Lab-Grown Diamonds: The Ethical BlingOctober 29, 2023

Take a look at these two pictures of diamond earrings. Both are crafted in 14K yellow gold and feature a 2 ct diamond. The one on the left has a clarity of I1 and a color grade G, while the one on the right has a clarity of VS and a color grade of E-F. But the one on the left is $8,040.99 and the one on the right is $2,271.41. Even though their gold and carat weight is exactly the same, and the one on the right has better qualities, why is the one on the right cheaper? That’s because they are lab-grown diamond earrings.

Lab-grown diamonds are a beautiful alternative to diamonds that offer the same captivation as natural diamonds. But what are lab-grown diamonds? Are they real diamonds? Is it possible to spot the differences? In this blog post, we will talk about everything you need to know about lab-grown diamonds and why they deserve a spot in your jewelry box.

What is a Lab-Grown Diamond?

A lab-grown diamond is literally its name - a diamond grown in a laboratory. Unlike natural diamonds that form deep within the earth and are mined, lab-grown diamonds are man-made, and are grown in a laboratory by replicating the conditions under which natural diamonds form. There are two methods of doing this: chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or high pressure, high temperature (HPHT). But both methods produce beautiful, ethical diamonds. Once fully formed, lab-grown diamonds are cut, polished, and evaluated, similar to natural diamonds.

Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?

Yes! Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical and chemical components, making them identical to natural diamonds. The main difference is their formation process; while natural diamonds form deep within the earth, lab-grown diamonds are “grown” in a laboratory.

Lab-grown diamonds even pass the diamond test because they are made of crystallized carbon, the same as natural diamonds. Similarly, they are graded on their 4CS’s - cut, color, clarity, and carat. They also have the same Mohs hardness of 10, so they are just as durable as natural diamonds.

Can You Tell the Difference Between Natural Diamonds and Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds look exactly like natural diamonds, so it is impossible to tell them apart. Even trained gemologists can't tell them apart without using advanced technology.

Advantages of Lab-Grown Diamonds

There are several advantages to buying a lab-grown diamond over a natural diamond. Lab-grown diamonds are more ethical, sustainable, and affordable than natural diamonds, but are just as beautiful as natural diamonds.

Ethical

Diamond mining has been associated with several human rights abuses. As the production of lab-grown diamonds is conflict-free, they are an ethical alternative to natural diamonds.

Sustainable

The environmental footprint of lab-grown diamonds is considerably smaller than that of natural diamonds. This makes lab-grown diamonds a greener choice for eco-conscious buyers. However, some lab-grown diamonds are produced using fossil fuels, which can have a large carbon footprint similar to natural diamonds. Therefore, you should choose lab-grown diamonds that are sustainably made.

Affordable

One of the main reasons behind the high cost of natural diamonds is demand; since natural diamonds are always in demand, diamond retailers charge more for them. Natural diamonds also require more labor and middlemen, making them more expensive. But due to less labor and middlemen, lab-grown diamonds cost less than natural diamonds, making high-quality diamonds more accessible to a wider range of people.

Conclusion

Due to high demand and availability, natural diamonds are not as rare as they used to be. They are still “one of a kind” since no one natural diamond is the same, but whether that is an important factor is a personal choice. So the choice is ultimately yours. If you still prefer natural diamonds, then we have a variety of  Diamond Earrings and Diamond Rings for you.

But lab-grown diamonds are reshaping the jewelry industry as their ethical sourcing, environmental sustainability, and affordability make them a sought-after gem. At Bayam Jewelry, we value everything lab-grown diamonds stand for, so we are actively working to include more lab-grown diamond jewelry in our collection. With growing environmental and human rights concerns, perhaps natural diamonds are a gem of the past, and lab-grown diamonds are the future.