Although there is some confusion on whether natural diamonds are the same as lab grown diamonds, we’re here to inform you that lab diamonds are in fact authentic diamond stones. The two are in every way the same—right down to their chemical and optical properties. It may shock you to know that even trained geologists can’t tell the difference between the two with the naked eye alone. Why is that, you may ask? Because lab created diamonds are as real as they come.
If you still have questions, don’t fret! This blog explains the differences between not only lab created diamonds and natural diamonds, but also between different simulant diamonds such as cubic zirconia and moissanite. For decades, the choice center stone for engagement rings has been mined diamonds. Yet with rising social and environmental issues, a new normal is becoming: lab grown diamonds.
This remarkable laboratory grown diamond (also known as a synthetic diamond) has the same sparkle, clarity, and aesthetic of an earth mined diamond. In fact, lab grown diamonds and mined diamonds are the same except for a few crucial details:
- Lab grown diamonds are much less expensive than earth-mined diamonds, making them a great choice for engagement rings and jewelry.
- Lab grown diamonds are not mined or dredged, making them the environmentally conscious choice.
Still, you might be on the fence about wearing a man made diamond. You’ve got questions and we’ve got answers. Read on as we compare lab grown diamonds to mined diamonds, and debunk the myth that lab grown diamonds are inferior to mined diamonds.
What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?
Lab grown diamonds or cultured diamonds have been around for some time now, but only recently have they become widely known. We’ve been working in the man made diamond industry since 2005, long before it became popular. In that time, we’ve been able to perfect our processes and build relationships with the best vendors and jewelers around. Now, we are able to offer the highest quality lab diamond jewelry at lower prices than our competitors.
So, let’s get down to the brass tacks: What exactly are diamonds? How does lab grown vs natural diamonds differ? Lab grown diamonds or cultured diamonds are identical to their natural counterparts in every way, except they are grown in a lab from a diamond seed instead of pulled from the earth. Diamonds are made up almost entirely of pure carbon. That’s why both lab diamonds and mined diamonds have the exact same physical properties. They replicate the exact natural process that forms earth grown diamonds, but cost up to 75% less. Let’s compare the process of growing diamonds in a lab vs. how diamonds form in the earth.
Mined diamonds form deep in the earth’s crust over billions of years. The consequence of mining diamonds is significant. Mined diamonds—also known as blood diamonds—destroy local habitats and wildlife and compromise the wellbeing of laborers.
Comparing the Strength of Lab Grown and Mined Diamonds
In terms of strength and durability, lab grown diamonds and mined diamonds are comparable. Both types of diamonds are made of the same material and have the same physical and chemical properties. However, lab grown diamonds may have a slight advantage in terms of consistency and quality, as they are grown in a controlled environment and are less likely to have inclusions or imperfections.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds the Same as Moissanite or Cubic Zirconia?
Moissanite is not the same thing as a lab created diamond. Moissanite has grown popular in recent years, but it differs from diamonds in a lot of ways. While mined diamonds come from the earth and lab grown diamonds are grown in a lab, moissanite originates from meteors. Moissanite is not a diamond, nor is it attempting to be one. While a diamond—whether lab or earth grown—is singly refractive, moissanite is doubly refractive. This results in a disco ball of light, meaning you can see all the colors of the rainbow. So although some may prefer the fiery sparkle of moissanite, it doesn’t look like a real diamond.
Likewise, cubic zirconia (CZ) is not the same thing as a lab grown diamond. While lab made diamonds are made of pure carbon, CZ is made of zirconium dioxide. This makes CZ much more porous resulting in a yellowing over time. Additionally, since lab diamonds are much higher in price because of their superb quality, they have a much higher resale value, especially when set in a stunning engagement ring.
Why Lab Grown Diamonds Are the Superior Choice
Lab grown diamonds are affordable, free of mining concerns, conflict-free, durable, brilliant, and luxurious. They are made of the same chemical structure as mined diamonds, but are created through a more sustainable and environmentally friendly process. Expert gemologists can’t differentiate between mined diamonds and lab grown diamonds, and neither will anyone else.
The Benefits of Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds offer several benefits over mined diamonds, including:
- Affordability: Lab grown diamonds are generally less expensive than mined diamonds, making them a more affordable option for engagement rings and other fine jewelry.
- Sustainability: Lab grown diamonds are created through a more sustainable and environmentally friendly process than mined diamonds.
- Conflict-free: Lab grown diamonds are conflict-free, meaning that they are not associated with any human rights abuses or environmental degradation.
- Durability: Lab grown diamonds are just as hard and durable as mined diamonds, with a Mohs hardness of 10.
- Brilliance: Lab grown diamonds have the same brilliance and fire as mined diamonds, making them a beautiful and luxurious choice for fine jewelry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, lab grown diamonds are a superior choice to mined diamonds in many ways. They are affordable, sustainable, conflict-free, durable, and brilliant, making them a great option for engagement rings and other fine jewelry. Whether you’re looking for a diamond for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, lab grown diamonds are a great choice.
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