Misconceptions about lab-grown diamonds, also known as lab-created diamonds, can be found all over the internet. Conflicting opinions on whether lab-created or natural mined diamonds are better are often not based on facts or rationale. But it’s important to recognize the reality behind the origin of these diamonds so that you can make informed decisions. We will explore some lab-grown diamond myths and debunk them to help you decide which type of gemstone is best when purchasing your diamond jewelry.
Here are five lab-grown diamond myths debunked:
1. Lab-Created Diamonds Aren’t Real Diamonds
They are real diamonds, but they have a difference process to how they are formed. Diamonds mined from the ground are formed from crystallized carbon, subjected to intense heat and pressure billions of years ago in the earth’s crust. Lab-created diamonds are also created from carbon but are formed through extreme heat and pressure by artificial techniques in specialized laboratories. Both types of stone have precisely the same chemical structure. They are also shaped for jewelry in the same manner by skilled diamond cutters and polishers.
2. More Lab-Grown Diamond Myths — Lab-Made Diamonds are Cheaper Because They’re Fake
It’s a common misconception that lab-created diamonds are cheaper than mined diamonds because they’re made from inferior substances. This is in part due to the presence of synthetic zirconia. Some years ago, synthetic zirconia stones were passed off as diamonds in some shady quarters. It may be that those incidents have stuck in the public’s minds, creating a false association with genuine lab-created diamonds.
However, as we’ve already established, both lab and mined diamonds have the same chemical structure and gem-quality stones are cut and polished in the same way to create diamond jewelry. The lower cost of laboratory diamonds is due to lower production costs, not inferior quality. While the equipment and facilities needed for lab-created diamonds are expensive, they don’t really exceed traditional mining costs. For traditional mining, it’s mining equipment, transportation and distribution costs, numerous miners, and support staff that result in high expenses in the industry.
The lower input costs of creating a lab-made diamond are a significant benefit for buyers of diamond jewelry. You can expect to pay roughly 50 to 70% less for a lab-created diamond than a mined gem-quality diamond of the exact dimensions.
3. Mined Diamonds are of Higher Quality than Lab-Made Diamonds
Lab-created and mined diamonds are almost identical in quality. Nearly all diamonds have flaws visible through a jeweler’s lens, and most diamond cutters never see a flawless stone in their lifetime. Flaws in diamonds are known as inclusions. They are tiny imperfections and irregularities within the stone that happen naturally during the formation process. This occurs whether the diamond was created under the earth’s surface or in a laboratory.
The type and number of inclusions in a diamond directly affect the stone’s quality. Inclusions can interfere with the sparkle or brilliance of a stone, its most prized quality. So, whichever type of diamond you buy, you should look for a stone with low levels of imperfections since the quality is not dependent on the diamond being either mined or lab-grown.
4. Lab Diamonds Don’t Sparkle Like Natural Diamonds
Another one of the lab-created diamond myths is that they don’t possess the same quality of brilliance and sparkles as mined diamonds. However, the glitter of diamonds comes from the skilled cutting and polishing of the stone and has nothing to do with how the diamond originated.
An expert diamond cutter knows how to shape a rough diamond so that facets are cut to reflect light and create the sparkle or white fire that diamonds are prized for. So this is just another mistaken belief, not the reality of lab-created diamond qualities. Actually, diamond cutters often cut mined diamonds to get the maximum weight, whereas lab-grown diamonds are usually cut with maximum sparkle in mind. It is extremely rare to find a lab-grown diamond that was improperly cut.
5. More Lab-Grown Diamond Myths – Lab Diamonds are Sold as Natural Stones
While lab-created diamonds are difficult to distinguish from mined stones by the naked eye, experienced jewelers can still tell the difference. Laboratory diamonds have a microscopic engraving applied on the rim of the stones. This etching is required for all stones over .25 of a carat.
Grading and Certification Will Show Differences in Origin
Lab-grown diamonds are classified and authenticated similarly to mined diamonds by independent accredited laboratories. In the US, two of the largest reputable graders are the International Gemological Institute (IGI) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). You can be sure that a diamond authenticated by such world-class organizations will have a certificate showing its true origin, so you’ll know exactly how the diamond was made and where came from.
Buy Ethically Sourced Carbon Diamonds From Our Experts in Addison, TX
While fake stones can and are passed off as genuine diamonds by unscrupulous people, it’s best to buy from reliable certified jewelers who can prove the authenticity of their gems. At Carbon Diamonds, we provide a warranty and certificate guaranteeing the grades of each lab-grown diamond that we sell. Our diamond experts can also help you debunk any myths about mined or lab-grown diamonds.
Additionally, we ensure that all our diamonds are responsibly sourced from ethical backgrounds, and we only deal with labs who prioritize sustainability and a low carbon footprint. Our ethical, sustainable lab-grown diamonds will thrill you if you’re looking for an engagement ring or wedding band.
