When embarking on a quest to discover the ideal diamond ring, earrings, or necklace, the myriad of options available can be overwhelmingly diverse for first-time shoppers. The abundance of crystalline carbon gemstones, an array of shapes, and a multitude of styles and designs add layers of complexity to the decision-making process. To further complicate matters, buyers are often confronted with the perplexing question: “Should I choose natural or lab-grown diamonds?” This leaves potential purchasers in a state of confusion.
Even for seasoned diamond enthusiasts, making choices can prove to be a challenging task. Therefore, possessing a fundamental understanding of the distinctions between lab-grown diamonds and their natural counterparts can prove invaluable in making a well-informed decision.
For those interested in what distinguishes naturally mined diamonds from their lab-created counterparts, the following paragraphs will provide a concise overview. In truth, the distinctions between these two types of gemstones are relatively subtle, with the most notable differences pertaining to pricing, the methodologies employed in lab diamond production, and the environmental impacts associated with natural diamond extraction. From a chemical and optical standpoint, experts in the jewellery industry assert that they are nearly impossible to tell apart.
Beyond the disparities in their origins, there are other distinctive characteristics that allow differentiation between the two categories. To begin with, natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle, requiring immense pressure and heat, which triggers the atomic-level rearrangement of carbon atoms. In stark contrast, lab-made diamonds are meticulously cultivated using a process known as “chemical vapour deposition.”
The chemical vapour deposition process commences with a “diamond seed,” which is a thin cross-section of a diamond placed inside a vacuum chamber. In this vacuum environment, carbon molecules gather on the thin layer, causing it to expand (similar to a 3D printing process). Essentially, once the diamond reaches full maturity, it undergoes cutting and polishing to emerge as the “final product,” which, from a chemical perspective, is nearly identical to natural diamonds, except for the absence of the environmental consequences often associated with mined diamonds.
For those unfamiliar with it, lab diamond technology originated in the 1950s and did not reach the same level of quality as natural diamonds until the beginning of the 21st century. This is the primary reason why lab-grown diamonds are relatively more affordable, often costing approximately 50% less than natural diamonds of equivalent quality.
Both types of diamonds share an equal level of durability, the main difference is the price, at around half that of natural diamonds when buying from a wholesale diamond shop. Lab grown diamonds offer a great alternative to those looking for an option on buying a legitimate real diamond at a far lower price and with less environmental impact.
