If you really want the look of a diamond but are hoping for a less-expensive option, you have more choices than ever thanks to scientific advances.
Scientists have made significant progress in producing stunning lab-grown diamonds, and companies such as Miadonna have begun specializing in producing and selling these diamond alternatives.
Visually, a well-made lab-grown diamond looks the same as a naturally grown one, and the two contain the same chemical makeup.
Where they differ significantly is in cost, and this is largely due to the fact they are easier to produce and require no mining.
What are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
As the name suggests, lab-grown diamonds are grown in a laboratory.
That doesn’t mean they are fakes.
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, and they can be nearly impossible to tell apart from their natural counterparts.
They often have fewer blemishes and are more affordable than natural diamonds, and they are a great alternative if you’re looking to avoid conflict diamonds, also known as “blood diamonds.”
How are Diamonds Grown in a Lab?
It can take a lab anywhere from two to 10 weeks to grow a diamond, depending on the size and quality. Six weeks is the most common timeframe.
In contrast, the diamonds that are mined today in countries such as Africa were formed 1 billion years ago, or more.
Larger diamonds will, of course, take longer to grow in a lab: The largest lab grown diamond on record is more than 5 carats!
Lab diamonds are created through a process of growing carbon crystals under intense pressure and heat. So what can take millions of years to create in nature can be replicated in a lab in a matter of weeks.
Despite the significant time difference, diamonds created in labs and in nature are physically and chemically identical. In fact, even experts using specialized equipment can’t tell them apart without knowing their origin!
How much do lab-grown diamonds cost?
Lab-grown diamonds cost 20% to 30% less than mined diamonds of similar quality and size.
Part of the reason lab diamonds are more affordable has to do with production efficiency — it’s much easier to control conditions in a lab than it is to mine for diamonds in the earth.
When shopping for lab grown diamonds, it’s important to find a reputable retailer. Make sure the diamond comes with a certificate of authenticity and lab report detailing the its characteristics.
Some retailers also allow you to view HD videos and 360-degree images of each lab-grown diamond, so you know exactly what you’re getting ahead of time.
Lab-grown diamonds are conflict-free
If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly and conflict-free alternative to mined diamonds, perhaps for an April birthstone gift idea, lab-grown diamonds are a great way to go.
With lab-grown diamonds, you can have peace of mind knowing your purchase didn’t damage the environment or contribute to human rights abuses.