What is a Laboratory Grown Diamond?
A lab grown diamond, also known as a ‘cultured diamond,’ is a real diamond with the same chemical and optical properties as a natural diamond that has been mined from the earth. However, a lab grown diamond is created above ground responsibly, with advanced technology mimicking the natural growth process of a mined diamond.
Let’s take a closer look:
Diamond Formation
There are two processes to create a Lab Grown Diamond; Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) or High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT). These are both conducted in a laboratory setting that allows for precise control, making it possible to minimise the negative environmental and human impact associated with diamond mining.
Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD)
The CVD growth process takes place in a vacuum chamber. This method involves heating hydrocarbon gas into plasma, releasing carbon atoms which rain down on a substrate of diamond seed, growing the diamond upward in vertical layers. The rough laboratory diamond is then expertly cut by gem cutters and graded.
High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT)
The HPHT growth process replicates the natural conditions under which a diamond forms. A carbon source, metal catalyst and diamond seed are placed in a capsule. With extreme pressure and heat, the catalyst and carbon crystallise on the diamond seed. The result is a rough HPHT laboratory grown diamond. The rough laboratory diamond is then expertly cut by gem cutters and graded.
Diamond Quality
A lab grown diamond is chemically and optically the same as a mined diamond. They are one in the same - real diamonds. Hence, both mined and lab grown diamonds are evaluated using the same grading system and standards created by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), The 4Cs. This grading process ensures that all diamonds, regardless of origin, are held to the same quality standards regarding Carat, Cut, Color, and Clarity. This grading standard is utilised across multiple governing bodies and institutions that grade both mined and lab grown diamonds.
At The Moissanite Company, we choose to work with only the most superb Lab Grown Diamonds. Our Grown Diamonds are IGI and GIA certified diamonds and are D or E Colour, VS2 - VVS1 Clarity or higher, Excellent Cut and for our fancy gemstone shapes, Excellent Polish and Symmetry.
Optical Properties
Lab Grown Diamonds are identical to their mined counterparts, even under a microscope. Both types of diamonds have an indistinguishable fire & brilliance, due to their identical refractive index. Graded at 2.41, both gemstones have a fixed refractive index which reliably disperses light, creating the beautiful sparkle which we all adore (Pollard, J., 2023).
Chemical Properties
Lab grown diamonds comprise the same chemical composition as their mined counterparts - Carbon (C). Lab grown diamonds are created by replicating the natural process of diamond formation by introducing a small diamond seed into an environment that imitates the natural growth process, however in a responsible and controlled laboratory setting.
Affordability
The Moissanite Company was established on the principles of bespoke-ness, ethicality and affordability. Hence, our Lab Grown Diamonds range between $4,000.00 and $15,000.00 and are significantly more affordable compared to their mined counterparts. We place priority on keeping our pieces attainable for every couple. We remain true to our values and don’t excessively mark up our products, something that is quite commonplace in the traditional diamond industry.
Environmental Impact of Lab Grown Diamonds
At The Moissanite Company, we utilise moissanite and lab grown diamonds because they are the more sustainable gemstone option. Choosing a lab grown gemstone saves over 65 kgs of CO2, 57 kgs of air pollution and 227 tons of earth, and doesn't require the destruction of vital ecosystems as a direct result from mining.
Let’s recap why you should choose a Lab Grown Diamond…
Ethicality: Cultured diamonds are created in a laboratory setting using ethical and responsible practices, which eliminates the human rights abuses and environmental damage that can occur during the diamond mining.
Optical Properties: A cultured diamond is chemically and optically the same as a mined diamond. They are one in the same - real diamonds.
Diamond Quality: We choose to work with only the most superb cultured diamonds Our cultured diamonds are IGI and GIA certified diamonds and are D or E Colour, VS2 - VVS1 Clarity or higher and Excellent Polish and Symmetry.
Affordability: Laboratory grown diamonds are significantly cheaper than their mined counterparts. On average, a 1 carat mined diamond can cost upwards of $12,000.00, but with a lab grown diamond, the price drops dramatically to around $4,000.00.
With an undeniably stunning appearance and brilliance a laboratory grown diamond is the perfect choice for somebody who desires a real diamond with ethical origins. Discover our Signature Range for your dream Lab Grown Diamond piece.
