When we think of diamonds, what comes to mind? The engagement ring? The wedding band? Diamonds have been a staple in the jewelry world for thousands of years and for good reason. Not only are they a brilliant blue-white color that makes them the perfect choice for luxury jewelry, but they’re also more affordable than a natural diamond, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
That said, when buying diamond rings, many people automatically assume that they need to purchase a ring made from natural diamonds. However, lab-created diamonds are an increasingly popular option.
As the name suggests, lab-created diamond rings contain diamonds that have been developed in a laboratory rather than mined from the ground. These diamonds are sometimes referred to as artificial diamonds, cultivated diamonds, or synthetic diamonds.
With lab-created diamonds, you can get all of the beauty and sparkle of a natural diamond without guilt. This article will explore some of the key benefits of choosing lab-created diamond rings over their natural counterparts.
How Are Lab Created Diamond Rings Made?
Lab-created diamond rings are made of the same material as natural diamonds – carbon. The only difference is in the way that the diamonds are formed. They are made using a process known as chemical vapor deposition (CVD).
A small seed crystal is placed in a chamber and exposed to a stream of carbon-rich gas and other mineral elements. The gas is then broken down into its parts by a plasma torch, and the resulting carbon atoms are deposited onto the surface of the diamond seed. The gases and minerals interact with the seed crystal, causing it to grow larger and the process is repeated until the diamond is grown to the desired size.
How Are Lab Created Diamond Rings Different from Natural Diamonds?
Lab-created diamonds are real diamonds. They have the same chemical composition and physical and optical properties as natural diamonds. But even though lab-created diamonds and natural diamonds are both made of carbon, there are a few key ways they differ from one another. Natural diamonds form millions of years deep within the earth, while lab-created diamonds can be grown in just a few weeks or months.
Lab-created diamonds also tend to have fewer impurities than natural diamonds. They are often higher quality overall than many mined diamonds. It’s because you can precisely control them in a lab environment, whereas natural diamonds are subject to the whim of nature.
Types of Lab Diamonds
There are two types of lab diamonds: synthetic and hybrid.
Synthetic lab diamonds look very natural and are produced through a variety of processes as highlighted earlier, including the electrolytic reduction of carbon, the thermal decomposition of carbon or other elements, and the mechanical precipitation of elements like cobalt, magnesium, and iron. Hybrid lab diamonds, on the other hand, are produced by mixing natural and synthetic elements.
What Are the Benefits of Choosing Lab Created Diamond Rings?
There are several reasons why you might want to choose lab-created diamond rings over natural diamond rings. Here are just a few of the key benefits:
1. They’re More Ethical
The process of mining natural diamonds can be very destructive and often results in human rights abuses. It involves digging huge holes in the ground, damaging local ecosystems. Furthermore, diamonds are often found in war-torn regions, and the money from diamond sales is often used to fund conflict.
In contrast, lab-created diamonds don’t require mining, so there are no associated environmental damage or human rights violations.
2. They’re More Affordable
Since lab-created diamonds are grown in a controlled environment, they’re generally much less expensive than natural diamonds. The cost savings are passed on to the buyer making them a great option if you’re on a budget.
Moreover, since these diamonds are less expensive, you may be able to afford a larger or higher quality diamond than you would if you were buying a natural diamond.
3. They’re More Accessible
Because they don’t require mining, lab-created diamonds are much more readily available than natural diamonds. It means that you’re less likely to have to wait a long time for your ring to be ready, and you’re also more likely to be able to find the specific style or type of diamond you’re looking for.
4. They Help Support Scientific Research
Creating diamonds in a lab helps scientists better understand how diamonds are formed in nature. This research can then be used to improve the quality of natural diamonds and find new and improved ways of growing diamonds in a lab. This research is important not only for the diamond industry but also for other industries that use diamonds, such as the electronics industry.
5. They May Be More Durable
Since lab-created diamonds are less likely to have impurities, they are considered more durable than natural diamonds. Your lab-created diamond ring is less likely to scratch or chip over time. The increased durability may also mean that your ring will retain its polish and luster for longer.
6. Does Not Disrupt Local Ecosystems
The process of mining natural diamonds can be very damaging to the environment. It often involves digging huge holes in the ground, disrupting local ecosystems. In contrast, lab-created diamonds don’t require mining, so there’s no associated environmental damage. Also, since these diamonds are produced in a controlled environment, the carbon footprint is much lower than it would be for natural diamonds.
To Sum It Up
Diamonds are beautiful and timeless, but they often come at a heavy cost. Lab-created diamonds provide all the same beauty as traditionally mined diamonds but without any of the ethical concerns. When you shop for diamond rings, be sure to consider lab-created options.
Even though lab-created diamonds are less expensive than natural diamonds, they’re still diamonds, and their value will increase over time. So, if you’re looking for an investment piece, a lab-created diamond ring is a great option and you will make the investment with the confidence that you’re getting a high-quality, ethically made product, and your purchase will support sustainable practices.
