Lab grown diamonds have increased in popularity over the last few years, but most people know relatively little about them and there are a few misconceptions. Here’s everything you need to know about these beautiful stones.
They’re real diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are sometimes mistakenly called “synthetic”, but this is not true. Created in a lab, they’re grown using a slither of another diamond that is placed amidst pure graphite carbon. It’s then subject to extreme pressure and heat in controlled conditions.
The end result is a diamond that is chemically, visually, and gemologically the same as its natural counterpart. So you get the same sparkle and hardness as you would from a natural diamond. The only way to tell them apart is with specialist equipment, making them a perfect alternative to natural diamonds.
A lower environmental impact
If a lab-grown diamond is created using green energy, as all SPJ ones are, they have a significantly reduced impact on the environment. Creating lab-grown diamonds also takes significantly less water than natural diamonds, reducing the environmental impact even more. Per carat, lab-grown diamonds have much higher quality and yield as there is no wastage and they do not have to go through an extensive refinement process.
Highly traceable
Since the 2000s there has been increased awareness about the potential ethical difficulties of natural diamonds - some mines employ workers on very low wages in unsafe conditions. This means that, unless your diamonds are certified FairTrade, as all SPJ ones are, you can’t be sure of the conditions of the workers. Lab-grown diamonds are fully traceable, which means you know exactly where they’ve come from - a big tick from an ethical standpoint.
More for your money
A major positive of lab-grown diamonds for many people is that they can be more cost-effective. Because they’re grown specifically in a lab, they do not need to go through the same refinement process to make them suitable for jewellery as natural diamonds. This means overall costs are lower, which is good news for your pocket. In fact, they cost up to 50% less than natural diamonds, bringing higher carats within reach of more people.
The 4 C’s still apply
Lab-grown diamonds are subject to the same 4 C’s - Cut, Clarity, Colour, and Carat - as natural diamonds. Which means you get the same quality as you would if you opted for a natural diamond. Another interesting thing to note is that, because lab-grown diamonds are grown instead of built, they also take on inclusions or "flaws" that affect a stone’s sparkle and clarity grade. This gives the diamond a beautiful natural appearance.
A great alternative
Lab-grown diamonds are a fantastic alternative to natural diamonds. They’re better for the environment, easier to trace, and can give you even more for your money. If you’ve not considered a lab grown diamond before, maybe it’s time to change your mind. At Sophia Perez Jewellery we can create jewellery to your specification using this brilliant stone. Shop the collection or contact us for a bespoke piece.