Lab-grown diamonds are becoming more popular and accessible in the jewellery market, as they offer an alternative to mined diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds that are created in a laboratory, using advanced technology and high pressure and temperature. They have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, but they have different origins and characteristics.
However, there are also many myths and misconceptions about lab-grown diamonds, which can confuse and mislead consumers. In this article, we will debunk some of the most common myths and reveal the facts about lab-grown diamonds, so you can make an informed and confident decision when buying or owning them.
Myth 1: Lab-Grown Diamonds are Fake or Artificial
One of the most prevalent myths about lab-grown diamonds is that they are fake or artificial, and therefore inferior to natural diamonds. This is not true. Lab-grown diamonds are real and genuine diamonds, as they have the same chemical composition (carbon) and crystal structure (cubic) as natural diamonds. They are also graded and certified by the same gemological institutes as natural diamonds, such as the GIA, the IGI, and the AGS. Lab-grown diamonds are not imitations or stimulants, such as cubic zirconia, moissanite, or glass, which have different chemical and physical properties and lower quality and value.
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The fact that lab-grown diamonds are created in a laboratory does not make them fake or artificial. In fact, lab-grown diamonds are made using the same natural processes that occur in the earth’s mantle, where natural diamonds are formed. Lab-grown diamonds are created by applying high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapour deposition (CVD) to a carbon source, such as graphite, methane, or a diamond seed. These methods mimic the natural conditions that create diamonds over millions of years, but in a much shorter time span and in a controlled environment. Lab-grown diamonds are not synthetic or man-made, but rather cultured or grown.
Myth 2: Lab-Grown Diamonds are Cheaper than Natural Diamonds
Another common myth about lab-grown diamonds is that they are cheaper than natural diamonds, and therefore a better deal. This is not always true. Lab-grown diamonds are not necessarily cheaper than natural diamonds, as they have different factors that affect their price. Lab-grown diamonds are priced based on their quality (colour, clarity, cut, and carat), their type (HPHT or CVD), their brand, and their supply and demand.
Natural diamonds are priced based on their quality, their rarity, their origin, and their market value. Depending on these factors, lab-grown diamonds can be more or less expensive than natural diamonds of the same quality and size. For example, a 1-carat lab-grown diamond of D colour and VS1 clarity can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $6,000, while a 1-carat natural diamond of the same quality can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000.
The fact that lab-grown diamonds are cheaper than natural diamonds does not mean that they are a better deal. In fact, lab-grown diamonds have a lower resale value and appreciation than natural diamonds, as they are more abundant and less scarce. Lab-grown diamonds are also subject to price fluctuations and reductions, as the technology and production improve and become more efficient. Natural diamonds, on the other hand, have a higher resale value and appreciation, as they are more rare and finite. Natural diamonds also have a longer and more established history and reputation in the jewellery market, which adds to their value and appeal.
Myth 3: Lab-Grown Diamonds are Ethical and Sustainable
Another popular myth about lab-grown diamonds is that they are ethical and sustainable, and therefore a better choice for the environment and society. This is not entirely true. Lab-grown diamonds are not necessarily ethical and sustainable, as they have their own environmental and social impacts.
Lab-grown diamonds are not regulated or monitored by any international standards or certifications, such as the Kimberley Process, the Responsible Jewellery Council, or the Diamond Development Initiative, which aim to ensure the ethical and sustainable practices of the natural diamond industry.
Myth 4: Lab-Grown Diamonds are Identical to Natural Diamonds
Another widespread myth about lab-grown diamonds is that they are identical to natural diamonds, and therefore indistinguishable from them. This is not true. Lab-grown diamonds are not identical to natural diamonds, as they have different characteristics and features that can be detected by trained professionals and specialised equipment. Lab-grown diamonds have different growth patterns, inclusions, fluorescence, and trace elements than natural diamonds, which can be observed under magnification, UV light, or spectroscopy.
Lab-grown diamonds also have inscriptions on their girdles, which indicate their origin, type, and certification number, which can be seen under a microscope or a loupe. Lab-grown diamonds are not impossible to tell apart from natural diamonds, but they are very difficult to distinguish by the naked eye or by untrained observers.
Myth 5: Lab-Grown Diamonds are the Future of the Diamond Industry
Another prevalent myth about lab-grown diamonds is that they are the future of the diamond industry, and therefore a threat to the natural diamond industry. This is not true. Lab-grown diamonds are not the future of the diamond industry, but rather a complement to the natural diamond industry. Lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds have different origins, characteristics, values, and appeals, which cater to different consumers and preferences.
Lab-grown diamonds are more suitable for those who are looking for a modern, innovative, and customizable option, while natural diamonds are more suitable for those who are looking for a classic, timeless, and unique option. Lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds can coexist and thrive in the diamond industry, as they offer more choices and opportunities for the consumers and the producers.
Conclusion
Lab-grown diamonds are a fascinating and exciting phenomenon in the jewellery market, as they offer a new and alternative way to create and enjoy diamonds. However, they are also surrounded by many myths and misconceptions, which can misinform and confuse the consumers. In this article, we have debunked some of the most common myths and revealed the facts about lab-grown diamonds, so you can have a better understanding and appreciation of them.
Lab-grown diamonds are not fake or artificial, they are not cheaper than natural diamonds, they are not ethical and sustainable, they are not identical to natural diamonds, and they are not the future of the diamond industry. Lab-grown diamonds are real and genuine diamonds, they have different prices than natural diamonds, they have their own environmental and social impacts, they have different characteristics and features than natural diamonds, and they are a complement to the natural diamond industry. Lab-grown diamonds are a remarkable and valuable addition to the world of diamonds, and they deserve to be recognized and respected.
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by Australian Diamond Brokers : February 16th 2024 Come visit our store or browse our website to find out more.