9 Surprising Myths You Didn't Know About Lab Grown Diamonds

While bursting myths around lab grown diamonds, we shed light on their growing acclaim and how they are a brilliant cut above the rest. Read along.

Nowadays, more and more consumers are leaning towards purchasing lab grown diamonds. Whether it's for an engagement ring or a necklace, lab grown diamonds are gaining popularity. This shift is driven by various factors, such as affordability, reduced environmental impact, and sustainability.

Despite their increasing popularity, lab grown diamonds have unfortunately acquired a somewhat negative reputation, largely due to misconceptions and falsehoods. In this blog, we'll explore nine common myths surrounding lab grown diamonds and set the record straight with the actual facts.

To break the myths surrounding lab grown diamonds, we must know what they are and how they are created.

What are lab grown diamonds?

Lab grown diamonds share identical chemical, optical, and physical properties with natural diamonds. Made of tightly bonded carbon atoms, they react to light and boast the same hardness as their natural counterparts. The key contrast lies in their origin.

Millions to billions of years ago, natural diamonds took shape in the Earth's mantle. They were later propelled to the surface by explosive volcanoes, often containing captivating inclusions.

On the other hand, lab grown diamonds look indistinguishable from natural ones to the naked eye and are created in advanced laboratories using sophisticated processes like the HPHT (High-Pressure, High-Temperature Method) or CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) method.

How are lab grown diamonds made?

Two main processes are used to create lab grown diamonds:

1. High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT):
   In this approach, lab grown diamonds are crafted under conditions mimicking the high pressure and high temperature experienced by natural diamonds in the earth. Diamond growth takes place at pressures of 5–6 GPa and temperatures of 1300–1600°C.
   
   The HPHT process is used to create lab grown diamonds and can enhance the color of lower-quality diamonds, whether natural or lab grown. It can transform diamonds into a more colorless state or even introduce hues like pink, blue, or yellow, resulting in a "treated" diamond. GIA reports disclose such treatments.
2. Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD):
   This technique allows scientists to cultivate lab grown diamonds at moderate temperatures (700°C to 1300°C) and lower pressures. Carbon-containing gas is introduced into a vacuum chamber and deposited onto a diamond seed, crystallizing into a lab grown diamond. The size of the diamond depends on the growth duration.

Is it a real diamond?

Absolutely, lab grown diamonds are genuine diamonds! Certified by top-notch gem laboratories, the only distinction lies in their origin: these diamonds are cultivated in a controlled lab environment instead of being sourced from the earth.

Myths Around Lab Grown Diamonds

• Lab grown diamonds lack authenticity.
  One of the initial concerns regarding lab grown diamonds is their authenticity. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that lab diamonds are indeed genuine. They are produced using the same processes responsible for natural diamond formation beneath the Earth's crust. In terms of chemical, physical, and visual properties, lab grown diamonds are identical to their mined counterparts.
• Lab grown diamonds lack grading.
  Contrary to a common misconception, lab grown diamonds undergo a similar grading process as mined diamonds. Reputable institutions evaluate lab diamonds using globally accepted standards, providing certificates that detail the diamond's quality based on the traditional 4 Cs: cut, clarity, carat, and color.
• Lab grown diamonds have limited variety and options.
  The growing preference for lab grown diamonds in engagement rings challenges the misconception that they are limited in variety. Increasingly, millennials and Gen Z individuals opt for lab diamonds due to their sustainability, ethical production, cost-effectiveness, and range of ultra-modern, classic, and vintage-inspired designs.
• Lab grown diamonds are inferior in quality.
  Dismissing the notion of inferior quality, lab grown diamonds match the quality standards of mined diamonds. In fact, the controlled processes involved in their creation, from seed selection to precision cutting and polishing, ensure a high level of quality control. Advanced technologies contribute to the creation of lab diamonds, maintaining their equivalence to their mined counterparts.
• Lab grown diamonds change color over time.
  Dispelling a myth, lab grown diamonds do not change color over time. Possessing the same properties as mined diamonds, lab diamonds exhibit stability in their physical, chemical, thermal, optical, and visual attributes. They remain strong, resilient, and resistant to color alterations.
• Lab grown diamonds are not eco-friendly.
  Contrary to misconceptions, lab grown diamonds are produced in controlled, environmentally friendly laboratory settings. Many manufacturers prioritize sustainability and responsible practices, including efficient waste management and a reduced carbon footprint. The creation of lab diamonds in greenhouse labs ensures minimal harm to the environment compared to traditional diamond mining.
• Lab grown diamonds are not visually authentic.
  Addressing concerns about visual authenticity, lab grown diamonds do not appear fake. They exhibit the same brilliance and performance as mined diamonds, making it nearly impossible to distinguish between the two with the naked eye. Differentiation typically relies on the pricing, certification, or inscription associated with lab grown diamonds.
• Lab grown diamonds are easily identifiable.
  There's a common assumption that lab grown diamonds can be easily identified without specialized equipment. In fact, accurate identification often requires advanced testing with specialized instruments, as they visually resemble natural diamonds.
• Lab grown diamonds cannot be used for high-end jewelry.
  Some believe that lab grown diamonds are not suitable for high-end or luxury jewelry. Top designers and jewelers increasingly embrace lab grown diamonds for their quality, ethical considerations, and versatility in creating exquisite, high-end pieces.

Lab Grown Diamonds: Benefits

1. Defect-Free: Lab grown diamonds have fewer defects, ensuring higher clarity.
2. Affordability: Lower production costs make lab grown diamonds budget-friendly.
3. Unique Colors: Create rare colors for unique and sought-after jewelry.
4. Traceable Origins: Accurately trace the origin, ensuring responsible sourcing.
5. Ethical Sourcing: Contribute to ethical practices, minimizing concerns.
6. HPHT and CVD Methods: Utilize advanced methods to meet demand sustainably.

With the fashion world evolving, lab grown diamonds stay in the front seat for their timeless elegance at cost-effective prices. Lab grown diamonds have championed the idea of making luxury affordable and continue to win the hearts of jewelry lovers across the world.

Browse our handcrafted lab grown diamond jewelry, engagement rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings—all designed with modern and classic intricacies in mind by America's finest jewelry makers.