Introduction:
Diamonds are a symbol of love and commitment, but they also have a dark history of exploitation and environmental damage. Enter the world of lab created diamonds, offering a stunning alternative that's kinder to the planet and wallet. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what lab created diamonds are, how they're made and the leading manufacturers in the industry.
What are Lab Created Diamonds?
Lab created diamonds, also known as man-made or cultured diamonds, are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. The only difference is their origin. Rather than being extracted from the earth, lab created diamonds are grown in a controlled environment using advanced technological processes.
How are Lab Created Diamonds Made?
There are two primary methods for growing lab created diamonds: high pressure, high temperature (HPHT) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). HPHT involves replicating the high pressure and temperature conditions that occur naturally in the earth's mantle to form a diamond crystal. CVD involves using a mixture of gases to deposit carbon atoms onto a substrate, which then crystallize into a diamond. Both methods result in a diamond that is virtually indistinguishable from a mined diamond.
Top Lab Created Diamond Manufacturers:
Gemesis:
Gemesis is one of the leading manufacturers of lab created diamonds, offering a range of high-quality diamonds at a fraction of the price of mined diamonds. They use HPHT technology to produce diamonds in a range of colors, including yellow, pink, and blue.
Diamond Foundry:
Diamond Foundry is a San Francisco-based company that uses CVD Diamonds technology to grow diamonds. They are committed to ethical and sustainable practices, using renewable energy to power their production and offering full transparency about their sourcing and manufacturing processes.
Chatham Created Gems:
Chatham Created Gems has been a pioneer in the lab grown diamonds industry since the 1970s. They use HPHT technology to produce diamonds that are visually and chemically identical to mined diamonds. In addition to their commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing, Chatham also offers a lifetime warranty on their diamonds.
Benefits of Choosing a Lab Created Diamond:
Environmentally friendly:
Lab created diamonds do not require the destructive mining practices that often accompany diamond extraction, reducing the impact on the environment.
More affordable:
Lab created diamonds typically cost 30-40% less than mined diamonds of the same quality and size.
More accessible:
Lab created diamonds are available in a wider range of sizes and qualities, making it easier to find the perfect diamond for your needs.
No conflict:
Lab created diamonds are not associated with the conflict and exploitation that often accompany the diamond trade.
FAQs:
Q: Are lab created diamonds of lower quality than mined diamonds?
A: No, lab created diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds.
Q: Can a lab created diamond be distinguished from a mined diamond?
A: Only with the use of specialized equipment. To the naked eye, a Lab created Diamonds is virtually indistinguishable from a mined diamond.