At Guida Jewelers we’ve built a reputation for our knowledge of diamonds and diamond settings. If you have a stone that needs to be set, you can confidently watch us set your stone in our workshop. We love natural diamonds. With lab-grown diamond production on the rise, here is our NJ Jeweler’s Guide to Lab-Grown Diamonds.
What are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Did you know that lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to natural diamonds? They also have the same physical and optical properties of natural diamonds, making them a phenomenal replacement. Lab-grown diamonds are just as real, vibrant, and precious as natural diamonds. Just as natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds consist of carbon atoms that are arranged in the crystal structure that mimics the natural diamond.
In fact, lab-grown diamonds so closely resemble natural diamonds that they can only be distinguished from each other through the use of specialized equipment. This equipment closely examines minor differences in trace elements and diamond structure. It is important to note that lab-grown diamonds are different from diamond simulants, which look similar to diamonds, but lack the same carbon structure. Because of this, diamond simulants are inferior to lab-grown diamonds, and therefore sell at a lower price point. Diamond simulants can be identified using the naked eye. When you purchase lab-grown diamonds, they should always be accompanied with a certificate which identifies them as lab-grown.
How are Lab-Grown Diamonds “Grown”?
You may hear lab-grown diamonds also referred to as man-made diamonds, engineered-diamonds, and cultured-diamonds. No matter how you refer to them, they undergo an advanced technological process which mimics the conditions under which natural diamonds develop in nature. When you think about it, the technology is quite impressive, as natural diamonds form in the mantle beneath the earth’s crust.
The process of growing diamonds starts with tiny carbon-seeds from preexisting diamonds. Complex technology, which either involves immense pressure or a special deposition process referred to as CVD, mimics the natural-diamond growing environment. After being grown, some of these diamonds will undergo additional pressure or heat-treatments. When it comes to colored diamonds, additional trace elements are present during the growth stage, based on the ones they contain in nature.
In terms of sustainability, lab-grown diamonds can be a responsible choice, as they do not require any mining. Another benefit of lab-grown diamonds is that they can be made in a variety of colors, some of which are considered rare in nature.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Worth the Money?
Lab-grown diamonds offer excellent quality at great value. This is because they are more cost-effective than natural diamonds of comparable quality and size. This is especially true when it comes to colored diamonds, which sell at more affordable prices than natural ones.
Along with being more affordable, it is not uncommon for lab-grown diamonds to be higher quality than natural ones. This is due to the highly controlled environment and process lab-grown diamonds are created under. The result is fewer defects, brighter quality and higher purity.
It’s no secret that there are questionable practices when it comes to diamond mining and the ethical treatment of diamond miners. Lab-grown diamonds offer traceability in terms of origin, allowing one to only buy ones which are ethically sourced. At Guida Jewelers we care about sustainability and ethical practices. When it comes to natural diamonds, we are members of the exclusive Diamond Dealers Club, which allows us to buy directly from the diamond source.
Will Lab-Grown Diamonds Lose Value?
Lab-grown diamonds are treated similarly to natural diamonds when it comes to how they are certified and graded. After they are grown, lab-grown diamonds are sent to an independent gem lab, where they are certified by a gem expert. Just as is the case with natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are graded based on their cut, clarity, carat, and color: the 4 C’s of diamond grading.
Lab-grown diamonds are durable and won’t lose quality over time. As with all gems, the value of lab-grown diamonds may vary over time. Since lab-grown diamonds are newer to the market, there isn’t much information on future pricing, when compared to natural diamonds.
Due to their sustainability and ethical production, it is speculated that lab-grown diamonds will remain a popular and perhaps necessary choice amongst jewelry lovers.
Just like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds can be insured. Guida Jewelers can help guide you in obtaining Jeweler’s Mutual Insurance, which is the only insurance company which specializes and protects jewelers and the personal jewelry of the United States.
Phenomenal Quality at a Great Value
Overall, lab-grown diamonds offer phenomenal quality at a great value. Lab-grown diamonds can be worn daily or for special occasions. If you are looking to treat yourself or a loved one to a jewelry piece that will be valued for a lifetime, come to Guida Jewelers. For something truly unique, ask about a custom jewelry consultation with one of our expert designers. Whether natural or lab-grown, Guida Jeweler’s can offer expertise in choosing what diamond or piece is right for you or your loved one.
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