Genetically Engineered Diamonds
Genetically engineered diamonds are a new, less environmentally damaging alternative to natural mined gems. They’re grown in a laboratory instead of deep below the earth’s surface, reducing the carbon footprint.
There are two processes used to create lab diamonds: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Using both of these methods, diamond seeds are placed inside a chamber with carbon-rich gases heated to just the right temperature. The gases stick to the seed and grow a diamond atom by atom.
Creating diamonds in a laboratory
Lab created diamonds are genetically engineered by experts in laboratories to mimic the conditions of a naturally growing diamond in the Earth’s crust. These man made diamonds are optically and chemically identical to natural diamonds and have the same fire, scintillation, and sparkle as organic diamonds.
There are two ways to create diamonds in a laboratory: High Pressure/High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both methods produce gem quality lab grown diamonds that can exceed naturally mined diamonds in carat, color, and clarity.
In a HPHT process, a diamond seed is placed in a chamber inside a machine that applies high temperatures and pressure to the seed. The catalysts within the chamber help to react with the heat and pressure and transform the carbon seed into a new diamond.
The diamond is then removed from the machine and cleaned. Once cooled, the new diamond is cut and polished into the desired shape.
Initially, HPHT diamonds were produced using extreme pressure and high temperatures which made them brittle and yellow in color. Over time, scientists adjusted the temperature and pressure to create stones that were less brittle and more beautiful.
Today, lab created diamonds are produced through chemical vapor deposition (CVD) which gives scientists more control over the growth process. CVD is much more cost-effective and can be used to grow large, gem-quality diamonds.
Another advantage of the CVD method is that it can be done at lower pressure and temperatures, making it a more sustainable alternative to the HPHT process. It can also be used to grow fancy colored diamonds, which have a different composition from their natural counterparts.
The popularity of lab created diamonds has been fueled by a number of factors, including price, transparency, and for environmental reasons. Many young diamond buyers are opting for these ethically sourced jewels. As such, the lab created diamond market is expected to continue to increase over the years.
Identifying lab created diamonds
Diamonds are a natural mineral composed of carbon. They are the hardest substance on earth–a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale–and therefore are very difficult to chip or scratch.
Natural diamonds are rare and expensive, especially when they’re small and have a high color or clarity grade. They’re also prone to abrasions and scratches that can mar their appearance.
In contrast, lab created diamonds are made through a process that replicates the natural growing of diamonds in a laboratory. This process, called Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD), uses carbon-rich gases like methane and hydrogen to ionize into liquid plasma, adhering to the diamond seed crystal.
CVD-grown diamonds can be created in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, yellow, blue and green. However, they may need to be de-colorized after the heating process.
They are a good choice for people who want to purchase a beautiful stone at an affordable price. They’re typically 60%-70% cheaper than natural diamonds.
Because they’re crafted in a laboratory, lab created diamonds don’t have the same rarity as natural ones and have little or no resale value. As a result, they’re often sold for below-market prices.
But, as with all gemstones, there are some things that you can do to tell if your diamond is lab grown or natural. For starters, you can look at its growth pattern and check to see if it fluoresces or phosphoresces when exposed to UV light.
You should also be aware that lab created diamonds can differ in their inclusions from natural ones. Metallic inclusions are more common in natural diamonds, but they’re less common in lab-grown ones.
Lab diamonds also vary in their colors compared to natural ones. These can be fancy shades like blue, pink and yellow, thanks to various trace chemicals that get trapped in the carbon as it grows.
While they’re still not considered as valuable as natural diamonds, lab created diamonds have become more popular in recent years because of their affordability. They’re also environmentally friendly and don’t have the same supply issues that plague mined diamonds, which means they’re more readily available.
Choosing a lab created diamond
Choosing the perfect diamond for your engagement ring is a very personal choice. Whether it’s a traditional mined diamond or one that’s been created in the lab, it’s important to find a piece that is both beautiful and ethically sourced.
In this day and age, there are a lot of questions around how diamonds are mined and the impact on the environment. As a result, many people are opting for lab-grown diamonds instead. Fortunately, these diamonds are not only less controversial than natural mined diamonds, but they also carry much higher value and have relatively fewer environmental and humanitarian repercussions than their natural counterparts.
The first step in buying a lab-grown diamond is to find one with a reputable grading certificate from an independent organization, like the IGI or GCal. The grading report should verify the technologies used to create the stone and the quality of the diamond.
Another thing to consider when choosing a lab-grown diamond is how it compares to other diamond simulants, such as cubic zirconia or moissanite. Cubic zirconia and moissanite are synthetic materials that were created as cheaper alternatives to diamonds and do not have the same hardness, color or sparkle.
If you’re unsure about what kind of diamond to choose, an experienced jeweler can guide you through the process. They will be able to advise you on the best cut, color and clarity for your specific preferences.
For example, you may want to select a diamond that’s eye-clean, has a symmetrical cut and is white in color. It should also be round and set well to ensure that the light is reflected properly and the edge of the stone should not be too thick or thin.
Finally, you should look for a stone with an appropriate carat weight for your budget and style. It’s also important to remember that lab-created diamonds are not always available in sizes larger than two carats, so you should be prepared to pay a premium for large stones.
Ultimately, you should take your time when selecting the right lab-grown diamond for your ring. The resulting gemstone will be an amazing gift that your loved one will cherish forever.
Buying a lab created diamond
A lab created diamond can be a great alternative to a mined diamond for some people. They offer the same look and feel as natural diamonds but at a much lower price.
They are also eco-friendly because they don’t require the mining of raw materials from the earth. And, because they are genetically engineered, they don’t contain any harmful chemicals or toxins.
The process of buying a lab created diamond is quite simple. First, you need to find a jewelry store that sells lab-grown diamonds. It’s a good idea to find a local dealer, though you can find some online options as well.
Next, you need to choose the size and color of your diamond. For example, if you’re looking for a white-looking diamond that looks perfect for any style of setting, try to go with a diamond in the F-H color range. This will give you the best value for your money, but will still look white to the naked eye.
When it comes to clarity, you should go with a diamond with at least VS2 clarity grade. This means that the stone will be very clear, without any imperfections or inclusions.
You can also look for a lab-grown diamond that is certified by the IGI (International Gemological Institute) or GIA. This can be a little harder to find, but it’s definitely worth the extra effort.
There are many different types of lab-grown diamonds to choose from, and they can be shaped into all sorts of shapes. From emeralds to princess cuts, you can choose a beautiful lab-created diamond to set in your engagement ring. The diamond can be paired with any metal color, from classic silver-toned metals to warm yellow gold or romantic rose gold.
Genetically Engineered Diamonds