Diamonds have been popular for engagement rings and other jewelry for centuries. But, traditional diamonds are becoming increasingly unpopular due to their high cost and the unethical practices often used to obtain them.
They are being replaced by a new type of diamond known as a lab-grown diamond. The demand for lab grown diamonds is increasing rapidly among the younger, environmentally conscious generation who wants to have beautiful jewelry without guilt. Moreover, they don’t want to spend a fortune on a small piece of jewelry.
But, what are lab grown diamonds exactly, and why should you care? Let’s find out!
What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?
A lab grown diamond is a real diamond, just like the diamonds you see in jewelry stores. The only difference is that a lab grown diamond is made in a laboratory rather than mined from the Earth. Growing a diamond in the laboratory requires a seed diamond – a small piece of natural diamond, that acts as a nucleus for the new diamond. Scientists then use advanced equipment and techniques to grow the diamond into a bigger shape in a controlled environment.
Types of Jewelry Available With Lab Grown Diamonds
There are a few different types of jewelry that you can purchase that contain lab grown diamonds. For instance, you can make diamond rings, diamond tennis bracelets, diamond stud earrings, wedding rings, proposal rings, diamond wedding bands, and every other type of jewelry imaginable with lab grown diamonds.
The jewelry will look as stunning and be just as durable as if it were made with a natural diamond. The only difference is that you’ll be able to feel good knowing your diamond was grown in a laboratory, not mined from the Earth. Moreover, they will be more affordable than a natural diamond.
The Process of Making Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds are created using two processes. They are High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) processes. Both the processes are discussed in detail below.
- HPHT
HPHT is the older of the two processes. In this, a small diamond seed is placed in a chamber with graphite and a metal catalyst. The chamber is then placed in a machine that subjects it to high pressure (around 1.5 million pounds per square inch) and high temperature (around 2,700 Fahrenheit).
The high pressure and temperature cause the carbon atoms in the graphite to dissolve and attach themselves to the diamond seed, gradually growing the size of the diamond.
- CVD
It is a newer process compared to HPHT. In this process, a small diamond seed is placed in a chamber with a carbon-containing gas, such as methane. The chamber is then placed in a machine that subjects it to a high temperature (around 1200-1400°C) and a low pressure (around 0.1 Pa).
The high temperature causes the carbon atoms in the gas to break down and attach themselves to the diamond seed, gradually growing the size of the diamond.
We have seen a lot of excitement around lab grown diamonds lately and for good reasons! Here are a few reasons why you should care about lab grown diamonds and prefer them over natural diamonds.
Reasons to Buy Lab Grown Diamonds Over Natural Diamonds
There are several reasons to buy lab grown diamonds over natural diamonds. The major reasons are associated with environmental, ethical, human safety, and financial factors.
Now, let’s have a look in detail.
1. Environmentally Friendly
Lab grown diamonds are much more environmentally friendly than natural diamonds. The process of mining natural diamonds is very damaging to the environment. It involves clearing large tracts of land, using heavy machinery and explosives, and polluting rivers and streams. In contrast, growing diamonds doesn’t require any of this destructive mining.
2. Ethically Sourced
Most lab grown diamonds are certified as ethically sourced. This means they are free from the violence and conflict often associated with the diamond industry.
In contrast, many natural diamonds are mined in war zones and areas controlled by rebel groups. The money made from selling these diamonds is often used to finance wars and other atrocities.
3. More Affordable
Lab grown diamonds are also more affordable than natural diamonds. This is because they are not subject to the same market forces as natural diamonds. The price of natural diamonds is largely determined by rarity. Since lab grown diamonds can be created in large quantities, they are not as rare (and therefore not as expensive).
Moreover, ;ab grown diamonds are becoming more affordable for the average person with each passing year. This is good news for those who have been wanting to purchase a diamond, but were put off by the high prices.
4. Increased Human Safety
The mining of natural diamonds often puts workers in dangerous and life-threatening situations. Mined diamonds result in one injury for every thousand workers every year. In contrast, the process of growing diamonds in a laboratory is much safer, with zero injuries.
The reason is that lab grown diamonds are created in a controlled and safe environment, using advanced equipment and techniques. There is no risk of cancer, hearing loss, asphyxia, and other issues associated with mining natural diamonds.
5. Better for the Economy
Lab grown diamonds are also better for the economy than natural diamonds. This is because they create jobs in the diamond industry without damaging the environment. In contrast, mining for natural diamonds often results in environmental damage and can displace local communities. This can impact the local and national economies negatively.
These are just a few of the reasons to buy lab grown diamonds over natural diamonds. If you’re looking for an engagement ring or other piece of diamond jewelry, definitely consider a lab grown diamond! You’ll be able to find a beautiful diamond that is better for the environment, ethically sourced, and more affordable.
Conclusion
Lab grown diamonds are an excellent alternative to natural diamonds. They are more environmentally friendly, ethically sourced, and affordable. They are also just as beautiful and durable as natural diamonds. If you’re looking for a piece of diamond jewelry, definitely consider a lab grown diamond! You won’t be disappointed.
