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Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab diamonds, also known as lab grown or lab created diamonds, are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds, and are created in laboratory environments that mimic the conditions under which natural diamonds form.

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A lab diamond, short for laboratory-grown diamond, is exactly what it sounds like: a diamond created in a lab rather than deep within the Earth. But don’t let that fool you. Lab diamonds are real diamonds. They have the same sparkle, composition, and durability as natural ones formed underground over millions of years.

Lab grown diamonds are made using advanced technology to simulate the process of natural diamond formation. There are two main methods: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). HPHT simulates conditions found deep beneath the Earth by applying tremendous pressure and heat to carbon. CVD heats gas mixtures to create plasma that deposits carbon atoms onto a diamond crystal.

Yes. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds — they have the same chemical composition, crystalline structure, and physical appearance as natural diamonds. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has also confirmed that lab diamonds are real diamonds (not imitations or simulants).

A man-made diamond is simply another name for a lab-grown diamond. It is a real diamond, but rather than growing deep inside the Earth over millions of years, it is made in a laboratory using cutting-edge technology. Same shine, same structure, but different origin.

The only difference between lab grown and natural diamonds is their origin. Natural diamonds are formed deep below the Earth’s surface over billions of years, while lab grown diamonds are created in a laboratory. Despite their different origins, both lab and natural diamonds are identical in chemical composition and physical appearance.

Lab grown diamonds are created in controlled environments, which allows for better quality control and supply chain transparency. Additionally, lab diamonds appeal to environmentally conscious consumers as their sustainable sourcing methods cause minimal disruption to the earth.

No, lab grown diamonds do not naturally become cloudy over time. Any cloudiness is typically the result of surface residue, dirt, or damage, which can easily be addressed through proper cleaning and care.

Lab grown diamonds, like natural diamonds, are made of pure carbon atoms arranged in a crystal structure. The carbon atoms bond in a specific pattern, which creates the diamond's exceptional hardness and brilliant light reflection properties.

No, to the naked eye, lab grown and natural diamonds look exactly the same. Professional gemologists can only distinguish lab grown diamonds from natural diamonds using specialized equipment.

Lab grown diamonds are also called lab created diamonds, lab diamonds, man-made diamonds, or synthetic diamonds.

Lab grown diamonds were initially created in 1954 by General Electric (GE) for industrial use. Gem-quality stones suitable for fine jewelry became available in the 1980s and gained widespread market acceptance in the 2000s.

In 2012, Brilliant Earth was one of the first in the industry to sell lab diamonds, a mining-free alternative to natural diamonds. In more recent years, we’ve made significant strides in sustainability within the lab grown diamond industry — including our Capture Collection, which uses CO2 before it’s released into the atmosphere to create lab diamonds, and Renewable Collection, which includes lab diamonds grown, cut, and polished using 100% renewable energy. We were also one of the first retailers to offer SCS Sustainably Rated lab diamonds, which are carbon neutral.

Lab grown diamonds can contain inclusions However, lab grown diamonds have different types of inclusions than natural diamonds. HPHT made diamonds containing small metal particles from the growth process and CVD made diamonds having graphite or carbon-based inclusions. Scientists can control many factors during lab diamond creation, which often results in higher clarity grades.

Because lab grown diamonds can be produced on demand while natural diamonds are a limited resource, lab grown diamonds cost less than natural diamonds.

When comparing the ethics of lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds, one must weigh their unique impacts:

  • Environmental Impact: Lab grown diamonds reduce land use because they avoid mining.
  • Labor Practices: Lab grown diamonds are produced in lower risk working environments due to the controlled settings.
  • Supply Chain Transparency:Tracing lab grown diamonds to their source is generally easier, but blockchain tracking technology and certifications like the Kimberley Process exist to support conflict-free natural diamonds traceability.

Yes, with a rating of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, lab grown diamonds are as hard as natural diamonds. This durability makes lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds highly resistant to scratching, which is ideal for long-lasting jewelry.