What is a Lab Grown Diamond?

Did you know that lab-grown diamonds are not the same as imitations or simulants? They have all the same properties as mined diamonds, including physical, chemical, and optical properties. The only difference between the two is their origin. It's fascinating to think about how technology has advanced to be able to create diamonds in a lab that is almost unnoticeable from those found in nature. I mean, you cannot tell at all from our naked eye; you need special equipment to test it to find if it is lab-made or natural. The journey of these diamonds begins in a lab using methods such as High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), which recreate the conditions under which diamonds naturally form deep within the Earth's mantle.

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Lab Grown Diamond Grading

Lab diamonds are graded on the same scale as a natural diamond taking into consideration the 4C's - Carat weight, Color, Clarity and Cut.

While the GIA does grade lab grown diamonds, you will see more grading reports from the IGI because they cornered the market long ago. Both grading labs, in addition to GCAL, are reputable.

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Average Cost of Lab Grown Diamonds

While it does cost money to grow a lab grown diamond, it is less than what it takes to mine a natural stone. As such, those savings are passed along to you, the consumer. Typically, a lab grown diamond with the same specs (4C's) as a natural will cost about 1/3 to 1/4 of the price.

Check out the handy chart below to see just how much you can save when buying lab grown diamonds versus a natural diamonds. One thing to note, all of the diamonds compared here have the Rare Carat Ideal cut grade and no fluorescence.

 

Can you tell the difference?

While lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds look exactly the same to the naked eye, there are certainly differences at the microscopic and molecular levels. These differences are hard to catch and usually require expensive equipment even for the most experienced gemologist.

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IGI Certification & GIA Certification

Lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds are chemically identical, they can be graded to the same exacting standards.

IGI & GIA assessments and certifications are available for both lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds. Both types of gems can also be insured with jewelry insurance. 

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Inclusions

Since lab grown diamonds are made differently, the types of inclusions they have are going to be different. Lab grown diamonds mainly contain metal inclusions found in the growth solution. Fun Fact: lower clarity (SI2-I3) stones can be magnetic! Lab grown diamonds usually contain non-diamond carbon inclusions. Typically, it's hard for a trained gemologist to discern the different inclusion types though with just a microscope or loupe, especially in a higher-clarity stone (VS2+).

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