Lab-Grown Diamonds VS Natural Diamonds
Do you know the difference between a lab-grown diamond and a natural diamond? Most of us don’t. The only difference between the two is the process by which they are made. A lab-grown diamond is exactly that, made in a lab whereas a natural diamond is formed and harvested from the earth.
Lab-grown diamonds are made in laboratories using advanced techniques that mimic the conditions that natural diamonds develop under in the earth's mantle. Scientists use either a combination of extremely high temperatures and pressure or a process called Chemical Vapour Deposition to create these conditions and then wait for around 6-10 weeks for the diamonds to grow in a diamond growth chamber. Once this process is complete, the rough diamonds are cut, polished, and ready to be used.
In comparison, natural diamonds form when carbon atoms bond with 4 other atoms under very high pressures and temperatures from the earth. When the pressure reaches around 50,000 times the pressure at the earth's surface and the temperature rises to 1600°C, the atoms bond together and create a diamond. The most common way of mining diamonds in Australia is open-pit mining. This is where the top layer of soil and rock is removed to expose the diamond-bearing layer which is usually about 50-100 meters below the surface. This layer is then excavated and the diamonds are extracted.
'It is extremely difficult for gemologists to distinguish between natural and lab-grown diamonds.'
There are no noticeable differences in quality, appearance or physical properties between lab-grown and natural diamonds as they are fundamentally the same thing. The only thing that differentiates the two is that lab diamonds are made in a lab and natural diamonds are mined. They are made up of all of the same materials and undergo the same formation processes.
It is extremely difficult for gemologists to distinguish between natural and lab-grown diamonds. A highly-trained gemologist may be able to tell the difference through the use of advanced and specialised testing. Consumers, on the other hand, need to rely on the honesty of the company that is selling the diamonds as they look and feel the same.
The one major determining factor on the price difference between lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds is simply the supply and demand. Natural diamonds have a high scarcity compared to lab-grown diamonds as the latter can be produced on mass whereas the supply of natural diamonds depends on the amount that can be mined. Wastage is another factor as when the diamonds are being cut and polished for setting, there is always a small element of wastage as well as a small allowance for mistakes during this process. Mistakes with lab-grown diamonds are easier to rectify as they can be manufactured for less on demand. In contrast, natural diamonds either have to be made into something smaller or discarded entirely.
From a manufacturing perspective, the prices of lab-grown diamonds have been decreasing as the laboratories are getting more efficient in their manufacturing processes meaning they can make a higher volume in a smaller time frame. However, the demand for lab-grown diamonds has increased from the consumer end as people are becoming increasingly more eco-conscious with their jewellery purchases which have pushed prices up at an e-commerce level.
SHOP LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS
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Diamond Petit Solitaire Earring
14 Karat White Gold / Lab-Grown Diamond / Single or PairRegular price $145.00Regular priceUnit price per -
Piccolo Diamond Earring
14 Karat Yellow Gold / Lab-Grown Diamond / Single or PairRegular price $125.00Regular priceUnit price per -
Diamond Petit Solitaire Earring
14 Karat Yellow Gold / Lab-Grown Diamond / Single or PairRegular price $140.00Regular priceUnit price per -
Diamond Petit Duo Earring
14 Karat White Gold / Lab-Grown Diamond / Single or PairRegular price $200.00Regular priceUnit price per -
Piccolo Diamond Earring
14 Karat White Gold / Lab-Grown Diamond / Single or PairRegular price $130.00Regular priceUnit price per
