Lab Grown Diamonds VS. Natural Diamonds
Are lab created diamonds and natural diamonds really the same?
If you have doubts, this is the right guide for you!
Lab grown diamonds are also known as man-made or lab created diamonds. They are produced in a laboratory setting without the negative environmental or human impact of mining. Lab created diamonds grow in the same way that mined diamonds do; they begin as carbon atoms under extreme heat and pressure, then bond together to form a crystalline lattice structure. They are cut and polished once fully formed to reveal maximum brilliance for stunning, ethically-sourced engagement rings, wedding rings, and jewelry for special occasions. And just like mined diamonds, they come in a variety of color and clarity grades.
There is a lot of debate surrounding the topic of lab grown diamonds vs. natural diamonds. Some people argue that natural diamonds, which are mined from the earth, are superior because they are rare, with a formation process that began billions of years ago. Others claim that lab grown diamonds, which are created in a laboratory, are just as good as — if not better than — natural diamonds because they are ethically sourced and conflict-free. The reality is that lab grown diamonds are now more in-demand than ever before, providing ethical luxury that lasts for eternity.
Time is also one of the most significant differences in lab grown vs natural diamonds. Scientists can produce lab grown diamonds in a laboratory in a lot less time than it takes for diamonds to be formed in nature. Modern science has made it possible for lab grown diamonds to develop in just two months, which is not only incredible, but also building our path to sustainability.
How are Lab Created Diamonds Made?
Lab grown diamonds are a modern and ethical approach to jewelry. They represent innovation and versatility, allowing you to create and wear any piece you desire, such as lab grown diamond rings, earrings and necklaces. Discover how our stunning diamonds are grown in the laboratory and explore the science behind their beauty.
Lab grown diamonds are identical to natural diamonds in every way, but they are created in a controlled environment using cutting-edge technology rather than deep below the earth’s surface.
The two main procedures commonly used to create lab grown diamonds are High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both methods simulate the earth’s natural processes to create beautiful diamonds in a strictly managed laboratory setting.
High Pressure High Temperature Method (HPHT)
The high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) diamond production process was first developed for industrial use in the 1950s. While it is most commonly used for creating lab grown diamonds, mined diamonds can also be treated using the HPHT procedure to improve their clarity and color.
The HPHT method was created to closely resemble the temperature and pressures of the earth’s interior, where natural diamond crystals develop over billions of years. In contrast to the roughly 1-3 billion years it takes for natural diamonds to form, the HPHT technique successfully allows a diamond to form in just a few weeks!
HPHT diamonds are produced using three fundamental manufacturing techniques: the split-sphere (BARS) press, the cubic press and the belt press. A small diamond seed enclosed in pure carbon is placed into a growth chamber subjected to a high-pressure and temperature environment for several days. Then, as the carbon melts, a diamond is formed around the seed until a full-sized gem develops.
Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)
During the CVD process, a diamond is created from a hydrocarbon gas mixture, similar to how interstellar gas clouds produce diamonds. The procedure developed in the 1980s is widely seen as the less expensive way to make diamonds because it uses less energy than HPHT.
A small slice of diamond seed is heated to around 800°C in a sealed container before being filled with other carbon-rich gases, such as methane. Microwaves, lasers and other devices are then used to ionize the gasses and create plasma. The breakdown of the gasses by ionization allows the carbon to merge with the diamond seed and grow the diamond layer by layer.
Do Lab Diamonds Have Inclusions?
Much like their natural counterparts, lab-grown diamonds have inclusions despite being created in controlled environments, such as high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) chambers or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactors. Inclusions in lab diamonds often stem from variations during their formation process, such as inconsistencies in temperature, pressure, or the introduction of foreign particles into the growth chamber.
While inclusions are typically less pronounced in lab grown diamonds due to their controlled environments, they are still evaluated using the same clarity grading scale as natural diamonds, which ranges from Flawless (F) to Included (I).
Diamond Guides : 4C ‘ S
WHAT’S DIAMOND COLOR?
It’s a common misconception that diamonds are inherently colorless. In reality, due to trace elements within them, diamonds can exhibit subtle hues. In the world of jewelry, color is a crucial part of the 4 Cs: color, cut, clarity, and carat weight, and is used to evaluate diamonds, but it primarily indicates rarity rather than quality. Completely colorless diamonds are exceedingly rare, making them highly valuable.
Natural and Lab Grown diamonds often display tints of yellow, brown, or gray due to impurities. They are assessed on the GIA color scale, considering hue, tone, and saturation. Hue refers to the actual color of the diamond, such as yellow or blue. Tone represents the lightness or darkness of that color, and saturation describes the color’s intensity. In contrast, colorless diamonds are prized for their lack of saturation, showcasing instead their fire and brilliance.
WHAT IS THE COLOR SCALE?
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) created the International Color Scale to standardize the grading of diamond color. This scale involves a rigorous evaluation process where a panel of experts, typically consisting of five members, assesses each diamond. The panel must reach a unanimous decision on the diamond’s grade for it to be certified by the GIA.
This GIA color scale ranges from D to Z, with D representing icy white and colorless diamonds, and Z indicating a presence of yellow hues. To accurately assess color, gemologists examine diamonds against a pure white background. Diamonds graded N to Z, typically exhibiting more noticeable color, are generally not preferred in fine jewelry.
WHAT IS DIAMOND CUT?
At DK Diamonds , we emphasize the importance of diamond cut, a pivotal factor in revealing a diamond’s intrinsic beauty and brilliance. The cut encompasses the diamond’s proportions, symmetry, and polish, skillfully executed by the cutter. It’s not merely about the shape but how well the diamond interacts with light. An expertly cut diamond offers superior light reflection and refraction, enhancing its sparkle and fire.
Diamond start as octahedral shapes, akin to two square pyramids joined base to base. Early diamond cuts, like the point cut, maintained this natural form with minimal polishing, but didn’t fully harness the stone’s potential to interact with light.
Three key proportions – the table size, width, and depth – critically influence how light is reflected within a diamond. The right balance ensures light is returned through the diamond’s top, optimizing the interplay of white light (brilliance) and colorful flashes (dispersion).
A diamond cut with precision ensures light travels and exits through the top, maximizing the stone’s luminous beauty. However, a diamond cut even slightly off can result in light leakage, where light escapes from the bottom, leading to diminished brilliance and a lackluster appearance.
At DK Diamonds , we highlight that the highest recognized cut grade is “Excellent,” as established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). It’s important to note that while some may market a ‘super ideal’ cut, this isn’t an established grade honored by GIA. Our focus is on providing diamonds that meet these rigorous standards, ensuring each gem’s captivating beauty and exceptional light performance.
HOW ARE DIAMOND CUTS EVALUATED?
For over a decade and a half, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has meticulously studied the interaction of light with round brilliant cut diamonds, leading to the identification of seven key components that determine a diamond’s cut grade. These components include brightness, fire (dispersion), scintillation, weight ratio, durability, polish, and symmetry.
In the grading process, each of these factors is assessed and assigned a grade ranging from Excellent to Poor. The overall cut grade of a diamond is determined by the lowest rating in any of these categories. For instance, if a diamond scores ‘Fair’ in durability but ‘Very Good’ in other aspects, its final cut grade would be ‘Fair’.
DIAMOND CUT GRADES
Excellent
An exquisite quality cut known for its superior brilliance and fire. Reflects nearly all light that enters, representing the top tier of diamond cuts. This is the only Diamond Cut Quality offered by DK Diamonds
Very Good
Reflects most light that enters. DK Diamonds does not carry this grade.
Good
An OKAY quality cut that often pushed by low end retailers. DK Diamonds does not carry this grade.
Fair
Adequate quality cut that reflects some light while maximizing weight. DK Diamonds does not carry this grade.
Poor
While this grade may be available in the market, it does not meet the standards set by DK Diamonds , thus it is not offered.
DIAMOND CLARITY
Discover what to consider in diamond clarity.. Learn how clarity affects a diamond’s appearance and find the perfect balance of beauty and value for your ideal diamond.
WHAT’S DIAMOND CLARITY?
Diamond clarity is an essential factor in evaluating the quality of a diamond, focusing on its purity and the presence of blemishes and inclusions. These are the natural characteristics that may be found inside or on the surface of a diamond, formed during its creation. Gemologists use a 10x magnification process and a specific grading system to determine the clarity grade, assigning numerical values based on the quantity and visibility of these imperfections.
A diamond’s clarity grade improves with fewer visible flaws and imperfections. It’s important to note that absolute purity is rare in diamonds; however, those that approach this ideal are clearer and more highly prized. While inclusions and blemishes can impact a diamond’s value, many of these characteristics are not discernible without magnification.
UNDERSTANDING CLARITY GRADES AND THE DIAMOND CLARITY CHART
The process of determining clarity grades in diamonds involves a detailed assessment of each stone’s unique microscopic features. This includes examining the quantity, size, relief, nature, and position of these characteristics, as well as how they collectively influence the diamond’s overall appearance. Experienced gemologists use tools like a 10x magnification loupe to meticulously identify and categorize these clarity features based on their attributes.
Each diamond’s clarity characteristics are uniquely illustrated on a “diamond plot,” essentially a map that varies for each stone. Renowned gemological laboratories, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grade diamonds on a scale that ranges from “Included” to “Flawless.” This grading scale is pivotal in determining and understanding the purity and quality of each diamond.
UNDERSTANDING DIFFERENT DIAMOND CLARITY GRADES
- FL/IF (Flawless/Internally Flawless): Diamonds with a flawless clarity rating typically show no inclusions; anything visible is likely external, like dust. An internal inclusion would lower the grade, potentially to VVS2.
- VVS1 (Very Very Slightly Included 1): Inclusions in VVS1 diamonds are so minute they are invisible without a powerful microscope. Even enlarged standard images can’t capture these inclusions due to their small size.
- VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included 2): To spot a VVS2 inclusion, a gemological microscope is necessary. These are often several tiny VVS1-sized inclusions combined, too small to detect with a standard jeweler’s loupe.
- VS1 (Very Slightly Included 1): A VS1 inclusion doesn’t require a microscope for identification but is still minuscule and invisible to the naked eye.
- VS2 (Very Slightly Included 2): Inclusions in VS2 clarity diamonds are almost always invisible to the naked eye, maintaining a clean appearance.
- SI1 (Slightly Included 1): SI1 clarity diamonds are just below VS2 in terms of clarity. Often, SI1 clarity is determined by multiple small inclusions rather than one focused flaw, appearing nearly flawless to the naked eye.
- SI2 (Slightly Included 2): In step cuts like emerald and asscher, SI2 inclusions are typically visible to the naked eye. In other cuts, SI2 inclusions are often noticeable, especially if they are centrally located and dark.
COMMON TYPES OF DIAMOND INCLUSIONS
- Cloud: A cloud in a diamond is a cluster of tiny pinpoints that can dull its brilliance. Large clouds lead to a “cloudy” appearance.
- Graining: Caused by uneven crystal growth, graining presents as internal lines (white, colored, or reflective) and can give a diamond a hazy appearance.
- Cavity: A cavity’s visibility depends on the types of minerals within it. Colored crystal inclusions in a cavity make it more noticeable, possibly visible to the naked eye.
- Feather: A small internal fracture, a feather might appear translucent or white depending on how it catches the light and the viewing angle.
Each inclusion type affects the overall clarity and appearance of a diamond, contributing to its unique beauty and character.
DIAMOND CARAT WEIGHT
Explore the intricacies of carats, the standard unit of measurement that defines the weight of a diamonds and gemstones
UNDERSTANDING THE CARAT IN DIAMONDS
The term ‘carat’ is often mistakenly thought to refer to a diamond’s size, but it actually denotes its weight. One carat is equivalent to 0.2 grams, roughly the weight of a standard paperclip.
The concept of the carat has an intriguing history, originating from the use of carob seeds by early gem traders. These seeds served as consistent counterweights on balance scales. Prior to the 20th century, there was no universal standard for measuring gemstones. It was only in 1913 that the metric carat was internationally standardized, ensuring uniformity across the globe.
Carat is a crucial element among the four Cs (Cut,Color, Clarity, Carat) that define a diamond’s quality and value. It’s important not to confuse ‘carat’ with ‘karat,’ which is a measure of gold purity.
WHAT’S A CARAT?
The carat is a measure of weight, rather than a direct indicator of a diamond’s or gemstone’s size. For instance, due to differences in density, a one-caratround diamond typically measures about 6.4mm, whereas a one-carat round sapphire might measure closer to 6.0mm. The perceived size of a carat is also influenced by the stone’s shape, cut, and depth.
To visualize this, consider a diagram showing round diamonds of increasing carat weights. It’s crucial to remember that each gemstone is distinct, meaning the visual impact of a carat can vary from one stone to another.
ARE DIAMOND CARAT WEIGHT AND DIAMOND SIZE THE SAME?
Carat and size in diamonds are distinctly different concepts. While ‘carat’ is a unit of weight, it does not directly correspond to the diamond’s size. This common misconception can lead to misunderstandings whenselecting a diamond, as carat weight alone is not an accurate indicator of a diamond’s physical dimensions.
For instance, due to varying densities, two gemstones of the same carat weight can differ significantly in size. Additionally, the cut of a diamond can influence its carat weight. A poorly cut round diamond may be too deep or have a thick girdle, concealing excess weight in areas that don’t impact the stone’s apparent size. This means a 2.30 carat diamond with weight hidden in the girdle could appear similar in size to a well-proportioned 2 carat diamond. Consequently, a customer might end up paying for additional weight without gaining any visible size advantage.
WHAT IS CTW
When exploring diamond jewelry, you might come across terms like CTTW, TCW, or TW. These abbreviations stand for ‘Carat Total Weight,’ a crucial term in the world of fine jewelry. CTW refers to the total weight of all diamonds in a piece of jewelry, especially relevant in items featuring multiple diamonds. For instance, in diamond tennis bracelets, the CTW denotes the sum weight of the diamonds in the entire bracelet. This measure helps in understanding the overall carat weight you’re investing in, providing a complete picture of the jewelry’s diamond content.
HOW DOES DIAMOND CARAT WEIGHT IMPACT PRICE?
Carat weight significantly influences the pricing of diamonds. The rarity of larger diamonds in nature makes them more valuable compared to smaller ones. As a result, diamond pricing is not linear; for instance, a one-carat diamond will be more expensive than two half-carat diamonds of the same quality.
IS CARAT THE ONLY THING THAT IMPACTS VISIBLE DIAMOND SIZE?
Carat weight alone does not dictate how large a diamond appears. Other factors like the diamond’s shape, depth, and symmetry play significant roles in influencing its perceived size.
For instance, elongated diamond shapes like oval andemerald typically appear larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight. This is because their elongated structure allows them to distribute weight along their length, making them appear more substantial.
Additionally, two diamonds of the same shape can differ in size appearance based on their depth. A one-carat pear-shaped diamond with a shallower depth will look larger compared to a one-carat pear-shaped diamond with a deeper cut.
When evaluating diamonds, it’s beneficial to consider both depth and shape, as detailed in the diamond’s certification report. This information can be crucial in choosing a diamond that maximizes perceived size without incurring the cost of a higher carat weight.
ENHANCING THE PERCEIVED SIZE OF YOUR DIAMOND: USEFUL TIPS
Halo Settings: A halo setting, with smaller diamonds encircling the central gem, amplifies the perceived size of your main stone through added shimmer and brilliance.
Slim Bands: Opting for a slender band in your setting can make the central diamond seem larger. Conversely, a broader band might detract from the stone, making it appear smaller in comparison.
Lab-Created Diamonds: Lab diamonds present an opportunity to own a larger stone at a more affordable price than natural diamonds. They are identical to natural diamonds in look and physical properties, offering a substantial centerpiece without the highercost.
Regular Maintenance: Keeping your diamond clean is essential for maximizing its sparkle and visual size. A clean, well-cared-for diamond always looks more striking and larger than one that is dull and dirty.
