Natural lab diamonds nz are formed within the Earth’s mantle through billions of years of intense heat and pressure that cause carbon atoms to crystallize into this stunning gem.
Thanks to modern science, we can now replicate this process in the lab using Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) or High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT). These methods produce synthetic diamonds with the look and feel of mined diamonds – but grown in a laboratory rather than from the Earth itself.
1. They’re Identical to Mined Diamonds
Lab-created diamonds are chemically, physically and optically identical to mined stones. They begin with a single carbon “seed,” which then undergoes either High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD).
Lab-grown diamonds are then carefully shaped and cut to form the classic diamond shape we know and love. The end result is identical to a mined lab diamonds–sparkling, beautiful, and forever timeless!
They’re also environmentally friendly. Unlike mined diamonds, which require large amounts of energy for extraction, lab created diamonds are produced using renewable and sustainable energy sources.
2. They’re More Affordable
Lab created diamonds are typically more cost effective than mined ones due to their rarity and higher price tag.
Lab-grown diamonds are also more eco-friendly due to the use of less water and energy than natural diamonds do. Plus, these gems come in various quality qualities so they make for great investment options.
Even if you purchase a lab created diamond, it’s essential to understand that they do not retain their value the way natural diamonds do. Prices could fluctuate over time depending on demand, market supply and technology-driven price changes due to changes in demand or supply conditions.
3. They’re More Sustainable
If you’re searching for a more sustainable diamond, lab created diamonds are an excellent option. They require less energy to manufacture than mined stones and don’t have the same environmental impact as naturally mined gemstones.
Lab grown diamonds are produced through two main processes – CVD and HPHT – that require significantly fewer resources than natural mining methods. Furthermore, they don’t harm the ecosystem or wildlife, while safely discarding production waste through recycling techniques.
However, as with any industry, there are caveats. For instance, a recent report, an industry trade association for diamonds, found that mining natural diamonds is more damaging for the environment than creating laboratory gems.
4. They’re More Versatile
Lab diamonds are created much faster than natural ones do, as they grow from deep within the earth’s crust over billions of years. This allows lab grown diamonds to be created in an array of colours, clarity ratings, cuts and carat weights.
Laboratory created diamonds offer a more versatile option than mined diamonds, as they can be cut into an array of unique shapes such as round, rose, princess, oval, cushion, emerald and heart cuts.
These lab created diamonds are an excellent choice for those seeking a sustainable and ethical alternative to mined stones. Generally, they boast higher purity ratings than naturally formed gems and come in various colours, clarity levels, and carat weights.
5. They’re More Expensive
Lab-created diamonds tend to be more costly than mined diamonds, despite their advantages. This is because natural diamonds are an uncommon commodity and can only be found in certain areas.
Diamond mining requires a large workforce, extensive land and infrastructure, as well as considerable time to locate and extract them from the earth. Unlike laboratory processes, diamond mining requires an energy-intensive long-term plan that displaces substantial amounts of Earth’s soil and rock to bring them into existence.
Conclusion
Thus, mining diamonds can require up to 100,000 pounds of earth’s energy to form one carat of raw diamonds. On the other hand, lab-grown diamonds require only a fraction of this effort and can be produced more efficiently.
