All You Need To Know About Lab Created Diamonds
Lab created diamonds, also known as cultured or engineered diamonds, are grown in a highly controlled laboratory environment by using advanced technological processes. These diamonds are certainly real diamonds. As stated by Stephen Morisseau, a spokesman for the Gemological Institute of America, a nonprofit organization that oversees the international diamond grading system, “[Lab-created diamonds] are not fakes. They’re not cubic zirconias. They have all the same physical and chemical properties of a mined diamond.” Engagement rings are special, so before you choose yours know more about the lab created diamonds.
The process of creating diamonds in labs
Diamond is created in the lab by mimicking the process that a diamond in nature undergoes in the process of formation. Layers of carbon molecule seeds are subjected to intense pressure and temperature resembling the natural condition in the earth’s interiors.
- This method is known as the high pressure high temperature (HPHT) method. HPHT gives rise to exactly identical looking diamond stones like the ones formed in nature. All the properties of diamonds like optical, chemical, etc. remain the same. You cannot make out any difference.
- The difference is in the formation of crystals, but it is not possible to detect that without specific tools. You cannot really distinguish between lab created diamonds and the natural ones.
Alternative ways of creating diamonds
- Yes, labs do undertake various different approaches for creating diamonds. They sometimes follow a special deposition process.
- In this process, the seeds of carbon are deposited on one another following special criteria. This is known as the chemical vapor deposition method. In this method, the lab uses a hydrocarbon gas mixture. A slice of diamond seed is placed in a heat chamber, the chamber is very hot and may have a temperature of about 1472℉.
- The hydrocarbon gas mixture is added to the chamber. An ionization process takes place inside the chamber. The chemical bonds in the gases in the mixture get broken leading to sticking of carbon to the diamond seed. This gives rise to the diamond.
Ways to create diamonds in special colors
- It is possible to make diamond engagement rings in lab settings in different colors. The labs use specific trace elements to impart different colors to the diamond engagement ring.
- The exact composition of the trace element may vary from the same in their natural counterparts; however, it showcases the same beauty.
- There is a vast collection of colors and designs to choose from.
- The advantage of choosing lab created diamond engagement rings is that you can choose from a wide range of colors. You don’t have this freedom if you buy a natural diamond. In fact, there is a whole range of colored diamonds to choose from, if you go for lab created ones.
- Naturally colored diamonds are not only rare but are also expensive. You can get the same in a variety of shades and at an affordable price if you go for lab created ones.
Key benefits benefits of lab created diamonds
- Heard about blood diamonds? They are called this because mining natural diamonds involves a lot of pain for the sons of the soil.
- Lab created diamonds are also called ethical diamonds.
- There are many other benefits of lab created diamonds. The most significant of them is that lab created diamond engagement rings offer the same value as natural diamonds, but are eco-friendly in nature. Add to this, lab created diamond engagement rings are more affordable compared to the natural ones.