Lab-grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are identical to mined diamonds. They share the exact same chemical, optical, and physical properties, the only difference is the origin. Thanks to science, lab grown diamonds are an ethical and more attainable option for your fine jewelry. They are graded using the same 4Cs as natural diamonds; carat, color, clarity and cut.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Real?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds are real. They are not simulants like CZ or Moissanite. Lab grown diamonds are not “fakes.” Aside from subtle carbon distinctions, they are chemically identical to natural diamonds. The technical difference is that they’re not billions of years old. Lab-grown diamonds are grown in factories using sophisticated chemical synthesis over a period of 1-4 weeks. Once grown, they are polished with the same tools and brought to market in the same manner as natural diamonds.
Lab Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds
The real difference between lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds is where and how the gems are formed. Traditional mined diamonds are formed at the center of the earth over millions of years and require an enormous amount of dirt/earth be removed to retrieve them. Lab-grown diamonds are formed in a controlled environment, move zero amount of earth, and can be produced in a matter of weeks or months, not years. Since lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds share the same chemical, optical, and physical properties, they are both available in a variety of sizes and all sorts of quality grades. Diamonds are typically graded on the International Gemological Institute (IGI) standard scale for color and clarity. Both lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds can range in color from D to Z, with the latter having a very saturated yellow hue. Similarly, both types of diamonds are graded in the same way for clarity, which ranges from flawless to included. This is determined by the number of inclusions within the gem.
Just like natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds rank 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. No other material comes close. “Corundum,” which produces both rubies and sapphires, ranks 9 on the hardness scale. But the 10 of diamonds is nearly 10X as hard as corundum’s rating of 9. Simply put, nothing else comes close to the hardness of both natural and lab grown diamonds.
What is a lab grown diamond?
A lab grown diamond is a real diamond, like one extracted from the earth, but created in a lab over weeks using one of two sophisticated growth methods. The first method, High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) replicates the extreme conditions deep within the earth during the supercontinent cycle, billions of years ago, which caused natural diamonds to slowly form. The other method, Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), heats hydrocarbon gas into plasma, separating the carbon atoms and using them to create a lab grown diamond crystal, layer by layer.
Do lab grown diamonds look the same?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds have identical refractive index and optical qualities. Lab grown diamonds are even graded using the same diamond color and clarity scales as natural diamonds. Experienced gemologists and jewelers may be able to identify characteristics that point to lab grown origin, but when casually viewing diamond rings they are identical to natural diamonds and cannot be decisively separated without expert analysis using sophisticated instruments.
Is lab grown diamond jewelry less expensive?
Yes, Lab-grown diamonds are approximately 30% less expensive than mined diamonds! This means you can get higher quality gems, at a lower price.
Do lab grown diamonds last?
Lab-grown diamonds are just as hard and durable as natural diamonds. They will last as long as they are properly cared for.
Still confused? Watch this video.
Why choose lab-grown diamond jewellery from us?
At House of Plethora, we understand that choosing the right piece of jewelry isn’t just about style—it’s about making a meaningful investment. That’s why we specialize in lab-grown diamond jewelry that not only dazzles but also aligns with your values and expectations. Our diamonds are not only rocking (see what I did there?) but also of the highest quality, featuring D, E, F colors with VVS1 and VVS2 clarity, each meticulously certified to ensure you receive nothing but the best.
We know the jewelry market can feel overwhelming with its myriad options. At House of Plethora, we cut through the noise to focus on what truly matters to you. Our dedicated attention ensures that every aspect of your jewelry—from story and design to budget and durability—is considered with the utmost care. Buying jewelry should be a joyous occasion, not a stressful one, and our team is here to guide you every step of the way. We’re committed to helping you find or create a piece that not only meets your expectations but also transcends them, ensuring you fall in love with your choice.
Choose House of Plethora, where your investment is our priority, and exceptional quality meets heartfelt service. Let us walk you through this journey, ensuring that when you make a decision, it’s one you’ll cherish forever.
Why you should buy lab-grown diamond jewellery with certification?
- Authenticity
A certificate from a reputable organization like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) confirms the diamond’s authenticity.
- Comparison
A certificate provides a scientific examination of the diamond’s 4Cs (color, clarity, cut, and carat). This makes it easier to compare diamonds.
- Avoids conflict
Lab-grown diamonds are conflict-free because they are not mined from the earth.
- Responsible choiceLab-grown diamonds are a more responsible choice because they don’t involve mining.
How to choose the right diamond?
We help you understand beyond the ‘four C’s’ and explain why diamonds are so rare and beautiful. We also help you find the perfect diamond for you. More importantly we’ll help you with what is the perfect size stone for each individual. (Yes a diamond can be too big!)
The 4Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat
There are many things to consider when looking to purchase a diamond jewellery.
The 4Cs of Diamond Quality is the universal method for assessing the quality of any diamond, anywhere in the world. Whether shopping for a mined diamond or a lab-grown diamond, the 4Cs are the same.
Cut
We often think of a diamond’s cut as its shape, such as round, cushion, or oval, but a diamond’s cut refers to how well its facets interact with light. The quality of a cut is defined by proportions and symmetry — as these characteristics have a tremendous impact on a diamond’s sparkle, brilliance, and fire. Cut grades range from poor to excellent, with excellent being the best cut possible.
Color
A perfect diamond is completely transparent, having no hue or color. The absence of color is graded on a D-through-Z scale; D is colorless, and Z has the most color. D, E, and F diamonds are colorless, and G, H, and I are considered near colorless. These distinctions are often so subtle that they are invisible to the untrained eye; however, a diamond’s color grade can have a large impact on both appearance and price.
Clarity
A diamond’s clarity depends on the absence or presence of inclusions and blemishes. Imperfections can range from imperceptible to the naked eye to obvious flaws in the gem and are classified into six major categories:
- Flawless (FL)No inclusions and no blemishes visible under 10x magnification
- Internally Flawless (IF)No inclusions visible under 10x magnification
- Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2)Inclusions so slight they are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification
- Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2)Inclusions are observed with effort under 10x magnification but can be characterized as minor
- Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2)Inclusions are noticeable under 10x magnification
- Included (I1, I2, and I3)Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification, which may affect transparency and brilliance
Carat
The diamond carat weight measures how much a diamond weighs. A metric “carat” is defined as 200 milligrams. Carat weight is typically displayed as either a fraction or decimal and is sometimes referred to as points. Each carat is subdivided into 100 points. This allows for very precise measurements to the hundredth decimal place. For example, a diamond weighing 0.50 carats could also be called a fifty-pointer. All else being equal, diamond price increases with carat weight. However, 100 points of diamonds are not equivalent to a single 1.00-carat gem in price or value.