You may be wondering what is laboratory grown diamonds? The simple answer is, diamonds developed in a laboratory are real diamonds, just like diamonds that are mined. The only difference is that what grows from diamond is the “seed” that scientists extract using the latest technology – not extracted from the soil.
The conditions in the laboratory reflect the natural conditions under which diamonds form in the Earth’s mantle. For this reason, laboratory diamonds consist of carbon atoms in a crystal lattice structure, much like mined diamonds. However, there are some differences between laboratory grown diamonds and natural diamonds. Next, everything you need to know about lab-developed diamonds, from price to reasons for their increasing popularity, before you shop with engagement rings.
Lab grown vs. natural diamond
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Natural diamonds form in the earth’s crust, whereas laboratory-made diamonds are man-made. They have been around for over 20 years, but only in the last five to seven years laboratory diamonds have become jewelery. Apart from white diamonds, lab grown diamonds are now available in a variety of colors such as yellow and pink, which are extremely rare in their natural state.
The highest quality laboratory diamonds are grown from seed in the purest form of carbon, Type IIA. Laboratory grown diamonds are classified according to the same cut, color and purity parameters as natural diamonds. In addition, they have the same certification procedure as natural diamonds.
Increase in popularity
Since January 2020, we have seen a shift from 100% of course to about 50% of laboratory customers. Bain’s report for 2019 only links the growth of the laboratory diamond market between last year and between 15 and 20%. It may be even more in 2021 according to industry experts.
In the past five years it has been so refined that laboratory-made diamonds and natural diamonds are indistinguishable. As in a technology-driven industry, there will definitely be more efficiency and controlled processes in the future that will accelerate the rate of diamond cultivation and it can also provide more control over the quality of the diamond, but only time will tell how quickly this success can be achieved.
Average price for lab grown diamonds
The supply chain for natural diamonds can be complex and logistics costs can increase, making natural diamonds more expensive than lab grown diamonds you may compare the price by visiting Alexander sparks. Shah reports that the most amazing aspect of laboratory-developed diamonds is that they are 30 percent cheaper than natural diamonds. For more details on the price differences between laboratory-made diamonds and “real” diamonds, Shah shares examples of some common diamonds, grades and price differences:
- H VS2 round: $ 5150 course versus $ 1300 lab
- 1.50 H VS2 Round: $ 9,900 course versus $ 2,400 lab
- 2.00 H VS2 Round: $ 19,500 course versus $ 4,000 lab
- H VS2 oval: $ 16,000 natural versus $ 5,000 lab
- 1.50 H VS2 oval: $ 10,000 course versus $ 2,800 lab
- 2.00 H VS2 oval: a $ 4100 course against a $ 1200 lab
Advantages and disadvantages of laboratory-grown diamonds
Due to their manufacture, laboratory diamonds are conflict free and ethically sound. With rising awareness against aggression and civil rights abuses which is major concern in several diamond mines, many conscientious couples are choosing for alternatives to traditional diamonds and discover lab-grown diamonds. Diamonds grown in a laboratory are usually environmentally friendly, and some blades ensure that diamonds are carbon neutral when they are made.
People choose lab diamond engagement rings for many other reasons. They are often pleased to have diamonds that are bigger in size or superior in quality than natural diamonds. This allows people to change the size to a larger carat size for the shape they want. At the same time, people who buy lab diamonds usually have that flavor. This could include styles like hidden halos, modern round designs, and shiny metal on metal rings,” explains Shah.
There is no doubt about the appeal of laboratory-grown diamonds, but there are still reasons why people use traditional, naturally-found diamonds. Shah points out that diamonds developed in the laboratory do not have the “emotional” component of earth diamonds; Natural diamonds, which took millions of years to make, are a very different story to diamonds being made in less than 10 weeks. The long-term resale value is also unknown as laboratory grown diamonds are a fairly new market. This rhinestone can also be considered unconventional, which can be a big problem for brides who prefer tradition.
