Can You Tell the Difference Between Lab Grown and Natural Diamonds

Diamonds have long been prized for their beauty and durability. With advancements in technology, lab-grown diamonds have become a popular alternative to natural diamonds. But can you tell the difference between the two? This article discusses the distinctions between lab-grown and natural diamonds, providing a comprehensive overview for potential buyers.

Understanding Lab Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds

Production of Lab grown diamonds and Production of Natural diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds, also known as synthetic diamonds, are created in a controlled laboratory environment. They have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. These diamonds are made using two primary methods: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). The HPHT method replicates the natural conditions under which diamonds form in the earth’s mantle. The CVD method, on the other hand, involves breaking down carbon-rich gases to form diamond crystals on a substrate.

Natural diamonds are formed over billions of years under intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth. They are mined from various locations around the world, including Africa, Canada, and Russia. Each natural diamond has a unique formation process, contributing to its individual characteristics. Natural diamonds often contain inclusions and imperfections that reflect their geological journey. These imperfections, or "fingerprints," are used by gemologists to identify and grade the diamonds.

Are there any visual differences?

To the naked eye, it is extremely difficult to distinguish between lab-grown and natural diamonds. Both types of diamonds exhibit the same brilliance and sparkle. However, under magnification, a trained gemologist can identify subtle differences.

Lab-grown diamonds typically have fewer inclusions compared to natural diamonds. Inclusions in lab-grown diamonds are usually metallic and form in patterns consistent with the growth process. Natural diamonds, however, often show a variety of inclusions, such as minerals and other crystals, which occur naturally during their formation.

Cost Differences

One of the most noticeable differences between lab-grown and natural diamonds is their cost. Lab-grown diamonds are generally more affordable than natural diamonds of the same size and quality. This price difference is due to the shorter production time and lower overhead costs associated with lab-grown diamonds.

Natural diamonds are rare, and the extensive mining and processing required to extract them from the earth contribute to their higher cost. Additionally, the market demand for natural diamonds often drives up their price. The earrings you buy with lab grown diamonds are way affordable than natural diamonds.

Conclusion

These are the major differences between lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds. Although there aren’t significant visual differences to the naked eye, the affordability of lab grown diamonds distinguished itself from the natural diamonds. Therefore, the next time you are going to buy earrings or necklaces with diamonds, try lab grown diamond jewelry from Promise Jewelry.