If you’re looking for an ethically sourced alternative to traditional diamonds, there are many benefits to choosing lab grown diamonds. Besides being more affordable, they’re also eco-friendly and can be grown in a laboratory, reducing the carbon footprint of the diamond industry.
The mining of natural diamonds causes pollution, damage to ecosystems and, in rare cases, social conflict. The Kimberley Process helps to ensure diamonds are sourced in an ethical manner.
1. They’re Real
If you’re looking for a sparkly, ethical alternative to traditional mined diamonds, lab grown diamonds Melbourne are an option that’s worth considering. This is because they are chemically, physically and optically identical to natural diamonds – and are also competitively priced.
Laboratory-grown diamonds are created through extreme pressure and heat in a lab. This process mimics the natural way that diamonds are formed in the Earth’s mantle millions of years ago.
The two most common ways to create a lab-grown diamond are Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and High-Pressure, High-Temperature (HPHT). In both of these processes, a tiny pre-existing diamond is inserted into a chamber to allow it to “grow” into a full diamond with a crystal structure like that found in nature.
Because they are made in a controlled environment, lab-grown diamonds are often more flawless than their natural counterparts. In addition, they are usually larger and more affordable than their mined counterparts – making them a great choice for those who want something bigger but don’t have the budget for a big natural stone.
2. They’re Affordable
If you’re on a budget, lab grown diamonds UK are an excellent alternative to mined stones. They are up to 30% cheaper and can help you maximise the size of your diamond for the same price.
Lab-grown diamonds are created by crystalizing carbon into rough stones in a laboratory setting. This process is similar to how natural diamonds form in the Earth’s mantle, but with much less risk.
The result is a diamond that possesses all the same physical, chemical and optical properties as a mined stone. This makes them a great choice for those who value quality and want to avoid the environmental and ethical pitfalls of mining.
The process is supervised by a trained gemstone expert, who ensures that the lab-grown diamond is as high-quality as possible. It’s then cut and polished to the same standard as a mined diamond.
3. They’re Eco-Friendly
Lab diamonds are made using one of two processes: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both methods mimic the natural process by putting carbon under extreme heat and pressure.
The result is a diamond that is chemically, physically and optically identical to a natural diamond. This means that they can be used interchangeably.
While diamond mining can be harmful to wildlife and workers, lab diamonds are completely non-toxic. They also use less energy and don’t contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
They’re also less expensive than mined diamonds, which is another reason they’re becoming a popular choice for many consumers. In fact, some luxury brands are embracing them too.
As Millennials and Gen Z become more concerned with environmental sustainability, many are turning to diamond alternatives like lab grown diamonds. They’re eco-friendly, affordable and unique and can add a special touch to any jewellery piece. They’re also a great gift for anyone who is concerned with the environment and wants to make a difference.
4. They’re Unique
In contrast to diamond simulants, like cubic zirconia and moissanite, lab grown diamonds are made of pure carbon crystallized in an isotropic 3D form – the exact same properties as mined diamonds.
The process used to grow lab diamonds mimics the conditions in the Earth’s mantle, a place where natural diamonds are formed. Using advanced technology, scientists create a tiny diamond seed that is exposed to extreme pressure and heat, which then transforms into a rough diamond.
These diamonds are then cut and polished just as they would be in a mined stone. They are visually, chemically and physically identical to naturally mined diamonds – and follow the same grading process for color, clarity, cut and carat as a natural diamond.
Conclusion
The most obvious difference is in price – they can be up to 30% cheaper than mined diamonds, and are a great option for those on a budget. However, you need to be aware that lab diamonds do not always have a resale value that matches a mined diamond.
