What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?

What is a lab grown diamond? Unlike mined diamonds that form deep within the Earth over millions of years, lab grown diamonds are created using advanced technology in a controlled lab setting. Lab grown diamonds offer unique advantages, from affordability to ethical sourcing, aligning with the values of today’s conscientious buyers.

In this guide, you’ll know what is a lab created diamond and how lab grown diamonds are made, how they compare to natural diamonds, and why they’re transforming the world of fine jewelry.

What Does Lab Grown Diamond Mean?

What is a lab created diamond called? Lab-grown diamonds, sometimes referred to as lab-created, man-made, or cultured diamonds, are diamonds developed in specialized laboratory settings that replicate the natural conditions under which diamonds form deep within the Earth's mantle. By applying advanced technological processes that mimic the high-pressure and high-temperature conditions of the Earth’s crust, scientists create diamonds composed of carbon atoms arranged in the same crystalline structure as natural diamonds. Because they share this atomic structure, lab-grown diamonds have identical optical and chemical properties to those of mined diamonds, including brilliance, hardness, and durability, making them virtually indistinguishable from their natural counterparts.

How Are Lab Created Diamonds Made?

Lab-created diamonds are made from small carbon seeds of natural diamonds through one of two methods:

High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT)

The High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) method replicates the natural diamond-forming process found deep within the Earth. This technique begins with a small diamond seed placed in a machine that subjects it to extreme conditions—pressures of 5-6 GPa and temperatures around 1,500-1,600°C. In this environment, carbon atoms are introduced and gradually build upon the seed in layers, leading to the formation of a diamond. This carefully controlled growth typically takes six to ten weeks, though duration can vary based on the desired size of the diamond.

Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)

In the CVD method, the seed is placed in a vacuum chamber filled with hydrogen and carbon gases, which are heated until the gases break down, allowing carbon layers to form on the seed. This method can be faster than HPHT, sometimes producing a diamond in just two weeks, though additional heat treatments may be applied to enhance quality.

Once grown, lab diamonds are cut, polished, and graded based on the same 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat) as mined diamonds. To the naked eye, a lab grown diamond is indistinguishable from natural ones; only scientists can spot minor markers unique to their growth process.

Lab Created Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds look identical to the naked eye, but they differ in property, origin, cost, and environmental impact. Here’s a comparison to help you decide.

Why Choose Lab Created Diamonds?

If you’re seeking options for high-quality diamonds, lab-created diamonds offer compelling benefits that make them worth considering. Their appeal goes beyond just the look—these stones offer distinct advantages in multiple areas.

Affordable

Lab-created diamonds are more affordable than natural diamonds due to a streamlined supply chain and shorter production time. Unlike mined diamonds, which involve complex extraction and shipping processes, lab diamonds are made in controlled environments. For example, a lab-grown diamond ring can cost up to 40% less than a natural diamond ring of the same quality, allowing buyers to get a larger or higher-quality stone within their budget.

Ethical

Choosing lab-grown diamonds helps ensure an ethical purchase, as each stone’s origin is fully traceable. Unlike natural diamonds, which may come from conflict zones, lab-created diamonds are made in secure, regulated facilities. This transparency eliminates concerns about supporting unethical practices, providing peace of mind to buyers who prioritize human rights and social responsibility.

Environmentally Friendly

Lab-grown diamonds are a more eco-conscious choice, as their production has a smaller carbon footprint than mining. Research indicates that mining a single carat of diamond can release over 100 pounds of CO2, while lab-grown diamonds produce far less. Moreover, they avoid the land degradation and habitat destruction associated with traditional diamond mining, making them a more sustainable alternative.

Are Lab Created Diamonds Real and Valuable?

Lab-created diamonds are real and valuable. They have the same carbon structure, sparkle, and durability as mined diamonds. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) confirms that lab-grown diamonds are genuine diamonds, not imitations.

Then what is a certified lab created diamond, it’s a lab diamond that has been evaluated by an authoritative body, confirming its grade, quality, and authenticity. Certified lab-grown diamonds offer luxury jewelry options that are more accessible while upholding high standards.

Conclusion

Lab-grown diamonds are a sustainable and ethical alternative to mined diamonds, offering the same beauty and durability at a more affordable price. For those asking what is a lab grown diamond? – it’s a real diamond created in a lab, with identical properties to natural diamonds. They’re also conflict-free and environmentally friendly, appealing to today’s values. Choosing a lab-created diamond means enjoying luxury with a cleaner conscience.

FAQs

Can a jeweler tell if a diamond is lab created?

Yes, a jeweler can typically tell if a diamond is lab-created, especially with specialized equipment like a diamond tester or spectroscopy tools. However, to be certain, most jewelers rely on certifications or advanced gemological testing, as visual inspection alone is not enough to identify lab-created diamonds.

Do lab diamonds pass the diamond test?

Yes, lab diamonds pass the diamond test because they have the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds. Diamond testers detect thermal conductivity, which is identical in lab-grown and mined diamonds. So, whether natural or lab-made, both will show as genuine diamonds on a diamond tester.

Are lab diamonds cubic zirconia?

No, lab diamonds are not cubic zirconia. Lab diamonds are made of pure carbon, just like natural diamonds, while cubic zirconia is a different material altogether. Cubic zirconia is a diamond simulant that looks similar to a diamond but lacks the same hardness, sparkle, and durability as both lab and natural diamonds.