A common question many people have when shopping for diamonds is, "Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?" At Creekside Jewelers, we are here to help you navigate the world of diamonds and find the best option for your unique needs.
Lab-grown diamonds may seem new and unfamiliar to some, but they are just as real as their natural counterparts. Understanding the differences in how they’re created, their properties, and their market value is key to making an informed decision. In this blog, we’ll dive deeper into the question of whether lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds and why understanding these distinctions can help you choose the right diamond for your needs.
Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Real Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are indeed real diamonds, sharing the exact same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. The key to their authenticity lies in their structure—both lab-grown and natural diamonds are made of pure carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice. This arrangement gives diamonds their renowned hardness, ranking a 10 on the Mohs scale, as well as their brilliance and light performance.
Chemical Composition
Lab-grown diamonds are composed of the same pure carbon atoms that make up natural diamonds. During their creation in a laboratory, these carbon atoms bond in the same way they do deep within the Earth's mantle. Whether formed in nature or in a lab, the end result is a diamond with the same core composition.
Optical and Physical Properties
Lab-grown diamonds exhibit the same optical properties as natural diamonds. They reflect light in the same way, producing the familiar brilliance, fire, and scintillation that diamonds are known for. Their hardness, durability, and resistance to scratching are identical to those of natural diamonds, making them just as suitable for daily wear in engagement rings and other fine jewelry.
Comparing Lab-Grown and Natural Diamonds
Lab-grown and natural diamonds share identical properties, but their different origins provide unique characteristics for each. Let’s explore how these two types of diamonds compare across important factors.
Chemical and Physical Properties
- Same Optical Characteristics: Lab-grown diamonds exhibit the same brilliance, fire, and sparkle as natural diamonds. To the naked eye, they are indistinguishable from each other. Even experts require specialized equipment to differentiate between the two based on certain microscopic characteristics.
- Hardness: Both lab-grown and natural diamonds rank at 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them the hardest natural substance known. This means they are equally durable and resistant to scratching, which is why both are ideal for engagement rings and daily wear.
- Inclusions and Flaws: Lab-grown diamonds can have inclusions, or internal characteristics, similar to those found in natural diamonds. However, lab-grown diamonds generally have fewer inclusions because they are grown under controlled conditions. Any inclusions in lab-grown diamonds are often a result of the production process rather than natural environmental factors.
Rarity and Value
- Rarity: Natural diamonds are formed over millions of years under specific conditions, making them rare and precious. In contrast, lab-grown diamonds can be produced on demand, leading to a higher supply and thus making them more accessible and affordable.
- Pricing: One of the most noticeable differences is price. Lab-grown diamonds are typically 20-40% less expensive than natural diamonds of comparable size, cut, and quality. This is due to the controlled production process, which allows for greater supply, and the reduced rarity compared to natural diamonds.
- Investment Value: Because natural diamonds are rarer, they have historically retained better resale value over time. Lab-grown diamonds, while visually identical, may not hold the same long-term value in the market due to their increased availability.
Certification and Grading: How Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Evaluated
The Importance of Certification
Certification from reputable laboratories like the GIA or IGI gives buyers confidence that their diamond, whether lab-grown or natural, has been objectively evaluated and graded according to international standards. A certified diamond comes with a report detailing its grading for the 4Cs, allowing the buyer to make an informed choice based on objective data rather than subjective perception.
For lab-grown diamonds, the grading process is identical to that of natural diamonds, and there is no compromise on the evaluation of their quality. This means you can trust that a lab-grown diamond graded for superior cut, color, clarity, and carat weight will hold the same value in terms of beauty and craftsmanship as a natural diamond of the same grading.
Laser Inscription for Lab-Grown Diamonds
One unique aspect of lab-grown diamonds is that many are inscribed with a tiny laser marking on the girdle (the outer edge of the diamond). This laser inscription serves as an identifier, indicating that the diamond was grown in a laboratory rather than formed naturally. The inscription is extremely small and only visible under magnification, ensuring that it does not affect the appearance or beauty of the stone.
This inscription is an important feature because it allows jewelers and consumers to easily distinguish between lab-grown and natural diamonds while still providing the same assurance of quality. For customers who want the beauty and brilliance of a diamond but want to know its exact origin, this inscription provides peace of mind.
Confidence in Quality
In conclusion, the certification and grading process for lab-grown diamonds ensures that they meet the same high standards as natural diamonds. Whether you’re purchasing a diamond for an engagement ring or a custom jewelry piece, knowing that both lab-grown and natural diamonds are held to the same stringent evaluation process allows you to confidently choose the diamond that best suits your taste and budget.
Conclusion
Lab-grown diamonds are just as real as natural diamonds, offering the same brilliance, durability, and quality. By understanding their differences in origin, rarity, and value, you can confidently make a decision that suits your needs.
Whether you’re drawn to the innovation and accessibility of lab-grown diamonds or the natural rarity of earth-formed diamonds, our expert team is here to guide you through the process. With our certified and carefully evaluated diamonds, you can trust that whichever option you choose, it will be a true reflection of beauty, craftsmanship, and lasting value. Visit Creekside Jewelers today to explore our stunning collection of both lab-grown and natural diamonds, and let us help you find the perfect piece that fits your style and budget.