Lab Grown Diamond FAQs
What is a lab-grown diamond?
Lab-grown diamonds are manmade diamonds grown in highly controlled laboratory environments using cutting-edge technology. The technological processes used to create the diamonds replicate the conditions under which natural diamonds form beneath the Earth’s crust.
Are Lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes, lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds as they have the same physical and chemical properties as a natural diamond. Lindelli’s lab grown diamonds are 100% real, not synthetic, and come with IGI or GIA certification.
It is important to note that is almost impossible to differentiate a lab-grown diamond from a natural diamond with the naked eye, even by a trained gemmologist. Specialised equipment must be used to test them.
What’s the difference between lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds?
The main difference between a lab-grown diamond and a natural diamond is how the diamond is created. A natural diamond is formed from heat and pressure beneath the Earth’s surface over millions of years, whilst lab grown diamonds are produced in controlled laboratory environments using cutting-edge technology.
Due to their different origins, there is a substantial difference in price between lab-grown and natural diamonds, with lab grown diamonds being the more affordable alternative due to the shorter supply chain.
How are Lab-grown diamonds made?
Lab-grown diamonds can be processed through two technologies: High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapour Disposition (CVD).
1. The HPHT
process involves a synthetic diamond seed being subjected to extreme
temperatures and pressure to grow the diamond from the seed. This process
replicates the conditions under the earth that are required to produce a
natural diamond.
2. CVD is a
process that involves a synthetic diamond seed being crystallized inside a
vacuum chamber by carbon-containing gas, with high temperatures causing the
gases to react and grow a diamond on the seed. The CVD process produces the
purest form of a diamond which is classified as a Type 2A diamond.
Are lab-grown diamonds less expensive than natural diamonds?
Yes, lab-grown diamonds are approximately 30% to 40% more affordable than natural diamonds of comparable size and quality. This means that you can purchase a lab-grown diamond that is 30% to 50% larger than a natural diamond for half the price. Lab-grown diamonds are the perfect alternative for individuals looking to purchase a larger diamond without being limited by their budget.
Lab-grown diamonds are more affordable than natural diamonds as they do not require mining and have a more efficient supply chain. This allows lab-grown diamonds to be created in a significantly shorter time frame than natural diamonds and larger quantities of diamonds made available.
How long does it take to create a lab-grown diamond??
Lab-grown diamonds can take anywhere between 2 to 8 weeks to grow in a lab, whilst natural diamonds are created gradually under the Earth’s surface over millions of years. The time taken to grow a lab-grown diamond will depend on its size. Due to technological advancements, lab grown diamonds can be created and supplied to the market faster than their natural counterpart.
Why purchase a lab-grown diamond over a natural diamond?
There are many reasons why lab grown diamonds are preferred over natural diamonds, with the most significant being that lab grown diamonds are more affordable. As lab-grown diamonds are more cost-effective than natural diamonds, you can essentially get a larger diamond without going over your budget. Lab-grown diamonds also have a guaranteed origin, which means that you can have peace of mind knowing that your diamond was ethically sourced and produced conflict-free.
Lab-grown diamonds are classified as a Type IIa diamond, a diamond type that is highly praised and valued due to being the most chemically pure. For these reasons, more and more consumers are turning to lab grown diamonds as the sustainable alternative for engagement rings and fine jewellery pieces.
What is a Type IIa Diamond?
A Type IIa diamond is regarded as the most valued and chemically pure type of diamond as it contains little to no nitrogen atoms, leading it to have a colourless or nearly colourless grade. Lab-grown diamonds are classified as a Type IIa diamond by international diamond grading and certifying labs. Only 2% of the world’s diamonds are considered a Type IIa diamond, making lab-grown diamonds the best alternative where purity and quality is important.
Do lab grown diamonds come with certification?
Yes, Lab-grown diamonds are graded with the same standards as natural mined diamonds. The quality of a diamond is graded by the 4C’s: Colour, Cut, Clarity and Carat weight. Lindelli’s lab-grown diamonds are graded by the world’s leading independent laboratories: Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and International Gemmological Institute (IGI).
Are lab-grown diamonds flawless?
Like natural mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are not entirely flawless as the growing process of the diamonds may create inevitable minor internal or surface inclusions. However, lab-grown diamonds are graded using the 4C’s by the same accredited gemological labs that certify natural mined diamonds.
It is important to note that it is very rare for a lab-grown or a natural diamond to be perfect, making every lab-grown diamond unique.
Do lab grown diamonds get cloudy?
No, lab grown diamonds will not go cloudy, as they have a good clarity rating just like natural diamonds.
Can you insure a lab-grown diamond engagement ring?
Yes, just like a natural diamond, lab diamond engagement rings can also be insured. We recommend insuring your jewellery pieces in case of damage or theft.
Are lab-grown diamonds ethical?
As lab-grown diamonds are grown in controlled laboratory environments, they do not require mining like natural diamonds. By eliminating this process, lab-grown diamonds reduce impact on the environment and remove the risk of unethical labour practices.