Getting engaged is usually a once-in-a-lifetime moment, which makes it all the more meaningful. That promise of forever and commitment for a lifetime brings with it all the joy and happiness you associate with your significant other. All these memories are condensed into one jewelry piece: an engagement ring.
However, although diamond engagement rings are extremely popular, engagements aren’t the only time people buy diamonds. Diamonds are given out as special gifts to loved ones or even to oneself. Whichever the case, you want to make sure you get something special and memorable.
There are many different types of diamonds, and choosing one can feel like a labyrinth with many options. One of the most popular alternatives to natural diamonds is lab created diamonds or man-made diamonds.
These gems are artificially produced in a laboratory environment rather than forming naturally on the earth. They can be an excellent option for someone looking for an affordable option. This is especially so for anyone that might find their budget limited by other monthly expenses.
Let’s look at the benefits of lab created diamonds and how they’re in growing demand.
What is a Lab Grown Diamond?
In case you have heard this term before, and you’ve always wondered what is a lab grown diamond?, let’s get into it.
Lab created diamonds are real diamonds that are formed in a lab environment under controlled conditions. The only difference between natural diamonds and lab created diamonds is that they have different origins.
Natural diamonds are formed inside the earth over hundreds of years while lab created diamonds are formed in a lab over a few weeks using methods that mimic the natural process.
Overall, lab created diamonds are the same as natural diamonds both physically and chemically. They have the same chemical structure, refractive index, and hardness. They even have the same brilliance and sparkle as natural diamonds, if not better quality.
How Lab Created Diamonds Made: 2 Methods
As we’ve already established, natural diamonds take hundreds of millions, probably billions of years to form. However, thanks to modern technology, it only takes a few weeks to grow a lab created diamond.
There are two ways that lab created diamonds are made. They are the High-Pressure, High-Temperature (HPHT) method and the Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) method. Let’s know more about them!
High-Pressure, High-Temperature Method
The HPHT lab-grown diamond process involves the following steps:
-
Selecting the Diamond Seed
The first step is to select the “seed” for the diamond. The seed will be the core crystal from which the diamond will be grown. Diamond seeds can be chosen from natural diamonds or other lab-grown diamonds.
-
Growing the Diamond
Once the diamond seed is selected, it’s placed in a controlled environment with a solution of carbon. Over a period of about 8-15 weeks, the solution will work to convert the carbon into a diamond crystal.
-
Harvesting and Polishing the Diamond
Once a seed crystal has grown large enough, it’s harvested and polished to reveal a lab created diamond. One of the biggest reasons why lab created diamonds are cheaper than natural diamonds is because of the scale. Because the process takes only a few weeks, it’s much easier to produce diamonds in large quantities.
High-Pressure, High-Temperature Method
CVD lab created diamonds are made by growing a diamond film on a substrate in a controlled environment. A diamond film is grown when a thin layer of carbon-containing material is placed in a chamber.
It is then exposed to a plasma of hydrogen and carbon. The plasma breaks down the carbon-containing molecules, and the carbon atoms deposit onto the substrate to form a diamond film.
Reasons Why Lab Grown Diamonds are in Demand
The growing demand for lab created diamonds is driven by a number of factors. These include a desire for more ethically-sourced diamonds, the increasing affordability of lab created diamonds, and the unique properties of these diamonds that make them appealing to consumers.
While natural diamonds are prized gemstones, there are many reasons that lab created diamonds are worth the cost. Here are some of the most important benefits of lab created diamonds:
Their Ethical Appeal
One of the main reasons for the growing demand for lab created diamonds is the ethical appeal of these diamonds. Natural diamonds are often mined in conflict zones and may be associated with human rights abuses and unfair labor practices. This has been a turn-off and the controversy concerning natural diamonds.
On the other hand, lab grown diamonds are grown in a clean, sterile environment. As a result, they are not only cheaper to produce but also ethically produced.
Their Increasing Affordability
Another reason for the growing demand for lab created diamonds is the increasing affordability of these diamonds. In the past, lab created diamonds were significantly more expensive than natural diamonds.
However, advancements in technology have led to a decrease in the price of lab created diamonds. As lab created diamonds become more affordable, they are becoming an increasingly attractive option for consumers.
Their Unique Properties
Lab created diamonds also have unique properties that make them appealing to consumers. For example, lab created diamonds can be created in a wide range of colors. These include blue, green, and pink.
In addition, lab created diamonds are often flawless, whereas natural diamonds may have inclusions. These unique properties make lab created diamonds a popular choice for those looking for a unique and special piece of jewelry.
They Are Environmentally Friendly
Consumers have become more conscious of the environmental impact of diamond mining. Diamond mining is an incredibly destructive process that causes a lot of environmental harm.
While natural diamonds are valuable gemstones, they’re also a scarce resource that requires a lot of energy to be mined.
On the other hand, lab created diamonds are formed in a controlled lab environment. As a result, lab created diamonds are not only easier to produce but also more environmentally friendly.
Consumers are now recognizing that lab created diamonds are a more environmentally friendly diamond option. Lab created diamonds have a smaller carbon footprint than natural diamonds. This is because they do not require the mining and transportation of large amounts of earth.
They are More Abundant
Another important benefit of lab created diamonds is that they are more abundant than natural diamonds. Because it only takes weeks to grow these diamonds in a lab, there is no shortage of supply. As a result, their abundance makes them a more popular diamond choice.
Conclusion
Overall, lab created diamonds are a great option for people who want to purchase a diamond. This is especially so if you don’t want to spend a fortune on it.
The main reasons why lab created diamonds are worth the cost are because they are ethically produced ad more abundant. They are also more affordable and more environmentally friendly than natural diamonds.
If you’re thinking about buying an engagement ring, be sure to look for a lab created diamond. These gems are a great option for any couple looking to celebrate a special occasion.
