Nature Untouched
You may have seen or heard about lab grown diamonds, but what are they?
Are they real diamonds?
In short, the answer is yes. Laboratory grown diamonds are real diamonds that are grown by scientists in a lab rather naturally deep within the Earth.
Today we launch our very own lab grown diamond collection; rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets. So we thought it only right to tell you a little bit about them.
What is the difference between lab grown and natural diamonds?
The main difference between lab grown and natural diamonds is their origin. Natural diamonds span back millions or billions of years where they were first formed in the Earth’s mantle. In contrast lab grown diamonds date back just decades ago, they are created in laboratories or factories. Lab grown and natural diamonds have the same chemical, physical and crystal structure. Another difference is their rarity, there is no rarity in lab grown diamonds as more can always be made to meet demand.
How are lab grown diamonds made?
A lab grown diamond starts with a diamond seed, a carbon atom which when activated stimulates the diamond to grow. They are grown in state of the art laboratories which replicate the Earth’s natural forces and conditions. This is either done by extreme pressure and heat or a special deposition process known as CVD.
What are the benefits of lab grown diamonds?
- Mining free – they are responsible and ethical.
- More affordable – lab grown diamonds are a lower price point to the equivalent natural diamond.
How can you tell the difference between natural and lab grown?
A lab grown diamond can only be identified from a natural diamond by using special equipment. This special equipment picks up the minor differences in crystal growth and trace elements.
How long do lab grown diamonds take to create?
In nature it takes millions of years for diamonds to form. A lab grown diamond usually takes less than a month.
Are lab grown diamonds graded the same as natural?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds are graded using the 4C’s, colour, cut, clarity and carat. Each piece from our lab grown collection comes with a diamond certificate.
Are lab grown diamonds a good investment?
As lab grown diamonds are a fairly recent product there is uncertainty about the future pricing as to whether they are a good investment compared to natural diamonds. It is unlikely a lab grown diamonds will appreciate in value like some natural diamonds. The cost of lab grown diamonds is based on the manufacturing and setting costs. The resale value is based on the cost of buying a new stone rather than any inherent value or rarity as with natural stones.
Lab grown diamonds are good for customers looking for a larger diamond to suit a budget as they are a lower price point than natural.
Browse our full lab grown collection here. Or why not book an appointment and come in and have a look and try on. We will look forward to welcoming you in our private consultation room. Where you can browse, relax and enjoy a glass of fizz. Any questions please let us know by filling in our contact form here