Myths, Facts, and The Truth about Lab-Grown Diamonds
“Diamonds are only coal that stuck to their jobs, you see,” said the late American billionaire Malcolm Forbes. Considered one of the hardest materials in the world, the job of a diamond begins millions of years before it is born, formed under extreme geological pressure. This naturally occurring brilliant stone can be found buried deep in the ground all over the world including Russia, Canada, and Africa, where one of the world’s largest diamond producers, South Africa is located.
This country is also the birthplace of Brian Gavin, a fifth-generation, family-trained, diamond cutter. Now a Houston resident, his understanding of the diamond industry, coupled with his expertise is renowned and unmatched. Gavin knows how the labor-intensive process of mining diamonds, combined with strict industry regulation continues to increase the value and prestige associated with these stones.
Yet, there is an alternative to owning a naturally occurring diamond. No, it’s not cubic zirconia, nor rhinestone, it’s a lab-grown diamond and according to Gavin choosing this type of man-made stone is definitely a personal one.
The Origins of Earth-Mined Diamonds
Did you know many diamonds were formed around 3 billion years ago? They began life as carbon, resting deep within the earth’s crust. After exposure to extreme heat and pressure, they were slowly converted from a clear, crystalline version of carbon to a mineral known as a diamond.
Rapid Formation of Diamonds in Laboratories
While many people think that diamonds can only form through this slow, natural process, the thrilling truth is that diamonds can now be grown in labs. You no longer have to wait billions of years to achieve the stunning conversion from carbon to diamond. While a crystallization process still occurs, it happens on an accelerated timeline in a lab instead of deep under the earth's surface.
How Are Lab Diamonds Made?
Today’s laboratories use two distinct methods to create lab-grown diamonds. As Gavin says “it’s a process of crystallizing carbon”.
HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature):
A method for growing synthetic diamonds by mimicking the natural conditions of high pressure and high temperature found deep within the Earth, using a press to create diamonds from carbon material.
CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition):
A method for growing synthetic diamonds by depositing carbon atoms from a gas onto a substrate in a controlled environment, resulting in a diamond crystal.
Regardless of which lab-grown diamond growing method is used, the result is a diamond that has the same properties as a natural one but different crystal patterns.
How Lab-Grown Diamonds Affect The Market?
Gavin refers to the example of Auguste Vernuil, a French chemist who developed man-made rubies and sapphires in the late 1800s. At the time, there was fear throughout the precious-stone industry that this development would negatively affect the natural market for them.
Though they did take a portion of the sales from the natural ruby and sapphire industry, they did not destroy it. Gavin says the same can be said for the lab-grown versus the natural diamond markets. The man-made version has taken some market share. But he adds: “I think that most people prefer something that is natural; especially when it’s expressing a term of endearment or your love for someone else……99% of the time people tell me they would prefer to have a natural diamond if they’re going to get married. I think it does have greater symbolism”.
Myths and Facts About Lab-Grown Diamonds
-
It’s Easy to Spot The Difference Between Lab-Grown And Natural Diamonds
False. According to Gavin the answer is no, you can’t tell the difference between lab grown diamonds and natural with the naked eye. He adds, “Even with man-made diamonds, you may have inclusions (i.e. flaws or imperfections) which look just as much or are equal to natural inclusions. So it’s very complicated.”
-
Lab-Created Diamonds Meet The Essential 4 Cs of Diamonds
True! Lab diamonds meet the famous 4 Cs: cut-shape, clarity, carat weight, and diamond color. Our stones go above and beyond with a 5th C: cut-performance! Brian Gavin’s lab-grown diamonds are shaped to offer a performance of both lightness and sparkle factor.
-
There’s No Certification for Lab-Grown Diamonds
False. Brian Gavin Diamonds gives a complete lab diamond grading report to our clients. It is documentation certifying that our reputable certification laboratories adhere to strict grading standards and ethical practices.
-
Lab Diamonds Are More Expensive Than Simulated Diamonds
True! When comparing lab-grown diamonds vs. diamond simulants, lab diamonds have a higher price tag. But while it may be tempting to scoop up bargain-basement cubic zirconia jewelry, you’ll get what you pay for in terms of lifespan and quality.
Lab diamonds are an investment that will outshine simulants in longevity, brilliance, and quality you can discern. You can tell if a lab-grown diamond is good very much in the same way as earth-mined diamonds.
-
The Color of Lab-Grown Diamonds Fades in Time
False. Just like natural diamonds, the color of lab diamonds will not change since they both have the same composition.
-
It’s Risky to Buy Lab Diamonds Online
False. There are reputable companies, like Brian Gavin Diamonds Lab, that make buying lab diamonds online a safe and secure process. By doing some research and choosing the right lab diamond company, you can purchase great quality lab-grown diamonds.
Shop Brian Gavin Premium Lab Diamonds
At Brian Gavin Diamonds, the demand for lab-grown diamonds has skyrocketed over the years. In response to our clients' requests, we dedicated years to researching and developing the best modern methods for creating diamonds that meet our high standards.
The result is the Brian Gavin Premium collection, featuring proprietary shapes and cuts that set a new industry standard. These exceptional stones are crafted using material grown in America, ensuring clarity and quality that align with our commitment to trust and integrity. Our patented process delivers high-performance diamonds that we proudly attach our name to.
If you are looking for a lab-grown diamond with extraordinary sparkle and shine, explore our Premium and Deluxe Lab collections to find your perfect match!
