The Ups and Downs of Lab-Created Diamonds

How Lab Diamonds are Made

The initial lab-made diamonds were produced by GE in 1954, though it took years to refine the process to generate gem-quality lab-made diamonds. The creation of a lab-grown diamond is somewhat similar to the formation of natural diamonds; however, one occurs within the earth’s crust while the other is fabricated in a laboratory. The manufacturing process for lab diamonds mimics the conditions for natural diamond formation (extreme heat and pressure that convert carbon into a diamond).

There are two primary methods to create lab diamonds: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Here’s a breakdown of each process:

• HPHT: This technique uses a diamond “seed” added to carbon. The diamond seed, a small natural diamond fragment, undergoes extreme temperature and pressure, exceeding 1,300 to 1,600 degrees Celsius and pressures of one million pounds per square inch. These conditions replicate the natural heat and pressure found deep within the earth where diamonds form. The carbon then forms around this seed and is subsequently cooled.
• CVD: This process involves a chemical vapor deposition system that also starts with a diamond “seed.” The seed’s quality in terms of color and clarity significantly impacts the final lab diamond, making it essential to choose the strongest, highest grade natural diamond piece. During the CVD process, the seed is placed in a vacuum chamber filled with carbon-heavy gases, heated to over 1,000 degrees. These conditions turn the gases into “plasma,” which helps to “build” the layers of the lab diamond.

Lab Diamond Benefits

The unique processes involved in creating lab diamonds also bring several notable benefits:

• While other stones might mimic diamonds, only lab-created diamonds provide the genuine look and feel of a diamond, as they share the exact same chemical composition, optical properties, and physical characteristics as natural diamonds.
• Choosing a lab-created diamond allows for a bigger diamond at a more affordable price. Lab diamonds typically cost 30-50% less than natural diamonds because the manufacturing process eliminates lengthy supply chains and avoids the high costs of mining.
• Lab-created diamonds are conflict-free and eco-friendly. It’s possible to trace exactly where a lab-made diamond was created. Although energy is used to create lab diamonds, their environmental impact is significantly lower compared to mined diamonds, which affect environments, landscapes, and communities.
• The demand for lab-created diamonds is increasing. Consequently, more jewelry options featuring lab-made diamonds are now available, including tennis bracelets, earrings, engagement rings, anniversary bands, pendants, and necklaces.
• Lab-created diamonds are widely accessible and provide an ethical diamond choice.

Lab Diamond Cons

Despite their many advantages, lab-created diamonds do have a few drawbacks worth noting.

Lab-made diamonds lack the rarity of natural diamonds, which means their value depreciates over time, impacting resale value if you decide to sell your jewelry in the future.

The production of lab-made diamonds requires a significant amount of energy.

While they create jobs in laboratories, lab diamonds do not support employment and income for people working in traditional diamond mines.

Lab Diamond vs. Earth-Mined Diamonds: What Should You Pick?

Ultimately, deciding between lab and earth-mined diamonds depends on weighing their respective pros and cons. Consider factors such as your budget, your stance on conflict-free diamonds, and the environmental impact of diamond mining. Investigate the best sources for buying lab-made diamonds and evaluate the reputation of the brands, their warranties, and return policies. Companies like Artful Bracelets offer ample educational resources to help you make an informed decision.