond: HPHT (high pressure, high temperature) and CVD (chemical vapour deposition).
During HPHT, graphite (pure carbon) is exposed to intense heat and pressure, via extreme electric pulses and pressed between pieces of metal, until the carbon melts and a diamond is born - this usually takes a number of days. To create CVD diamonds, a minuscule piece of existing diamond (usually created via HPHT) is treated with a heated, carbon-rich gas, which reaches intense temperatures. The carbon gases ionise and, eventually, particles stick to the original diamond and cause crystallisation. Typically, HPHT produces the best quality lab diamonds, as the CVD process is incredibly fast - this can cause internal spots and graining. CVD diamonds also tend to have a brown undertone, and when enhanced with post-growth treatment the diamond can be left looking milky or hazy compared to a top quality HPHT diamond. HPHT diamonds rarely require such post-growth treatment and are created with exquisite, gem-quality.
So how are lab diamonds made? Essentially, the conditions of the Earth’s mantle are emulated in a laboratory. There are two techniques to create a lab diamond: HPHT (high pressure, high temperature) and CVD (chemical vapour deposition).
During HPHT, graphite (pure carbon) is exposed to intense heat and pressure, via extreme electric pulses and pressed between pieces of metal, until the carbon melts and a diamond is born - this usually takes a number of days. To create CVD diamonds, a minuscule piece of existing diamond (usually created via HPHT) is treated with a heated, carbon-rich gas, which reaches intense temperatures. The carbon gases ionise and, eventually, particles stick to the original diamond and cause crystallisation. Typically, HPHT produces the best quality lab diamonds, as the CVD process is incredibly fast - this can cause internal spots and graining. CVD diamonds also tend to have a brown undertone, and when enhanced with post-growth treatment the diamond can be left looking milky or hazy compared to a top quality HPHT diamond. HPHT diamonds rarely require such post-growth treatment and are created with exquisite, gem-quality.