A Guide to
Lab-Grown Diamonds: Production, Grading, and Shopping
One of the most common questions we hear from clients is, “Are lab diamonds real?” The answer is a resounding yes. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds in every sense. They have the same physical and chemical properties as a diamond mined from the earth. Lab-grown diamonds have enjoyed greater popularity in the past few years, thanks to their environmental and ethical impact. Kravit Jewelers walks you through the sublime beauty and mystery of a lab diamond and what makes it deserving of the spotlight as its natural sister. LAB-GROWN VS. NATURAL DIAMONDS Lab-grown diamonds, also known as man-made, cultured, or lab-diamonds, are created in a laboratory environment. It’s different from a natural or earth-mined diamond, which is formed over about a billion years. Although they have different origins, a lab-grown diamond has the same chemical and physical properties as a natural diamond: · Chemical Composition. Both types of diamond are made of pure crystallized carbon (where each carbon atom is surrounded by four other carbon atoms, connected by covalent bonds) · Hardness. Both are rated 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, making them the hardest substances on Earth. · Density. Both have a density of 3.51g/cm3 · Refractive Index. Both have a refractive index of 2.42. · Fire or Light Dispersion. Both have a light dispersion of 0.044. · Colors. Both range from D (colorless) to Z (yellow). They also come in fancy colors. In essence, lab diamonds are real diamonds. They’re not “fake gems.” They’re not moissanites, cubic zirconias, or imitation diamonds. You’re getting the real deal. Additionally, it’s inaccurate to call natural diamonds “real diamonds” because their lab-grown counterparts are true gems, too. The only difference between a lab-grown and natural diamond is where they came from.
