What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Your partner insists on a diamond engagement ring, but its cost exceeds the wedding budget. But what if I told you there's an alternative for real diamonds that wouldn't drain your life savings? A rock; not naturally occurring, yet not artificial, but just as good as real diamonds. That's lab grown diamonds for you.
They literally mean what their name implies - diamonds cultivated in laboratories. Lab grown diamonds, also known as synthetic or culture diamonds, are created using advanced technologies that minimise environmental impact. This eco-conscious approach of creating diamonds is highly sustainable, as opposed to diamond mining. It’s a straightforward concept, not rocket science.
Lab Grown Diamonds - Next Big Thing In Jewellery - Here's Why?
With progress being made in technological aspects of jewellery making, lab-grown diamonds appear to have a promising future. The demand for lab grown diamonds has significantly increased as sustainability gains importance. Its recent hype amongst celebrities and influencers is driving the desire for purchasing them. The affordability, quality and customisability of man made diamonds are key purchasing factors for customers. The GIA and SGL certifications serve as informative tools for buyers, providing a detailed clarification on the 4 prominent C’s - color, clarity, cut and carat, required to aid your purchasing decision.
Palmonas lab grown diamonds collection ticks all four boxes and is crafted for those with financial commitment. Our collection features SGL certified jewellery across various categories, including earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings.
Real v/s Lab ; What's the Tea?
Lab-grown and natural diamonds are identical as they have similar chemical properties. But they differ significantly in their cost and origin. Natural diamonds take billions of years to develop, whereas lab-grown diamonds are manufactured in a few weeks through CVD also known as HPHT technology. Despite their different formation processes, both show the same qualities, making them quite indistinguishable.
Lab-grown diamonds are more cost effective, presenting an eco-friendly alternative to mined diamonds. However, they generally have a low resale value. Yet, in recent times, the market for lab-grown diamonds is experiencing increasing acceptance.
Origin of Lab Grown Diamonds
The experimentation process for creating lab-grown diamonds began in 1797 with the scientific discovery that diamonds are composed entirely of carbons. Over a century later, in the 1940s, GE initiated a project that led to the manufacturing of the first lab-grown diamonds. Howard Tracy Hall and Herbert Strong are recognised with their creation through the HPHT method.
Initially, these diamonds were used for industrial purposes due to their gem-like qualities. It took many decades to refine the process to produce lab-grown diamonds for jewellery. The first lab-grown diamond was produced in the US. Today, India ranks second globally in lab-grown diamond production, following China. (source)
A Breakdown Of Their Benefits
Cost advantage
Lab grown diamonds are an identical and more affordable alternative to their mined counterparts. Their cost-effective production makes them accessible to a broader, budget-considerate audience. These lab grown creations are a perfect combination of luxury and affordability, helping you experience the beauty of exquisite stones without draining your financial resources.
Quality standards
Lab-grown diamonds are known for their uncompromising quality and affordability. Equivalent to that of mined diamonds, they are durable. Lab grown diamonds are developed to show fewer imperfections and are certified by trusted labs like GIA, IGI and SGI making them consistently brilliant.
Environmentally responsible
Their eco-friendly approach significantly reduces harmful environmental impact. Lab-cultured diamonds require fewer resources as compared to their mined diamonds. The absence of large-scale excavation also means no threat to wildlife, and it reduces the ethical concerns often associated with diamond mining practices.
Wide range of choices
They are customisable to suit needs of the consumer, providing a variety of options. They can be manufactured in different shapes and sizes, and are produced with very high clarity and color grades due to controlled conditions.
Physically and chemically identical
The difference between lab grown diamond and natural diamonds are quite virtually distinguishable as they both share the same optical, chemical and physical properties. It's like comparing identical twins.
The Trade-Offs
Low resale value
A significant disadvantage is their low resale value, making them unsuitable for investments. However, some individuals still prefer natural diamonds due to their inherent properties, rarity, and traditional significance.
Market acceptance
Despite their growing popularity, lab grown diamonds face low acceptance among the older generations due to the fact they are cultivated in labs, not occurring naturally.
Whether your goal is to make a modern statement or preserve the environment, lab grown diamonds are the perfect choice.
Visit one of our jewellery stores near you for a closer look if you're still conflicted about buying lab grown diamonds, we’ll convince assist you! :)
FAQs
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Are lab grown diamonds real diamonds?
They have quite similar factors to that of real diamonds when it comes to shape, quality, size, and color grades.
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What is so special about lab grown diamonds?
Its affordability and quality factors are key attractions for customers. While their resale value is low, they offer you an experience of a real diamond with less impact on the environment as well as the bank.
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Do lab grown diamonds last?
Yes. They do. They last as long as a real diamond.
