Earth Mined vs Lab Grown Diamonds

Earth Mined vs Lab Grown Diamonds

What is a Lab Grown Diamond?

Grown diamonds are REAL diamonds.  They have the same physical, chemical and optical properties as mined diamonds.  The main differences between two are where the originate and the cost.

Can you tell the difference between Grown and Mined?

There is no visual difference between grown and mined diamonds - even a trained gemologist cannot tell the difference by without equipment.  Carbon is the main element in both mined and grown diamonds.  The only chemical difference between the two is that most mined stones contain tiny amounts of nitrogen while lab stones do not.  This lack of nitrogen is one way gemologists can identify one versus the other.  Laser inscription can be another identifier.

How are Grown diamonds graded?

Grown diamond rough is cut just like mined rough and the resulting stones are graded for cut, color and clarity using the same industry standards as mined.  Grown diamonds come in a variety of carat weights and shapes just like mined stones and can have an accompanying industry grading report detailing the 4 C’s of diamond grading.

How are Grown diamonds made?

Grown diamonds are created by using two gem-quality diamond creation processes:  High Pressure - High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Depostion (CVD).   It can take between a week and a few months to “grow” the diamond crystal rough depending upon the method.

In the HPHT method, natural graphite is placed into a machine that crushes it with extreme pressure and high temperature turning the graphite to diamond - exactly how the earth does it over the course of millions of years.

For the CVD method, During the processes, a small diamond “seed crystal” is placed in a chamber filled with common gases.  When the gases are heated, they begin to form layer upon layer of carbon onto the seed crystal making it grow.





Are Grown Diamonds a more Environment-Friendly Option?

This is a widely debated topic inside and outside the diamond industry. While it’s true grown diamonds eliminate the need to dig into the earth’s core, helping to minimize scarring of the landscape, the machines that produce grown diamonds require constant energy to run the massive microwave heat generators.  Therefore, applying terms like “Green”, “Carbon Neutral”, “Sustainable” and “Ethical” to grown diamonds can be misleading.

What is the cost difference between Mined and Grown diamonds?

Grown diamonds cost significantly less than mined diamonds mainly due to the fact that what used to take millions of years to produce can now be done in a matter of weeks/months. When comparing grown versus mined diamonds of similar size, cut, color and clarity, the average price of a grown diamond is approximately 70-85% less.

Is one better than the other?

It’s whatever works best for you and your budget.

Some people are drawn to mined diamonds for their natural beauty and the fact they own something so incredibly rare that came directly from the earth.

Those that choose a grown option do so, more often than not, because of price.  For many, a grown stone makes it possible for them to get a larger stone without sacrificing quality or budget.

Call or stop in and let us help you determine which option is best for you.