Buying gemstones can be challenging, especially for the novice in the field. But for the experienced eye, buying and caring for these gemstones is awe-inspiring. Found deep within the earth’s mantle, one gemstone that needs no introduction is the diamond which has been in jewellery for many generations and has been coveted for far too long. At the top of the list of well-sought-after famous gemstones, diamonds were formed due to the immense pressure that built up millions of years ago. After mining and refining, these diamonds were sold to potential buyers. But something that took so much effort in its formation and extraction is bound to have a monetary worth that few can afford. This brings us to science’s new invention, lab-grown diamonds.
What Exactly Is A Lab-Grown Diamond?
Just like mined diamonds that are made of pure, crystallized carbon and no other element is involved in their purest form, in the same way, lab-grown diamonds are also made up of one elemental form and composition of carbon. While diamonds were conventionally mined and extracted from the depths of the earth for years, now a revolution in gemmology has occurred in the form of lab-grown diamonds. The most famous gemstone is grown in labs by two methods currently worldwide. One method is the chemical vapour deposition (CVD) method of diamond production, while the other for diamond synthesis is the high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) method.
Dr. Tracy Hall pioneered the HPHT method for diamond synthesis, while Dr. William G. Eversole introduced the CVD method for producing lab-grown diamonds.
Tips On Buying A Lab-Grown Colored Diamond
Whether you buy a diamond made from HPHT or CVD, there are some tips on buying these synthesized diamonds. Although diamonds in their purest form are transparent without any colour or hue, many diamonds, whether lab-grown or not, undergo two processes, namely irradiation, and annealing, to induce a permanent colour. In this article, we will cover the basic tips you will require to buy an authentic lab-grown coloured diamond:
- Knowing your diamond: Before buying your synthetic diamond, it is paramount that you are aware of the 4Cs of your diamond. Among these 4Cs, namely cut, clarity, colour, and carat, the most important characteristic seeking your attention is the cut of the diamond. The diamond’s cut essentially gives rise to that blinding luster. It is said that for diamonds, size does not matter, only sparkle does, and this sparkle comes from the specific cut gradings. You can choose a bigger diamond ring with no shine or a small stone radiating shine everywhere. It ultimately comes down to nothing but the cut gradings. So, while deciding on your synthetic diamond’s characteristics, this is the one to look for that demands your undivided attention.
- Knowing where to buy: After deciding on your diamond 4Cs, looking into the company or business where you will buy your synthetic diamond is important to avoid getting any counterfeit product. It is recommended to go for top diamond companies selling synthetic diamonds in their collections along with natural diamonds. Hence, you are completely at ease that you are getting your money’s worth. You can also compare certain diamond jewellery among potential diamond-selling companies to find the best option for you.
- Certificates and return policies: You have selected your synthetic diamond from a company, now is the time to check the grading certificates before paying for it. Certified laboratories make grading certificates for synthetic diamonds. As a buyer, you should always have access to grading certificates of lab-created diamonds, and if this feature is unavailable, it might be a good guess on your part that you will be getting a counterfeit product. So, such a red flag indicates not buying this product. The return policy of the synthetic diamond should also be made available to you along with this grading certificate.
Tips On Caring For A Lab-Grown Colored Diamond
Although a whole lot of literature is not available regarding caring for a lab-grown coloured diamond since they became a commodity in the marketplace in recent years, the following tips can still be observed for caring for a lab-grown coloured diamond:
- Soaking in warm soapy water: Use a mild dish soap in warm water and put your lab-created coloured diamond in this soapy solution for a few minutes. After a while, remove your synthetic diamond and use a soft toothbrush to clean the dirt from it. When this step has been done, rinse your synthetic diamond, and in the end, use a soft cloth to dry it fully. Warm soapy water is also used to clean and care for a natural diamond.
- Using chemicals: A stronger cleaning solution than dish soap will be required if the synthetic diamond is particularly covered in a build-up of a layer of grime. Ammonia solution can be made in the home to clean this synthetic diamond in the ratio of 1:10 for ammonia and water parts, respectively. The same procedure will be followed with the warm soapy solution by soaking the synthetic diamond in the ammonia solution for a few minutes. Cleaning it with a soft toothbrush, rinsing it well, and drying it completely using a soft cloth.
- Avoiding particular cleaners: With synthetic diamonds, avoid using any cleaning preparations that are too concentrated in their form, as this can damage the surface of your synthetic diamond. Dilute cleaning preparations are recommended and are less likely to cause any damage.
- Proper storage: If you are going to wait to wear your synthetic diamond jewellery for a while, it is better to store it in its appropriate jewellery box or an equally similar appropriate option. Do not let it lie here and there, collecting dust and grime from the environment, as this can cause your synthetic diamond to lose its sparkle and lustre.
- Using a professional cleaning service: While it is important to clean your synthetic diamond at home regularly, every once in a while, it is also recommended to have your lab-created coloured diamond cleaned by using a professional cleaning service specializing in this task.
Keep Your Diamond In Tip-Top Shape
The increasing popularity of lab-grown coloured diamonds as an alternative to mined diamonds is increasing exponentially. Synthetic diamonds are an affordable luxury, accessible for most people to enjoy in the same manner as mined diamonds. The future of the diamond industry will face a collateral shift with synthetic diamonds as a commodity in the marketplace. As with natural diamonds, buying synthetic diamonds also requires expertise and knowledge. Once a diamond is bought, proper care is required to stay true to its value and lustre for many years as a symbol of luxury and romance.
Wrap Up
Now that you know everything about buying and caring for lab-grown coloured diamonds. So, what are you waiting for? Go out and treat yourself to a beautiful stone!
Australian Diamond Brokers has everything you need if you’re looking for a reputable supplier. We’ve been in business for over 40 years and have thousands of satisfied customers. Our customer service is top-notch, and we’ll even send you free samples so you can be sure that the stone you buy is exactly what you want before making a purchase.
So make your choice, and let us help make it happen!
by Australian Diamond Brokers : May 10th 2023 Come visit our store or browse our website to find out more.