Lab Grown Diamonds: Say Yes to Ethical Engagements

We know diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but does it matter if they are lab grown? There are many things to take into consideration when buying an engagement ring, but this is a decision you might not know a lot about: lab-grown diamonds vs. natural diamonds. We spoke with Clean Origin to find out just what the difference is and most importantly, why someone would consider them for an engagement ring. Read on to learn all about lab-grown diamonds and how they are actually better for the environment.

What is the difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds?

The only difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds is their origin. Natural diamonds are mined from the earth while lab-grown diamonds are created in a lab. Lab-grown diamonds use technology that replicates the heat and pressure that natural diamonds experience deep within the earth.

How are lab-grown diamonds created?

There are two processes that can create lab-grown diamonds: High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).  An HPHT diamond starts as a small diamond seed that’s placed into carbon. Then, the seed is exposed to 1.5 million pounds per square inch of pressure and 1500 degrees Celsius of heat. The pure carbon melts and starts to form a diamond around the starter seed.  Once cooled, a pure carbon diamond remains. CVD diamonds begin as a thin slice of diamond seed, often produced from an HPHT diamond. The diamond seed is placed into a sealed chamber and heated to 800 degrees Celsius. Then, the chamber is filled with a carbon-rich gas like methane. Using technology similar to that of microwaves or lasers, the gasses are ionized into plasma, creating pure carbon. That carbon bonds with the diamond seed and slowly crystallizes to form a lab-grown diamond.

What are the benefits of buying a lab-grown over a natural diamond?

Lab-grown diamonds are an ethical and environmentally responsible alternative to natural diamonds. According to a report from Frost and Sullivan, every carat of a natural diamond that is mined disrupts nearly 100 square feet of land and creates almost 6000 pounds of mineral waste. Mined diamonds also result in 1 injury per 1,000 workers annually while lab-grown diamonds result in zero. Lab-grown diamonds are also competitively priced; you can purchase a lab-grown diamond for 20-30% of the cost of its mined diamond counterpart.

How to Have a Sustainable Wedding

Can anyone tell the difference between lab-grown diamonds and natural?

No, lab-grown and natural diamonds appear exactly the same. They’re made using different processes, but each process produces the exact same result. Even trained professionals can’t tell the difference between a lab-grown and natural diamond with only the naked eye.

Does the value of lab-grown and natural diamonds differ?

Lab-grown diamonds are 20-30% less expensive than natural diamonds. This is because lab-grown diamonds have a shorter supply chain. With a lab-grown diamond, you can have the signature diamond sparkle at a competitive price.

What is the difference between lab-grown diamonds and diamond simulants?

Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds while diamond simulants only look like diamonds.  Diamond simulants can be any material that’s made to appear like a diamond to the naked eye.  A common diamond simulant is a cubic zirconia; it may look like a diamond, but has very different characteristics from the real thing.

Are lab-grown diamonds suitable for an engagement ring?

Lab-grown diamonds are perfect for engagement rings. Because lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, they have the same strength and sparkle as traditional mined diamonds. The competitive pricing of lab-grown diamonds makes it possible to craft a stunning ring that’s within your budget. Lab-grown diamonds are an ethical option that gives you and your partner peace of mind through all of life’s special moments.

Sustainable and a lower price tag?! Count us in! Shop Clean Origin‘s selection of lab-grown diamond jewelry to get your own.