This is a collaborative post. Header image credit: Lily Arkwright
Now you’re probably wondering what are lab created diamonds and are such diamonds real diamonds? The answer is very straightforward: Lab diamonds are as real as diamonds get! The only difference between natural diamonds and lab grown diamonds are their origins, one is grown beneath the earth’s surface over millions of years, whereas the other is grown in a lab using cutting edge innovative technology.
A lab uses unique conditions that replicate the natural conditions that occur under the earth’s mantle in which natural diamonds are formed. That way, lab created diamonds can have the same composition and structure that mined diamonds have, meaning lab diamonds are 100% real diamonds. In truth, lab-grown diamonds are physically, optical and chemically identical to mined diamonds, even specialist jewellers and experts like those at teachjewelry.com struggle to tell them apart and the only way to differentiate lab grown from natural is by using specialised laboratory equipment.
Why should you choose a lab diamond ring?
1. Ethical & Sustainable
One of the most desirable aspects of lab diamonds is the fact they are ethical and sustainable. When it comes to mined diamonds, the supply chain can be inaccessible which allows room for potential exploitation of communities and
ecosystems. When growing diamonds in a lab, it eliminates any risk of concerns that might be associated with diamond mining. In today’s current climate, shoppers are becoming increasingly aware of the sourcing of the products they are buying and their impact on the planet. Nearly 70% of millennials are now considering a lab diamond alternative engagement ring as opposed to a naturally mined diamond ring.
2. Lab diamonds are affordable
Another reason you should be considering a lab diamond is that lab diamonds are affordable! In fact, lab diamond engagement rings can cost up to 30% less than mined diamonds. This is due to a small-scaled production chain, there are less people involved in the production and transportation of lab diamonds as to conventional mined diamond methods.
Therefore, lab diamonds are an amazing choice for anyone seeking a big rock to turn heads without the hefty price tag associated with larger carat weight gems!
3. Lab diamonds are real diamonds!
If we were to get technical, lab diamonds are chemically, physically and optically the same as their mined counterparts. There is only one significant difference and that is their origin. One is from a natural uncontrolled environment and formed over millions of years whereas the other is physically ‘grown’ in a controlled lab over the space of 3 months.
When lab diamonds are created in a lab, they are manufactured by mimicking the natural growing process that occurs beneath the earth’s crust. Scientists take
‘seeds’ of carbon and expose them to extremely high temperatures and pressures in a controlled lab environment, thus recreating a diamond.
By definition, lab diamonds and mined diamonds are indistinguishable from one another. Even to the trained eye, a jeweller cannot tell the difference between lab grown and natural diamonds, as they display the exact same brilliance and sparkle seen in the very best of mined gemstones.
4. Lab diamonds are durable
As lab diamonds are 100% real diamonds, it means the chemical structure is exactly the same as mined diamonds. Therefore, the hardness and durability of the stone is exactly the same. It is common knowledge that diamonds ‘are forever’ which stems from the gem being the hardest mineral on the planet. Lab diamonds have a score of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which is a measurement of scratch resistance of minerals.
If you opt for a lab diamond, you can be assured that your engagement ring will last a lifetime and is perfect for everyday wear.
Final Thoughts
If you are interested in booking a consultation or would simply like to learn out more about lab grown diamond engagement rings or more of Lily Arkwright’s lab grown collections, please give them a call on 0161 537 6773, alternatively you can email the jewellery consultancy team at hello@lilyarkwright.com.