Insider Guide to Buying the Best Lab-Grown Diamonds

Discover how the beauty and value of lab-grown diamonds compare to their natural counterparts.

“What took nature millions of years, men can make in a few weeks.” — Ron Yates

The formation of natural diamonds requires millions of years of carbon crystallization, intense heat, and pressure within the Earth, but scientists have unlocked the ability to replicate this process in a controlled lab environment within just a few weeks. The resulting lab-grown diamonds are completely identical to their natural counterparts.

The technology to produce lab-grown diamonds has actually been around since the 1950s, when it was developed by a team of scientists General Electric who were creating new materials for industrial purposes. Only within recent years has the term "lab grown diamonds" permeated the jewelry market, offering an alternative choice for shoppers of both engagement rings and fine jewelry.

You've probably arrived at this page because you're curious about lab-grown diamonds and have a lot of questions. Are lab-grown diamonds the right choice for your next jewelry purchase? Keep reading this blog post for details.

What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds & How to Get Them?

Lab-grown diamonds are genuine diamonds created in a controlled environment, using special technology to replicate the exact conditions and processes deep inside the Earth's crust.

The two main methods for creating lab-grown diamonds are High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).

1. HPHT involves placing a diamond seed in a pressurized environment with a carbon source. Then the seed is heated and cooled to simulate the natural process. This makes a layer of diamond around the seed.

2. In CVD, the diamond seed is placed in a chamber with carbon-rich gases and exposed to heat so that carbon atoms will attach to the seed until it forms a diamond. After it grows, the resulting diamond is cut and polished to optimize its shape and sparkle.

Although both processes can result in genuine diamonds, High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) diamonds are usually superior to those created with Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). This is because regulating the parameters during the HPHT creation process is easier.

The Major Advantages of Lab-Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds offer a perfect balance between quality and price point, making them an attractive option for those seeking beautiful diamonds without breaking the bank.

A mined diamond of comparable size and quality could cost around $29,500, while an equivalent lab-grown diamond would only be about $2,350; that's over $27,000 in savings!

Furthermore, opting for lab-grown diamonds in jewelry production can help reduce the high costs of metals and labor involved in creating the piece. With the cost of metal and labor factored in, jewelry featuring lab-grown diamonds offers more accessibility and affordability for consumers.

The carbon footprint of each type of diamond is determined by how much energy is required to create them. Some experts say that natural diamonds have a higher carbon footprint due to the energy needed to power mining operations and transport materials from remote locations worldwide. It's believed that lab-grown diamonds have a lower carbon footprint since they're made in laboratories with specialized equipment that can be powered by renewable sources such as solar or wind energy.

Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?

“A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond. It has the same hardness, refraction, and chemical composition as a diamond from the earth.” — Ron Yates

Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds created in a laboratory environment. They're made of the same carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice, just like naturally mined diamonds.

Creating them involves replicating the high temperatures and pressures found naturally within the Earth, with the added benefit that this process is done in a controlled environment.

Lab-grown diamonds have the same hardness, brilliance, and refractive qualities as natural diamonds and undergo the same cutting, polishing, and grading processes to ensure their quality. In fact, discerning between a lab-grown diamond and its naturally mined counterpart can be challenging without specialized equipment. Hence, lab-grown can be an exquisite choice when purchasing diamonds.

The 4 Cs — How to Get the Best Lab-Grown Diamond Quality?

Diamonds have long been considered one of the most rare and valuable gemstones, captivating us with their dazzling sparkle and timeless beauty. Whether for engagements or anniversaries, diamonds are selected to commemorate special moments and milestones in our lives, representing status and powerful emotions of love and affection.

When evaluating the quality of a diamond, four important factors come into play: color, clarity, cut, and carat. These four signals provide valuable information about the diamond's appearance and overall value.

Lab-Grown Diamond Color

Diamonds come in various colors, from completely colorless to shades of yellow or brown. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamonds on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The closer a diamond is to colorless, the higher its value and rarity. Colorless diamonds allow more light to pass, resulting in greater brilliance and sparkle.

Lab-Grown Diamond Clarity

Clarity refers to internal characteristics called inclusions and external blemishes on a diamond. Inclusions are formed naturally during the diamond's creation process and can affect its brilliance and transparency. The GIA grades clarity on a scale ranging from Flawless (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to Included (inclusions visible to the naked eye). Diamonds with higher clarity grades are rarer and more valuable.

Lab-Grown Diamond Cut

The cut of a diamond refers to how well it has been shaped and faceted. It affects the diamond's ability to reflect and refract light, giving it sparkle and brilliance. A well-cut diamond reflects light internally from one facet to another and then releases it through the top, creating maximum brilliance. The GIA grades are cut on a scale from Excellent to Poor. Diamonds with an excellent cut grade are superior in symmetry, proportions, and light performance, resulting in the most captivating sparkle.

Lab-Grown Diamond Carat

Carat is the unit of measurement used to determine a diamond's weight. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams. It's important to note that carat weight does not directly correspond to a diamond's size or visual appearance. Cut, shape, and proportions also influence a diamond's appearance. However, larger diamonds of the same quality are generally more valuable than smaller ones. Carat weight is critical to determining a diamond's overall value and desirability.

Lab-Grown Diamonds Are a Hot Choice

Lab-grown diamonds are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a more cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to mined diamonds. Initially, these diamonds were mainly used as the central diamond in engagement rings; however, jewelry manufacturers and designers have begun creating exquisite pieces made entirely of lab-grown diamonds.

This shift has made lab-grown diamond jewelry more budget-friendly while maintaining its high-end quality, which is consistent — especially when compared to naturally mined diamonds. By opting for lab-grown diamonds, you can have confidence in the quality of your purchase, knowing that you're getting a beautiful diamond without compromising on clarity or cut!

Get Exquisite Lab-Grown Diamonds at Yates & Co Jewelers

At Yates, we strive to provide our customers with the highest quality diamonds. We only purchase D-F color diamonds that have a clarity of VS2 or higher and are well-cut. We also inspect them for unattractive flaws, especially regarding color, to guarantee our customers get stunning diamonds. We take pride in being select buyers to ensure the best possible quality.

Lab-Grown Diamond FAQ

Are lab-grown diamonds real?
Yes! A lab-grown diamond is as dazzling, durable, and beautiful as its natural counterpart. They're identical to natural diamonds with their stunning physical and chemical properties but at a much more affordable price.

What are lab-grown diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds created in a laboratory environment. They're made of the same carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice, just like naturally mined diamonds.

Which are the best lab-grown diamonds?
When evaluating the quality of a diamond, four important factors come into play: color, clarity, cut, and carat. These four signals provide valuable information about the diamond's appearance and overall value.

How long does it take to produce a lab-grown diamond?
While natural diamonds require millions of years of intense heat and pressure, lab-grown diamonds are produced using cutting-edge technology in a controlled environment in a matter of weeks.

Can someone tell the difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds?
No, the differences between lab-grown and natural diamonds are imperceptible to the naked eye, and it's a primary reason why lab-grown diamonds are becoming increasingly prevalent in the market. To ensure transparency, reputable sellers should disclose the origin of the diamond and provide appropriate documentation or certifications.

What’s the trade-in policy for lab-grown diamonds?
The trade-in policies for lab-grown diamonds are not always straightforward, as they can differ from one jeweler to another. As lab-grown diamonds are still a relatively novel option, trade-in opportunities may not be as expansive as those for natural diamonds. To ensure you have all the facts, it's best to query the trade-in policy at the time of purchase or ask your retailer for guidance.

Are you ready to start shopping for a lab-grown diamond for an engagement ring? Visit this page to learn more about buying the perfect ring or contact us for individualized support.