Diamonds
April’s Alluring Birthstone - Diamond | Natural vs Lab Created Diamond
Published: Apr 7, 2023
The month of April is synonymous with one gemstone in particular: diamond. Diamonds have been prized by humans for centuries, and for good reason – they are dazzlingly beautiful, highly durable and come in a variety of shapes and colors.
In this blog post, we will explore the unique properties of the diamond, the difference between naturally crafted and the lab created diamonds, and how they are created naturally in the earth and in the lab.
Uncovering Diamonds | Real Diamonds Versus Lab Created Diamonds
Natural earth mined diamonds are formed deep within the Earth approx. 100 miles below the surface in the heat and pressure of the upper mantle. The combination of high temperature and high pressure is what's necessary to grow diamond crystals in the Earth. The above photo shows the natural crystal shapes of diamonds that are gem quality before they are cut for use in fine jewelry including diamond earrings and diamond necklaces and other types of diamond jewelry. Diamonds form in the cubic crystal system mostly in the shape of natural octahedron crystals.
Natural diamonds we find are ones that are brought to the surface by a very deep-seated volcanic eruption from times past. These eruptions carried the already-formed diamonds from the upper mantle to the surface of the Earth. When the eruption reached the surface it builds up a mound of volcanic material that eventually cools with the diamonds contained within. These are the Kimberlite pipes that are typically the sources of many of the world's mined diamonds.
Diamond crystals need to travel from high pressure and temperature in the upper mantle to low at the surface very quickly. If the diamonds travel too slow (subduction), the atoms would loosen and they would literally convert into soft graphite along the way. And so, by moving at up to the speed of sound, they essentially lock their atoms into place that form the durable tight diamond structure.
When it comes to diamonds and diamond jewelry, there are many different cuts available as seen in the photo above. Popular diamond cuts include round brilliant cut, oval cut, emerald cut, cushion cut, and princess cut shapes. Any brilliant cut diamond that isn’t round is simply called a fancy cut diamond. There are other fancy cuts than what is pictured above including the bullet, trapezoid, kite, half moon, baguettes and more.
One of the oldest diamond cuts is the Rose Cut which emerged in the 1500s and named for its resemblance to the flower. This romantic cut—with a flat bottom, domed top, and as many as 24 facets—was developed in harmony with the shape of rough diamonds and popularized in the Georgian Era.
Mine cut and Old European diamonds started in the 1700’s to mid 1800’s respectively as technology improved creating a boon in diamond cutting and fine jewelry making. These diamonds adorned Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Art Deco diamond earring, diamond necklaces and ring settings created by incredibly talented metalsmiths. These pieces were viewed under candlelit conditions before the invention of electricity and have a fire radiance that emanate from these cuts compared to the modern brilliant cut diamond.
Modern brilliant rounds represent the height of diamond cutting art of returning light to create the dazzling brilliance we are used to seeing. You find these in Retro, Mid Century to current fine jewelry pieces.
How are Lab Grown Diamonds Created?
Lab created diamonds have the same visual, physical and chemical attributes as natural diamonds. There is essentially no difference between lab created diamonds and mined diamonds; they are visually, physically, and chemically the same.
Moreover, both types of diamonds give the same sparkle, have the same types of clarity and color, and both come in the same shapes and sizes.
In terms of durability, lab created diamonds offer the same strength, durability, and hardness as natural diamonds. In 2018, the Federal Trade Commission stated, “A diamond is a diamond no matter whether it is grown in a lab or comes out of the ground”.
The process of creating lab grown diamonds is quite complex. We briefly explain two processes that are used to create lab created diamonds. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is the process of condensing substances in vapor form to generate solid phase materials.
- First, diamond seeds are grown in a controlled diamond growth chamber (usually a vacuum chamber) that mimics the natural conditions under which diamonds form in nature.
- Then, the diamond chamber is filled with carbon-containing gas.
- Next, the apparatus used for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) will be subjected to high temperature of about 900-1200°C and pressures.
- Afterwards, a microwave beam will cause the carbon to turn into vapor and deposit onto the diamond seed crystal. Each batch of lab grown diamonds created through chemical vapor deposition (CVD) may require three to four weeks to complete this process.
The second process is called the High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) Process. A process of growing a lab created diamond by creating an almost exact replication of the extreme conditions found deep in the Earth, allowing for the formation of real diamond crystals with identical physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds.
- A seed for creating lab diamonds is placed in a personalized press.
- The chamber will be subjected to high temperature amounting to 1300-1600 °C and with high pressure of around 870,000 pounds per square inch.
- The high temperature dissolves the diamond seed made from high purity carbon source.
- The small diamond seed crystal begins to gather carbon atoms in precipitate form; slowly forms the diamond as time goes by
Natural Diamond Versus Lab Grown Diamond: Which Suits You Better?
The differences between natural and lab-created diamonds are not just visual. Natural diamonds are formed from extreme pressure and heat over millions of years under the earth's surface. A lab created diamond, on the other hand, is produced in a laboratory using modern technology to create an exact replica of natural diamonds. While both options are stunningly beautiful, lab grown diamonds have certain advantages such as being more affordable and more accessible to purchase than real diamonds while keeping par with the quality, brilliance, and sparkle when used in jewelry sets such as in diamond earrings.
Diamonds Are Forever: Stylish Tips for Wearing Them
Wearing your diamond jewelry is one of the best ways to show off its beauty! Diamond necklaces look particularly elegant when paired with evening gowns for special occasions like weddings or galas. On the other hand, diamond earrings can be dressed up or down depending on your style; they work great for everyday wear or formal events alike!
When you think of diamonds, what comes to mind? Most likely, thoughts of luxury, wealth, and extravagance. Diamonds are one of the most popular gemstones in the world for a reason! They are beautiful, timeless, and can be worn in a variety of ways. In this blog post, we will take a look at some stylish tips for wearing your jewelries such as diamond earrings and necklaces. Whether you're dressing up or dressing down, there's nothing like the glam brought about by diamond jewelry!
Here are some diamond jewelry and how to wear them!
- Diamond earrings
If you're looking for a more subtle way to wear diamonds, consider opting for a pair of diamond earrings. Whether you choose tiny studs or large hoops, diamond earrings instantly take any outfit up several notches. They look especially beautiful when paired with an updo hairstyle and can be worn both during the day and night. - Diamond necklace
Another great option is a diamond necklace. This timeless piece of jewelry adds just enough sparkle to your ensemble without being too over-the-top. You can choose from delicate pendants or statement necklaces that will make sure all eyes are on you! No matter what style you prefer, having a go-to diamond necklace in your wardrobe is always a good idea. - Diamond rings
Diamond rings are also a fabulous choice for those who want to add some extra shine to their look. They can be worn on either the right or left hand and come in both classic and modern styles. No matter which one you pick, a diamond ring will make your outfit look effortlessly chic!
As you can see, diamonds are truly special gems that never fail to dazzle. Whether they be natural or lab-created, diamonds make a perfect choice for someone born in the month of April.
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