While natural and lab grown diamonds look the same once cut, their origins and costs differ. Natural diamonds form over billions of years deep in the Earth’s mantle.Carbon crystallizes under intense heat and pressure. In contrast, labs mimic this same geological process using advanced methods like CVD and HPHT. These methods can create diamonds in a matter of weeks. The efficiency of this high-tech production is why lab diamonds cost significantly less than their earth-mined counterparts.
How can you tell the difference between lab grown diamonds and earth-mined diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds are identical to those found in nature. They have the same chemical makeup, and special lab equipment is needed to tell lab diamonds from natural diamonds. When looking to discern earth-mined from lab grown diamonds, specialists look for nitrogen within the stone. Lab diamonds contain no nitrogen, whereas natural diamonds pick up tiny amounts of trace elements as they form.
How are lab grown diamonds created?
It only takes a few weeks to create lab grown diamonds using one of two primary methods.
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CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) involves breaking down carbon-rich gas in a chamber to crystallise the diamond.
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HPHT (High-Pressure/High-Temperature) uses intense heat and pressure to dissolve carbon and form the diamond around a tiny seed.
Both methods yield chemically, physically and optically identical gems.
Sometimes, lab grown diamonds require post-growth treatment, and we have written a helpful guide on what you need to know about
Are lab grown diamonds more ethical than natural diamonds?
lab grown diamonds are often marketed as more ethical than mined diamonds. But their ethical impact can vary a lot. They remove the risk of buying conflict diamonds. But you should still review how they were made. You should also check how transparent the supply chain is. For example, some lab-grown diamonds can still harm the environment. This can happen if the lab is not fully sustainable. Some labs may also have poor labor practices.
Why do lab diamonds cost less than natural diamonds?
Lab diamonds cost much less than natural diamonds. A lab diamond can cost 60% to 85% less than a natural diamond. Both can have the same carat weight and grades. Take a look at the typical cost of a lab grown diamond vs natural diamonds below.
To see the price difference, select a ring from our collection. Then compare using our live diamond feed. You’ll be able to differentiate between ‘natural’ and ‘lab grown’
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