Although lab-grown diamonds have been commercially available since the 1980s, they've recently experienced a surge in popularity. These space age stones, created in labs and not mined from the surface of the earth, have disrupted the way jewelers and consumers approach diamonds and diamond engagement rings. What's all of the bling buzz about? A new method of creating what was once a rare gem has made buying diamonds more accessible to cost-conscious couples looking for a less expensive—and potentially more eco-friendly and ethical—alternative to mined diamonds.
What is a lab-grown diamond?
A lab grown diamond is just that—a diamond. Advanced technology allows scientists to mimic the exact conditions beneath the earth's crust where diamonds form, to create stones that are identical to what you find in nature. "A lab grown diamond is a diamond that was made to crystallize and grow in a modern laboratory, rather than forming deep in the earth more than a billion years ago, " says Steve Rees GG., Executive Lab Director at International Gemological Institute (IGI). "Once grown, they are polished with the same tools and brought to market in the same manner as natural diamonds."
Another notable difference is that lab-grown diamonds are widely considered to be a sustainable and ethical choice. Given that the practice of mining diamonds has been under scrutiny for many years—especially as it relates to the notion of "blood diamonds" and their negative environmental impact—lab-created stones are an ethical alternative that helps minimize unfavorable consequences to the environment and society. Siso also notes that lab-created diamonds are fully traceable, while mined diamonds are oftentimes difficult to trace.
Lab-grown diamonds are physically identical to mined diamonds. They both score 10 on the Mohs scale. The only difference between the two is point of origin.
Lab-created diamonds share an identical growing process to mined diamonds. They form first as carbon atoms under high temperature and immense pressure, then bond together to grow a crystalline lattice structure. Once fully formed, they are cut and polished to reveal maximum brilliance. Like mined diamonds, lab diamonds come in a variety of color and clarity grades. Because they don't have the human or environmental costs associated with mined diamonds, lab diamonds offer the best value for anyone interested in real diamonds.