Synthetic Diamonds -Myths Vs Reality
In the case of synthetic diamonds, there are several myths. To understand what you are buying when you purchase a laboratory diamond, clearing up confusion is necessary. The diamonds can be produced with a belt strain, division or cubic press. All of them create high-pressure conditions that enable the creation of diamonds.
Why Do We Have Myths About Diamonds?
Many earth-mined diamond jewellers and industry analysts erroneously note the “differences” between the two items when it comes to comparing earth-mined diamonds and lab-grown diamonds. In fact, they are absolutely identical in terms of their chemical, optical and physical properties. Differences arise in their source of origin and price.
When it comes to man-made diamonds, there are a lot of myths. Most individuals do not recognise the term and are hesitant to purchase them. To understand what you are getting when you buy a lab-created diamond, clearing up the uncertainty is essential.
However, lab-made diamonds are now considered to be a viable choice as a visible proof of affection. They tick off all checkboxes in the ethical, ecological and humanitarian categories. The price point is great as they cost only a fraction of a mined diamond and most notably, they are as beautiful if not more. In comparing earth-mined diamonds and synthetic diamonds, we’re rebutting five myths to explain the popular misconceptions within the jewellery industry.
Myth 1: Lab Diamonds and Earth Mined Diamonds Are Two Completely Different Diamonds.
The growth of crystals is not dependent on any living or organic process. It is controlled by the laws of chemistry, over which we have little control.
It is clear that earth-mined diamonds are regularly treated to adjust colour and strengthen natural inclusions in order to fix colour distortions. Lab-grown diamonds and earth-mined diamonds are classified precisely the same way and with the same grading scale with respect to how all types of diamonds are classified. As carbon trapped under the Earth’s surface reaches contact heat of 1204 degrees Celsius, actual, mined diamonds are formed. Then they are under an average pressure of 213 kg per square metre. Via deep volcanic explosions, ready to be mined and polished, the diamonds produced would then rise to the surface.
But on the other side, two techniques are mostly used to produce laboratory-grown diamonds. 1)High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) and 2) Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD). When a diamond seed is physically planted in carbon and exposed to an atmosphere of extremely high pressure and temperature, an HPHT Diamond is made. In such circumstances, the natural attraction of particles occurs. If those circumstances are not in this predestined natural law pathway, one of two things might occur, either something you don’t want or secondly nothing happens. The simple thing is that man does not assemble any gemstone’s atomic structure but creates the right environment in which natural chemistry operates. This is how manmade diamonds are made in the laboratory.
So it is safe to say that both Earth-mined diamonds and lab-made diamonds have imperfections. It is part of what makes a stone distinctive. We do not produce the inclusions; they are present as part of the growth process. If these features were absent, the synthetic diamond would be even less practical.
Myth 2: Synthetic Diamonds Are Not Real Diamonds
As the names imply, lab-grown diamonds are diamonds that are produced using advanced technology and equipment. Scientists can make diamonds that are mechanically, visually, and chemically similar to mined diamonds by mimicking the natural processes required to shape diamonds in the rock. But why is there so much disruption regarding its realness?
Diamonds grown in laboratories are real and are not fake diamonds. Diamonds made by man are 100% carbon and have the very same chemical characteristics as mined diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are cultivated by replicating the conditions that result in diamond formation underneath the Earth: strain, heat, and carbon. What sophisticated machinery is being used is the only way to distinguish between mined diamonds and lab-grown diamonds, even expert jewellers can’t tell the difference. While this information should be sufficient to persuade even the greatest sceptic, it has remained central to the insubstantial belief that synthetic diamonds are not genuine.
Myth 3: They Are Charged for More Than It’s Worth
People are made to believe that these lab-grown diamonds are not worth the money. But the truth is you are getting the same quality of diamond as the Earth-mined diamonds at a fraction of the cost. Our Lab-grown diamond jewellers typically cost up to around 40 per cent less than their earth-grown diamond counterparts. However, suppose you buy diamonds produced in the laboratory for a few hundred dollars a carat. In that case, it’s most likely that they’re not diamonds grown in the labs, but another stone like cubic zirconia. This myth might also exist because of the cubic zirconia similarities. But diamonds are entirely made from carbon, and there is zero carbon in cubic zirconia! CZs are much weaker and have different light quality and patterning than diamonds.
The difference between a diamond and an inferior diamond simulant, such as CZ, can be easily detected by any jeweller. The Lab-grown diamond market is oversaturated with firms and different stones, several critics would claim, but the demand for ethical diamond alternatives is high right now. The less costly, ethical, conflict-free solution is what consumers want. They want the choice that offers the best value, peace of mind, and elegance for them. So you can trust us when we say that the Lab-grown diamond prices are in fact a boon to your wallet!
Myth 4: Lab Grown Diamonds Are Less Durable than Mined Diamonds
Most customers have indeed been expected to believe that synthetic diamonds do not equal Earth-formed diamonds of the same durable consistency, but that’s completely untrue. It all comes down to the mutual composition properties, again. They have the same toughness since both forms of diamonds are made of carbon and have the same physical characteristics. Thanks to the infamous expression, “Diamonds are forever,” one of the reasons why diamond gifts became so popular.
That’s also an indicator of the effectiveness and toughness of diamonds, which are among the most challenging substances on Earth. ‘Resistance against scratching’ is the definition of hardness. A diamond can only scratch a diamond. Remember that this is a destructive procedure, so it’s not typically conducted in the laboratory. As such, understanding that our robust lab-grown diamonds are just as potent and chip-resistant as mined ones, you can rest easy.
Myth 5: Synthetic Diamonds Have a Negative Environmental Impact
The lab synthesis approach mimics the natural diamond-forming process inside the crust of the Earth, but it actually needs a lot of energy. Chemical vapour Distillation (CVD) is known as the newer method of producing diamonds in the laboratory, which requires much less energy than HPHT. The diamonds produced via this method are commonly known as CVD diamonds as well The energy required is still lesser than the mined diamonds.
To put into perspective almost 1,750 tonnes of Earth must be removed in trying to seek a small 1.0ct earth-mined diamond. The typical diamond centre rock size was 0.30ct for an engagement ring in 1920. The average has jumped up to a 1.25ct diamond centre stone in today’s market.
It can be stated that blood diamonds are still in existence. In developed nations, the production of these blood diamonds has led to war efforts. Not to mention, the ethical ramifications of some of the blood diamond-related mining activities place miners without fair pay in dangerous conditions. It’s convenient to buy a blood diamond today without having any understanding of its heritage.
The controversy and disagreements in the diamond market will come and go, but it is up to the buyers and their personal preferences. You too can save money by purchasing diamond alternatives, such as Lab-grown diamond jewellery and comparing prices. This savings can be used for more important things such as planning a wedding that you and your partner can cherish for a generation. We would just like to say that, don’t ever let diamond theories sway your purchase decisions. Make sure to do thorough research in your quest for a diamond that fits your budget and also your style!