Lab Grown Diamond Vs Earth-Mined Diamond
April 11, 2023It is true as they say – diamonds are forever. Not only do these timeless pieces appear lovely, but they also have fascinating origins and histories. Diamonds are beautiful stones formed from pure carbon deposits in the Earth's mantle. These valuable stones are primarily utilized in fine jewelry such as engagement rings, wedding rings, necklaces, bracelets, and even designer items. The proportion of global mining production has increased as a result of increasing demand. However, numerous resources from various countries are becoming depleted over time. To meet the market need, an alternative to diamonds known as "Lab-Grown" diamonds were produced and introduced.
Can you tell the difference between a lab-grown and an earth-mined diamond? The simple answer is no. Both appear to be visually amazing. A lab-grown diamond has the same qualities and performance as a natural diamond. Even experts will have difficulty identifying which one is natural and which is synthetically developed. This challenge is addressed by GIA through its legacy machine “DiamondView”. It uses UV light to determine the color of fluorescence. Naturally-mined diamonds display blue under a long wave UV light and yellowish in a short wave UV light. In both UV light wavelengths, lab-grown diamonds are yellow with a greenish tinge.
What are Earth-Mined Diamonds?
Earth-mined diamonds, often known as "Natural Diamonds", are the real deal. It is derived from natural carbon deposits formed by intense heat (about 2000 degrees Fahrenheit) and pressure (725,000 pounds per square inch) under the Earth's crust 100 miles or more below the surface. These rough diamonds are unearthed and mined, then sorted by shape, quality, and size before being cut in major trading areas such as Antwerp, Bombay, Tel Aviv, New York, Johannesburg, China, or Thailand. Every stone, whether a round brilliant diamond or a fancy-shaped diamond such as a princess-cut, cushion, emerald, heart, marquise, oval, pear, radiant, or asscher, is bruted and polished to define its shape and character.
Characteristics of a Natural Diamond
Compared to other jewels, a natural diamond offers the highest durability and luster quality. Its hardness level is equivalent to 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. When the carbon atoms form, the crystals are connected the same way and in the right angles.
The various features of a natural diamond that make it a valuable gift of nature and appropriate for a wide range of uses are listed below. It is commonly used in jewelry production, cutting tools, optical components, semiconductor devices, the automobile sector, and other high-demanding industries that require the following diamond characteristics:
- Low coefficient of friction
- High thermal conductivity
- High electrical resistivity
- Low thermal expansion coefficient
- High strength
- Broad optical transparency from ultraviolet to infrared
- Resistant to chemical corrosion
- Biologically compatible
If you're curious what natural diamonds look like, look no further. Here are a few remarkable Kobelli Earth-mined diamonds that will leave you speechless with their beauty and wonder.
1. Kobelli 10.51 Carat Genuine Round Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
This conventional 6-prong solitaire setting engagement ring is composed of 18-karat yellow gold and holds an exceptionally 10.51 carat rare Earth-mined stone. The diamond has a N color (very pale yellow) and SI1 clarity grade.
The stone's girdle is revealed between each prong, allowing the flaming stone to show off its maximum natural brilliance and the six prongs and lower basket secure the valuable diamond and keep it exactly where it needs to be.
2. Oval Diamond Engagement Ring
With a total gemstone weight of 1.5 carats, this 1-carat oval-cut natural diamond center, this 14k white gold engagement ring is a true charmer.
3. Rocaille Diamond EX Halo Engagement Ring
Set in a beautiful 14-karat solid yellow gold metal with a high polish finish, this 4.19 carat genuine cut corner rectangle modified brilliant diamond (CCRMB) is EGL Certified (K/SI1) with estimated value of $44,350.
This ring has 100% natural diamond gemstones and is an improved one-of-a-kind version of prior August rings in our collection.
What are Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds, previously called “synthetic” diamonds, are diamonds created in a controlled lab environment, subjected in a machine that mimics the same temperature and pressure that occurs in the Earth’s crust in order to form a natural diamond.
Despite the fact that it is man-made, there has been debate over whether it is appropriate to use the term "synthetic" to refer to lab-grown diamonds. The 2018 revision by the Federal Trade Commission stated that lab-grown diamonds should not be referred to as synthetic because the mineral carbon crystallized composition is the same as earth-mined diamonds. Despite being formed in a laboratory, lab-grown diamonds share the same carbon crystallized material in the isometric system with a hardness of 10 on the mohs scale, a specific gravity of 3.52, and a refractive index of 2.42 generated by a manufacturing procedure.
How are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made?
Unlike mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are made efficiently in a lab environment by two methods – CVD (chemical vapour deposition) and HPHT (high pressure high temperature). Let's take a look at each technique individually.
CVD diamond production use a thin "diamond seed" derived from the same crystal as a natural diamond. It is placed in a high-temperature chamber (about 800 °C) and is blanketed with carbon gas. The gas ionizes and produces pure carbon until a rough diamond is generated.
In contrast, HPHT resembles the conditions found in the Earth's mantle. Pure carbon develops slowly over two months or more using a small diamond seed exposed to exceptionally high temperatures up to 2000 °C and high pressure. In this case, HPHT technology can also be utilized to boost the vibrancy of a natural diamond.
Grown diamonds from both CVD and HPHT methods undergo the same process as a natural diamond. It is cut and polished using master cutters and laser technology.
Lab-grown diamonds are unquestionably as beautiful as earth-mined diamonds. The following are a few head-turner Kobelli pieces that undoubtedly stand out.
1. MARGAUX DIAMOND EX (IGI)
With a 3.01 Carat Marquise Lab-Grown Diamond (IGI Certified) center stone, this enhanced one-of-a-kind version of Margaux features entirely lab grown diamond gemstones.
2. 1CT ROUND LAB-GROWN DIAMOND 6-PRONG RING (CERTIFIED)
This magnificent 1-carat round certified lab-grown diamond has a stone clarity of SI that sits atop this lovely solitaire ring in a 6-prong cathedral setting with high-polished surface and tapered shank in 14k solid gold.
The stone hue can be FG or DE grade and comes in White, Yellow, or Rose Gold.
3. 3.64CT.TW PINK DIAMOND BUBBLE RING (IGI CERTIFIED)
Sitting in immense beauty, this 3 Carat IGI Certified Intense Fancy Pink Emerald-cut Lab-grown Diamond is contained in a bubble-like tulip head setting that lets the diamonds fully pop out unlike more metal-heavy settings that drives away the focus from the stones.
Alternating round and marquise-cut white diamonds in scalloped bead-prong settings line the band of 18k solid rose gold.
Lab Grown Diamond Vs Earth-Mined Diamond
Classic diamonds work perfectly on engagement rings, wedding rings, bridal sets, necklaces, and jewelries because of its subtle beauty and aesthetic. The chart below summarizes the features of which both differ and are alike.
The Takeaway…
Given the same qualities, it can be very difficult to choose between a natural diamond and a lab-grown diamond. If you prefer earth-mined diamonds, it is best to stay true to yourself but make sure the natural diamond is responsibly sourced. If you prefer sustainable and conflict-free solutions, lab-grown diamonds are an excellent choice. It is recommended to research the jeweller's business practices to make sure that your intentions are aligned.
Need help in deciding? Book your FREE consultation with Kobelli and our team is more than glad to assist you from start to finish!