Lab-created diamonds (also called "lab-grown diamonds" or synthetic diamonds) have the same optical, physical, and chemical properties as their mined counterparts. The only significant difference between a lab-created and mined (or "natural") diamond is that one forms in a controlled environment in a laboratory, and the other forms over time in the uncontrolled environment of the Earth. Both lab-created and natural diamonds are real diamonds.
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Note that diamond simulants, such as cubic zirconia and moissanite, differ from both lab-created and mined diamonds. These gem materials have different properties than diamonds. Though they may resemble or "simulate" the appearance of diamonds, they are not diamonds.
To understand what's the same and what's different between a lab-grown gem and a natural gem, think of ice. You can create ice in your freezer or scrape some off your driveway (in the winter). Both pieces would constitute real ice. Both consist of frozen water. However, cutting a chunk of ice off your driveway takes some time and physical effort. Ice is ice, but you may still want to take some extra time to find a piece you'd like to put in your drink. Not to mention you'd have to wait until winter. In contrast, your freezer generates excellent, uniform pieces of ice all year round (probably), although it costs money to run your freezer. Freezer ice is also (hopefully) a lot cleaner than driveway ice, and you'll spend less time and effort getting it.
The same holds true for lab-created diamonds. Creating a gem-quality diamond in a laboratory is very expensive. However, that process still costs far less than mining diamonds. Did you know that the vast majority of mined diamonds don't meet gem-quality standards? While they still have the properties of diamonds, they don't meet the subjective standards for use in jewelry. (The same way most driveway ice won't meet the subjective standards for going in your drink). Thus, lab-created diamonds are less expensive than mined diamonds.
Now, let's debunk some myths.
Actually, neither mined nor lab-created diamonds are rare. Diamond rarity is one of the most pervasive myths about gemstones in general. If you want to buy a rare gem, don't buy a diamond at all. However, if you insist, look for extremely rare (and expensive) mined diamonds over 5 carats or very large natural fancy colored diamonds, such as blues or pinks.
It's true that the market for lab-created diamonds is newer, smaller, and, therefore, less "liquid" than the secondary market for mined diamonds. As a result, selling a lab-grown diamond may prove harder than selling a mined diamond. However, mined diamonds aren't a good store of value either! Ask anyone who has ever tried to sell a diamond if they were happy with the price they got. Diamonds don't make good investment purchases, since their markup is usually very low.
If you're buying a diamond, mined or lab-grown, with the intention of reselling it, you may want to rethink what you're doing for a whole host of reasons. ????
Every mined diamond literally requires moving X tons of earth, fossil fuel use, etc. Diamond mining is about as destructive an activity as you could possibly imagine from an environmental perspective.
The price advantages of buying a lab grown diamond are highly compelling. Lab created diamonds typically cost significantly less than their naturally mined counterparts. On average, lab grown diamonds are about 20-40% cheaper, allowing consumers to access larger or higher-quality stones within their budget.
When it comes to diamonds, the cut is a critical — if not the most critical — driver of beauty and value. Lab-created diamonds tend to receive better cuts than mined diamonds.
Mined, natural rough may occur in irregular shapes or contain mineral inclusions and flaws. This may dictate what a faceter can profitably cut. Whatever leftover rough can't be cut into a gem is wasted. Since lab-created diamond rough forms in a controlled environment, it tends to be both cleaner and cheaper to produce. Thus, faceters face fewer constraints and compromises to the cut when optimizing the yield or size of the finished gem. Less material is wasted and better quality diamonds can be cut from lab-grown rough. The finished gems usually perform better optically compared to cut mined diamonds of the same size, due to superior cutting.
At any given price point, you can get a better and bigger diamond if you buy lab-created instead of mined. For example, take a mined diamond of 1.45 carats, color G, and clarity VS1. For the same money, you could a lab-grown diamond of the same color and clarity but at 2 carats! That's a big difference in size.
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When it comes to evaluating, selecting, and buying diamonds, the same rules apply to mined and lab-created stones. The 4 Cs of color, clarity, cut, and carat will form the basis of your decision. (And don't forget the fifth C, cost).
For detailed information on determining diamond value and evaluating each property, you can consult the following articles:
You can purchase lab-created diamonds from many places, online as well as brick-and-mortar. In either case, rather than purchasing a loose diamond and having it set later, you should secure the assistance of the jeweler who'll actually make the finished jewelry piece when buying the stone. The jeweler can help you consider numerous other factors beyond the 4 Cs. For example:
Some popular online retailers have made the decision to stick to earth-mined diamonds. However, online retailers such as With Clarity and James Allen have thousands of lab-diamonds for sale. For a more bespoke shopping experience CustomMade.com has a great depth of experience specifically with lab-created diamonds. It also has excellent sources and exceptional pricing.
These buying guides should also prove helpful:
These stones are not only identical to their mined counterparts in appearance but also offer the assurance of conflict-free origins. The process of creating these gems has less environmental impact, making them an attractive option for eco-conscious consumers.
Choosing lab grown diamonds means supporting advancements in technology that reduce harmful mining practices. With renewable energy powering some labs, the carbon footprint associated with these diamonds is significantly lower than that of mined ones. This feature provides buyers with peace-of-mind knowing their purchase favors ecological preservation.
Additionally, opting for lab created stones often results in cost savings without compromising on quality or size. Buyers can enjoy larger carat weights for their budget compared to natural diamonds, allowing luxury within reach and value retention over time.
The responsible choice extends beyond personal benefit; it contributes positively to global efforts against unethical labor practices prevalent in some diamond mining regions. By selecting a lab grown diamond, individuals take a stand for human rights while adorning themselves with exquisite jewelry set in solid 14k gold – ensuring both beauty and integrity are held at equal esteem.
These criteria are essential in determining the beauty and value of diamonds. Lab made diamonds can achieve higher levels of perfection within these categories compared to their natural counterparts due to controlled manufacturing processes.
Color grades range from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Lab grown diamonds often attain near-colorless grades at G or above, providing bright white appearance that enhances their appeal without visible tints.
Clarity measures internal features called inclusions as well as external characteristics known as blemishes. With ratings from Flawless (FL) down to Included (I), lab created stones frequently reach Very Slightly Included (VS) levels where imperfections are minor and not easily seen without magnification.
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Carat weight denotes size; however it does not always correlate with visual dimensions since cut proportions affect overall appearance too. Due to cost efficiency in production, consumers have access to larger carat weights for their budget when choosing lab grown options over mined ones.
Selecting based on these factors ensures an informed purchase that balances aesthetic desires with ethical considerations – achieving elegance while upholding values important for today’s discerning buyers.
One primary difference is the source: lab grown diamonds are created in controlled environments using advanced technological processes, while natural ones are mined from the earth. This means that lab created stones can be produced with fewer environmental impacts, offering a greener alternative for eco-conscious consumers.
In terms of purity and coloration, technology enables lab grown diamonds to achieve higher levels of perfection. They often exhibit less color than mined diamonds which typically have an earthy tinge; this results in a brighter appearance for the former.
The creation process of lab made gems allows for greater control over clarity. As such, these stones frequently reach high clarity grades where imperfections are minimal and difficult to detect without magnification – providing clear beauty at better value.
Cost efficiency is another significant advantage as buyers can access larger carat weights within their budget compared to equivalent natural stones – enabling grandeur without great expense.
Ethical considerations also come into play; choosing a lab diamond supports efforts against unethical labor practices associated with some mining operations – aligning purchases with personal values on human rights issues.
While both types may last forever, opting for a laboratory-created stone reflects an embrace of change towards sustainable luxury that doesn't compromise on quality or ethics.
For the individual who exudes confidence and enjoys standing out in a crowd, a larger carat size can make an impressive statement. The brilliance of such diamonds mirrors their boldness.
Those with meticulous attention to detail might gravitate towards diamonds with exceptional clarity. A Very Slightly Included (VS) or even higher grade ensures minimal imperfections, symbolizing their pursuit for perfection.
For lovers of tradition yet conscious about modern ethical standards, choosing colorless grades like D-F reflects both timeless elegance and contemporary values. This choice indicates preference for classic beauty while being mindful of responsible sourcing.
Individuals seeking uniqueness may find fancy cuts appealing; these shapes are less common than traditional round or princess cuts and showcase personal style through distinctive angles and facets.
The eco-conscious buyer will appreciate not only the sustainable aspect but also how technology enables lab grown diamonds to achieve high levels of purity – selecting such stones is an expression of environmental stewardship paired with luxury taste.
In essence, matching a diamond to one’s personality means finding harmony between aesthetic preferences and intrinsic values – all achievable within budget thanks to cost-effective pricing on larger carats offered by lab created options.
With an array of options that mirror the highest standards, shoppers can find pieces that resonate with their personal style and ethical stance. Each piece is set in solid 14k gold, ensuring durability and lasting shine.
Craftsmanship: Jewelry makers bring decades of high-end experience to each piece.
Quality Control: Extensive testing guarantees endurance through daily wear.
Ethical Standards: Every diamond offers peace-of-mind with conflict-free assurance.
Eco-Friendly Practices: Reduced environmental impact supports sustainability goals.
Value: Enjoy larger carat weights due to favorable pricing structures.
Choosing a lab grown diamond means making no compromises on quality or ethics. It reflects a commitment to both luxury and responsibility – all within reach thanks to thoughtful pricing strategies.
Absolutely! Lab made diamonds are just as durable as natural ones. They're both made of carbon and share the same chemical properties. This means they have the same hardness – a 10 on the Mohs scale – which is the highest level of scratch resistance. So, whether you're headed to a glamorous event or just running errands, your lab grown diamond from Italic is up for the adventure.
Lab grown diamonds have a significantly lower environmental impact than natural diamonds. They're created above ground, in controlled environments, which means there's no need for the extensive mining that often disrupts ecosystems and harms local communities. So when you choose a lab grown diamond, you're making a positive choice for the planet.
To the naked eye? Nope, it's nearly impossible. Lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds look identical because they share the same physical, chemical, and optical properties. It usually takes a trained gemologist with specialized equipment to tell them apart. So go ahead and show off your Italic lab grown diamond – it's real diamond sparkle that's sure to turn heads.
Lab grown diamonds typically offer more bang for your buck. You can often find a larger, higher quality lab grown diamond at a price comparable to a smaller, less pure natural diamond. They do hold their value over time, much like natural diamonds. However, as with any gemstone purchase, you should buy a lab grown diamond because you love it and not solely for investment purposes.
When selecting a lab grown diamond, keep the same four Cs in mind as you would for a natural diamond: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. Go for the best cut you can afford as it determines the diamond's brilliance. Look for a high color and clarity grade to ensure your diamond has no visible imperfections. And when it comes to carat, remember that it's all about finding a balance between size and quality that fits your personal preference and budget. At Italic, our commitment to craftsmanship ensures you're getting a piece of jewelry that's been carefully inspected to meet high-quality standards.