Derived from the ancient Greek word “Adamas,” which translates to invincible, diamonds are one of the toughest substances to occur on the planet known to humanity to this date. From their uses ranging from fashion and luxury, as seen in expensive jewellery items, to their use in the healthcare system, as seen in surgical instruments, diamonds have a significance in our everyday life that cannot be denied in any way. But even still, only a handful of the population can afford this gemstone, even with its many uses and importance. The question that is raised now is whether this will continue like this. The answer is no, as diamonds can be synthesized in labs today, making them a luxury item that many can and will be able to afford in the modern world.
How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made?
In recent years, the most important development in gemology has been the availability of lab-created diamonds in the commercial market. Although the start of these synthetic diamonds was based on a form of research or industrial product, a few decades later, this product can now be seen as a commodity in the marketplace of fashion and jewellery. So, how exactly are these synthetic diamonds made in the laboratory?
Two major processes can be used to make these synthetic lab-grown diamonds. One process is called a high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) synthesis of diamonds. In contrast, the chemical vapour deposition (CVD) method is the other process for producing lab-grown diamonds. While HPHT involves higher energy and equipment costs to achieve the high pressure and temperature conditions, the alternate solution is the CVD method, which involves using a low-pressure environment to create the synthetic diamonds. Either of these processes can be used to make lab-created diamonds depending upon the lab structure, the availability of the proper equipment, financing, and technical knowledge.
Lab-Grown Diamonds Or Mined Diamonds —- Which Is Better?
Diamonds have always been taken as a symbol of romance, wealth, and prestige. History is filled with examples of nations mesmerized by the beauty of this gemstone. The ancient Romans believed that diamonds, as captivating as they were, could only be splinters that fell from the stars or were the tears of the Gods. The value of this gemstone has increased ever since, whether it be due to its sheer strength or the blinding glint it bears.
Chemical Composition And Physical Properties
Their chemical composition is identical, whether it is a lab-grown diamond or a diamond obtained after mining and refining. Both have only one element, carbon, in a pure, crystallized, and transparent form. While mined diamonds went through immense pressure for millions of years, the same principle is now being applied in labs to obtain the same carbon form in less time.
Physically, the synthetic diamond also features a Mohs hardness of 10, the same that is present for natural diamonds. The durability and strength of both synthetic diamonds and natural diamonds are identical. Due to their indistinguishable physical and chemical properties, many top diamond companies are also making synthetic diamonds available in their collections along with natural diamonds.
Blood Diamonds And Their History
The past has been filled with examples presenting diamonds as a source of conflict and corruption within different states. Countries have suffered at the hands of this ruthless and cutthroat business. The diamond trade has led to multiple insurgencies and terrorist attacks where innocent lives faced the ramifications of this illegal trend. Workers who are forced to mine face unhygienic conditions with extremely poor salaries. Moreover, rebels who oppose the elected governments sell the diamonds mined from these regions. The money obtained after selling these diamonds is used to obtain arms to aid in military actions.
But with the advancements in the production of lab-created diamonds, there is no need for the business of blood diamonds to continue. Eventually, a time will come when synthetic diamonds will irrevocably replace these illegal ones. Synthetic diamonds will promote peace and pacifism in the regions associated with this conflicting business.
Spiritual Significance With Lab-Grown Diamonds
People prefer wearing gemstones because they hold specific emotions and spiritual meanings. The query that arises is not obtained through natural sources able to have a spiritual significance and hold a specific meaning to the bearer. The answer is yes. Lab-created diamonds do have that spiritual significance. It is important to hold this synthetic gemstone and spend time with it. Let your spiritual body feel the essence of the synthetic stone by giving it some time and attention, and in due course, you will feel its effects. So, wear your synthetic diamond proudly and let the stone connect with your spiritual body.
Memorial Diamonds And The Emotional Implications Involved
With lab-grown diamonds being synthesized in the laboratories, as the name implies, a new sensation came into being in the form of memorial diamonds. Memorial diamonds are made in memory of someone special by using the same principles and processes involved in making lab-grown diamonds. The only difference is the substrate used is the cremated form of the departed relative or the pet. Scientifically, less than 2% of the carboniferous remains are required from the cremated body and the hair to form these “memorial diamonds.”
Interestingly, ever since the business of memorial diamonds took off, the cremation of deceased relatives in many countries also rose to surprising numbers. The emotional implications of memorial diamonds and how they can help the deceased’s loved ones through their journey of grief are still under debate. Still, current evidence leads more toward these memorial diamonds’ positive effects on the grief journey.
People who opted for these symbolic tangible memorial pieces were more prone to achieve the state of integrated grief early on than the general population. But then again, this could also be coincidental depending upon other factors playing at hand, such as the color of the diamond, its shape, and so on. These factors play a role in changing the perspective of a person towards a particular situation. Individual variation also plays a crucial part in these grief journeys.
An Affordable Luxury
Diamonds, with their glamour and strength, have captivated humanity for centuries. But the campaign of the ruling diamond-producing company, De Beers, brought an upheaval among the people in 1948 with the famous ad campaign’s words that said, “A diamond is forever.” For years to come, diamonds could only be afforded by society’s elite. But with the ascendence of lab-created diamonds in the marketplace, diamonds are not just for the ultra-rich anymore. They are now available for much less than synthetic diamonds, virtually identical to natural ones. Diamonds are now for everyone and available as an affordable luxury. Diamonds will never lose their sparkle, whether grown in a lab or extracted from a mine.
Wrap Up
As you can see, there’s a lot to love about pink lab-grown diamonds. They’re beautiful, sustainable, and ethical—the perfect alternative to a mined diamond. If you want to give your loved one something unique this Valentine’s Day, try out one of our pink lab-grown diamond necklaces or rings!
by Australian Diamond Brokers : May 10th 2023 Come visit our store or browse our website to find out more.