We know that the concept of creating diamonds in a lab can be confusing and you might have a lot of questions about it, but don’t worry. We’ve put together this handy guide to help you understand everything about lab-grown diamonds and why they’ve been conquering hearts all over the world.
The Essential Guide To Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are more popular than ever, and it’s easy to see why. After all, lab-grown diamonds are just as stunning as mined diamonds, but they have the added benefit of being conflict-free, ethical, eco-friendly, and more accessible. What’s not to love about them, right?
What is a lab-grown diamond?
As their name suggests, lab-grown diamonds are diamonds which are created in a laboratory instead of being mined.
Essentially, scientists are able to replicate in a lab the natural process that results in the creation of diamonds. While mined diamonds take millions of years to be created, scientists can create diamonds in a lab in a fraction of that time. It actually just takes about two months for them to grow. Impressive, right?
But the best thing about lab-grown diamonds is that they’re as much more sustainable, ethical, and accessible than their mined counterpart. Lab-grown diamonds are the epitome of ecological and accessible luxury.
Are lab-grown diamonds real?
As their name suggests, lab-grown diamonds are diamonds which are created in a laboratory instead of being mined.
Essentially, scientists are able to replicate in a lab the natural process that results in the creation of diamonds. While mined diamonds take millions of years to be created, scientists can create diamonds in a lab in a fraction of that time. It actually just takes about two months for them to grow. Impressive, right?
But the best thing about lab-grown diamonds is that they’re as much more sustainable, ethical, and accessible than their mined counterpart. Lab-grown diamonds are the epitome of ecological and accessible luxury.
How are lab-grown diamonds made?
The process of growing diamonds in a lab involves cutting-edge equipment, carbon, huge amounts of pressure, and extremely high temperatures, all in a controlled environment.
Labs use two different methods to grow diamonds: High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). They’re both incredibly complex, but here’s the gist: a so-called "diamond seed" is placed inside a sealed chamber where that carbon seed is pressurized and heated until its little particles break down and crystallize into a fully formed diamond.
That might seem like a weird process, but that’s exactly what happens in nature, too. The difference is that nature takes millions of years to grow diamonds, while we can do it in a matter of months. It’s pretty amazing!
Can you tell the difference between lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds?
Both lab-grown and mined diamonds have the same identical chemical composition and structure, and you can’t tell them apart without using professional equipment.
Distinguishing between the two requires a trained gemologist and specific equipment designed to identify lab-grown diamonds.
That’s what’s so great about it: both diamonds have an equal play of light and luster, hardness, refraction, and density. It’s easy to see why they’re so hard to resist.
Lab-grown diamond jewelry
Just like with mined diamonds, there are endless possibilities when it comes to jewelry featuring lab-grown diamonds. Let’s take a look at some types of jewelry showcasing beautiful and conflict-free diamonds:
Lab-grown diamond engagement rings
Whether you're after a halo engagement ring, a timeless solitaire, a sweet vintage design, or an eye-catching three-stone ring, the great news is that you can easily make your choice more sustainable and ethical by opting for a lab-grown diamond engagement ring.
Lab-grown diamond wedding bands
Say “I do” with these beautiful rings. And after a few years of marriage, add a beautiful diamond anniversary band to your stack - all that stunning shimmer will be simply irresistible.
Lab-grown diamond earrings
You can mix and match dazzling lab-grown diamond stud earrings with dainty diamond huggies to create a beautiful (and eco-friendly) earring stack, go all-out with a pair of statement diamond dangles, or go for a minimalist look with small drop earrings - your styling options are endless.
Lab-grown diamond bracelets
Whether you’re after the perfect lab-grown diamond tennis bracelet, a beautiful cuff to add to your collection, or an eye-catching bangle, the truth is that you can never go wrong with a glistening diamond bracelet wrapped around your wrist.
Lab-grown diamond necklaces
From stylish bar necklaces and shimmering diamond pendants to iconic tennis necklaces and bold diamond station chains, you’ll have no shortage of stunning necklaces to choose from.
Lab-grown diamond rings
Between rose gold eternity rings, white gold stackable bands, multi-row diamond statement rings, and designs which combine diamonds and colorful precious gemstones, you’ll never run out of stylish diamond rings in your collection.
Where to buy lab-grown diamonds in Minnesota?
Guild Facet is your go-to jewelry store for the best lab-grown diamonds in Minnesota. Here, you’ll find everything from timeless diamond studs to trendy diamond station necklaces and stunning lab-grown diamond engagement rings.
Visit one of our nine locations in Minnesota, or call us at 1-866-740-RING. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for our latest news and stunning jewelry inspiration!