Lab Grown Diamonds: Most Frequently Asked Questions By James Porter & Son

Lab Grown Diamonds: Most Frequently Asked Questions
By James Porter & Son

You may very well have heard about lab grown diamonds, but what are they and what is all the hype about? Here at James Porter & Son we stock a beautiful selection of lab grown diamond rings and jewellery which are available online and in store. We created this journal post to answer the most frequently asked questions regarding lab grown diamonds.

What are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds have increased massively in popularity over the last few years, but they are not an entirely new concept. There are many synthetic diamonds in production, but with modern technology becoming more advanced, lab grown diamonds are matching and even exceeding the quality of natural diamonds.

Scientists created the first lab grown diamonds in the mid 1950s, but these were too small for jewellery and very expensive to make due to the technological limitations at that time. The 1990s saw a huge shift in modern technology, and we started to see larger and higher quality diamonds being produced with more economical methods.

1ct Oval Cut Lab Grown Diamond Engagement Ring 

Are lab grown diamonds synthetic?
Some people may refer to lab grown diamonds as synthetic, but this is incorrect. Synthetic stones like cubic zirconia or moissanite, which might look like a diamond, have a very different chemical composition and physical properties which allows anyone with training to easily identify these gemstones as synthetic.

The process of growing the diamonds in the lab mimics the natural process which occurs deep under the earth’s surface. This results in the lab-grown diamonds containing the same characteristics, like inclusions and fluorescence which are also found in natural diamonds. You can read more about the C's to look for here.

How are lab grown diamonds made?
Let’s start with how natural diamonds are made.

Natural diamonds are formed when carbon is compressed deep underground under immense heat and pressure – a process that takes millions of years. Unlike natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds can take a matter of days to form.

There are two processes to create lab grown diamonds: HPHT & CVD

HPHT – high-pressure, high-temperature

In this method, diamonds are produced from carbon material in apparatuses that mimic the high-pressure and temperature conditions that cause natural diamonds to form beneath the earth’s surface.

Different chemicals can be introduced in the growing process to create coloured diamonds too.

CVD – Chemical vapor deposition

The newer of the methods to grow diamonds, includes filling a vacuum chamber with carbon-containing gas that crystallises on a synthetic diamond seed.

A microwave beam causes the carbon to crystalise on the diamond seed and that is how the diamond crystal is formed.

This method of growing diamonds is a little more hand’s on, with the diamonds being removed and polished every few days before being placed back in the chamber to grow. With this start-stop process, CVD grown diamonds usually take around 3-4 weeks to grow.

1ct Pear Cut Lab Grown Diamond in Platinum

Are lab grown diamonds a good investment?
While one type of diamond may appeal more to you, the importance isn't in how much was paid for it, how it was graded or its origin. A diamonds true significance is in the love it represents.

Do lab grown diamonds test as real diamonds?
Yes, lab grown diamonds will test the same as natural diamonds. Lab grown diamonds have the exact same chemical composition and physical properties as a natural mined diamond and therefor test as such. Although they are grown in a laboratory setting, they are real diamonds.

Top - Emerald Cut Lab Grown Diamond Ring. Bottom - Round Brilliant Lab Grown Diamond Ring

Are lab grown diamonds eco-friendly?
Lab grown diamonds are less destructive on the environment as there is no mining process involved, therefore it does not affect the natural landscapes.

At the moment lab grown diamonds are not completely ‘green’ as the manufacturing process still requires electricity. However, research has shown that this method does consume less energy than mining, and the power used to produce a lab grown diamond over the course of a few days or weeks is still less than that of natural diamond mining.

Lab-grown diamonds also ensure that there is fair working conditions and no exploitation.

Are lab grown diamonds better than natural diamonds?
No one origin of diamonds is better than the other. Both have their points to consider.

Natural will always be a true miracle of nature and nothing can really compete with the romance of that. The chance of finding a good quality natural diamond is very low. Most mined diamonds end up being used in industrial settings as they are not gem quality.

Lab diamonds have many plus points and as they continue to grow in popularity, shoppers will continually ask themselves this question. The only one who can answer is the buyer as it boils down to what is more important to you. Oval Cut Lab Grown Diamond Trilogy Ring 

Why buy a lab grown diamond?
- A more affordable alternative to natural diamonds.
- Generally, you can get more lab grown diamond for the same price as a mined diamond.
- Guaranteed conflict free diamond.
- Can be easily tracked from laboratory to shop.
- Lab grown diamonds are of high quality and usually come certificated by an independent body. 

Pear cut lab grown diamond with its Diamond Evolution certificate.
 
Want to view the collection?
If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, or would like to arrange an appointment with the team to view or discuss the new range of lab grown diamonds, you can get in touch via the James Porter listing here. The expert team of diamond specialists are available to answer any questions you may have.