If you’re looking for lab grown diamonds in Northern, VA, you’ll find that there are plenty of options to choose from. But with so many choices, how do you know which one is right for you?
What is a lab grown diamond?
A lab grown diamond is a diamond that has been created in a laboratory, rather than being mined from the earth. These diamonds are chemically and structurally identical to mined diamonds, but they are often much less expensive.
How do lab grown diamonds compare to mined diamonds?
The main difference between lab grown diamonds and mined diamonds is the price. Lab grown diamonds typically cost 20-30% less than mined diamonds. But because they are identical in every other way, lab grown diamonds are a great choice for anyone looking for a beautiful, high-quality diamond on a budget.
How are lab created diamonds certified and graded?
Lab created diamonds are certified and graded in the same way as mined diamonds. They are evaluated based on the 4 Cs: carat weight, clarity, color, and cut. Lab grown diamonds can be found in all shapes, sizes, and colors, so you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for you.
When you’re ready to buy a lab grown diamond, be sure to work with a reputable jeweler who can help you find the perfect stone. At Jewelry By Designs, we specialize in lab grown diamonds and can help you find the perfect one for your budget and style. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
How Are Lab Created Diamonds Grown?
HPHT
The HPHT (high-pressure, high-heat) process attempts to mimic the pressure and heat that naturally form diamond crystals. In this process, a pure carbon powder (such as graphite) is pressed into a growth capsule and placed in a growth chamber. Extreme heat (up to 1600 degrees C) and high pressure (870,000+ pounds per inch) are applied, and a diamond crystal begins to form atom by atom. HPHT diamond crystals form a cubo-octahedron crystal rather than the octahedron crystal of a natural diamond. This gives them dramatically different internal growth patterns than mined diamonds. Through this process, large diamonds, up to 10 carat rough crystals, can be formed in under two weeks.Â
CVD
The other common process is CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition). CVD works similarly to 3D printing, where the diamond is grown layer by layer. This process begins with a diamond wafer placed in a vacuum chamber. The inside of the chamber is heated to 2192 degrees F by either a microwave or laser, which vaporizes the plasma cloud of carbon-rich gasses (hydrogen and methane). The carbon atoms rain down on the diamond wafer and form a uniform coating of diamond. This process takes nearly one month to grow a diamond crystal that can be cut and polished into a 1 carat loose diamond. The CVD process forms a diamond crystal with a cubic and vertical growth.
What are lab-created diamonds?
Lab-created diamonds are real diamonds, they are not fake or imitation diamonds. lab-created diamonds are also commonly called man-made diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, cultivated diamonds and eco/sustainable diamonds. Lab grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical and optical properties as natural mined diamonds.
Lab created vs mined
The only difference between a lab grown diamond and a natural mined diamond is their origin. A lab grown diamond is created in a lab using cutting edge technology that replicates the conditions under which natural diamonds are formed deep within the earth. Mined Diamonds are created by nature over a period of 1 to 3 billion years.
