The Differences Between Lab-Grown and Natural Diamonds

Lab-grown and naturally sourced diamonds have similar chemical, optical, and physical features. Reputable jewelers help you differentiate between lab-grown and natural diamonds. They may offer advice to help you choose the option that aligns with your preferences and needs. Here are some of the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds: 

Modes of Processing

Extreme pressure and heat beneath the earth’s surface help form natural diamonds by pushing these minerals closer to the surface. Diamond minerals settle in volcanic rock formations called kimberlite pipes that mining engineers target during extraction.

Lab-grown diamonds can be formed through the HTHP procedure, where jewelers create a high-temperature and high-pressure environment, like the deep part of the earth’s crust. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is a process used to make diamonds using thin slices derived from existing diamonds. 

Experienced jewelry producers make sure to clean the slices so that defects do not expand during formation. When using processes like CVD to create lab-grown diamonds, jewelers can have the diamonds ready in less than a month. Smaller diamonds can be ready within a shorter period compared to larger pieces. 

Process Equipment

Mining engineers use tools like drills and conveyors to extract natural diamonds. When applying the HTHP to make lab-grown diamonds, small amounts of carbon in the form of small diamonds are necessary. The small diamonds comprising carbon are contained in cubes. Hydraulic equipment helps exert extreme pressure on the cube. Electric pulse generators apply excessive heat to the cube, forming rough diamonds within a few weeks. 

Securely sealing the chamber makes sure there are no gas impurities that can contaminate carbon-rich gas, which is then channeled into the chamber and exposed to extreme temperatures. This causes the gas to break down and bond to the diamond slice. As more gas is fed into the chamber, more coating is added to the diamond slice while increasing the carat weight. 

Composition

It is common for natural diamonds to have nitrogen impurities and other foreign objects. These impurities may have been imposed on the diamond as it formed under high pressure and heat over time. Lab-grown diamonds are likely to have carbon-rich gas without impurities or additives.

You could get lab-grown diamonds with clear crystals because they comprise pure carbon. Some add nitrogen to the carbon-rich gas to catalyze diamond formation. Depending on client preferences, adding impurities like nitrogen helps create custom-colored lab-grown diamonds. 

Environmental Impact

Lab-grown diamonds require minimal water and space because they are formed within lab settings. Extensive tracts of land may be cleared for the extraction of natural diamonds, and natural resources like water may be necessary to cool mining systems.

Cost of Production

To make lab-grown diamonds, you may need a laboratory, specialized labor, and an initial investment in hardware and technologies. After setting up your equipment, you can continue producing lab-grown diamonds on a large scale. 

Certified gemologists can make sure producers of lab-grown diamonds achieve appropriate standards for cut, color, and clarity. Natural diamonds may be costlier because extraction requires investing in land for mining and labor. The mines could be exhausted over time. Additional investments in land and labor may be necessary to extract more diamonds and fulfill demand. 

Rarity 

Natural diamonds undergo formation for centuries. Diamonds extracted from mines may have formed millions of years ago. The supply could get exhausted over time due to the slow formation process. Lab-grown diamonds with similar visual and chemical features are made using replicable procedures. Production depends on technologies like lasers and hydraulic processes that help create more lab-grown diamonds to meet demand. 

Labor Requirements

Relying on technologies such as hydraulic presses and lasers lowers the personnel requirements for making lab-grown diamonds. Making these diamonds only requires a lab technician, experienced jewelers, and gemologists. There are more labor requirements for the extraction of natural diamonds. Various personnel, including blasters, underground miners, heavy equipment operators, electricians, and drillers, help in extraction. 

Look For Jewelers Today

Experienced jewelers can help you find a diamond that meets your preferences. They may offer a variety of diamond colors, including rose gold, white gold, and yellow gold color options. Some will offer shapes such as oval and heart-shaped diamonds to match unique tastes. Lab-grown diamonds crafted by skilled diamond producers offer matching physical, optical, and chemical aspects of natural diamonds. Contact established jewelers today to learn more about the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds.