Lab-Grown Diamonds vs Traditionally Mined


The argument for lab-grown diamonds versus those traditionally mined has become more and more relevant in recent years. Cost, environmental impact and ethics are major considerations in a rapidly evolving world.

Traditional diamonds take millions of years to form through extreme processes in the Earth’s mantle where conditions have to be just right to produce these beautiful and everlasting stones. But there is also something incredible about the fact that technology has advanced to allow us to create stones of the same quality, density and size in a matter of weeks.

What’s the Difference Between Lab-Grown and Traditionally Mined Diamonds?

Price

You can get a lab-grown diamond of similar quality to its natural counterpart for a far lower price. This is due to an efficient production process and lower costs. Industry estimates put lab diamonds as 20-30% lower priced than traditional.

Appearance

There are some differences between the two types of diamonds, but these are usually invisible to the naked eye—unless you’re showing off your engagement ring to a collector, geologist or jeweller.

traditionally mined diamond ring in a red material box

Photo by Sabrianna on Unsplash

Rarity

Lab diamonds aren’t as rare as their mined cousins. However, they are still diamonds of exceeding cut, quality, colour and clarity. It depends on the buyer and what they value most.

Ethics

Diamonds can be controversial, so many find that lab-formed diamonds are the more moral choice. Historically, mining traditional diamonds has caused or exacerbated conflicts, or been used to fund them. That said, thanks to campaigns and intervention, most diamonds are now considered conflict free.

Environment

Mining diamonds can be labour and resource intensive. Lab-grown diamonds boast less of an environmental impact than traditional stones. The lab process has been refined to reduce resource consumption.

How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Created?

Lab-grown diamonds are produced through two processes: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD).

The HPHT method mimics the high pressure and temperature conditions that occur in the Earth’s mantle to form natural diamonds. The process involves placing a tiny piece of natural or lab-grown diamond (seed) in a chamber with carbon-rich gas at high pressure and temperature. The carbon gas breaks down and gradually builds up a diamond crystal around the seed. This crystal can then be cut and polished to a design.

A lab-grown diamond

Photo by hanny hilary on Unsplash

The CVD method involves depositing a carbon-rich plasma onto a substrate to grow a diamond crystal. The substrate is often a small diamond plate or wafer: the seed for new diamond growth. The carbon gas breaks down to individual atoms which then attach to the seed and gradually grows a diamond crystal. The technicians can then cut and polish the diamond into a desired shape.

Both methods take weeks to months, but that’s not a bad rate of return considering it’s usually a process that takes millions of years. It will take longer to produce a lab-grown diamond of higher quality. They are scrutinised and graded for quality the same as traditional diamonds before being used for jewellery and other applications.

How Are Traditional Diamonds Formed?

Traditional diamonds are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle over millions of years.

Diamonds are made of carbon atoms subjected to extreme heat and pressure, which causes them to crystallise into the structure we know as diamond. The process begins when carbon-rich minerals, such as kimberlite or lamproite, are brought up from the Earth’s mantle to the surface by volcanic activity.

As the minerals rise, they encounter lower pressure and temperature conditions near the Earth’s surface, which causes them to cool and solidify. The carbon atoms within the minerals can begin to bond together and form solid diamond crystals. The conditions need to be just right, hence their rarity.

This process is estimated to take place at 140 to 190 km (87 to 118 miles) beneath the Earth. The gems can remain there for millions of years before being brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions or mining.

Ultimately, the choice of diamonds is yours. Some may value the traditional one-of-a-kind story of natural diamonds, while others may prefer the affordability, moral and environmental considerations of lab-grown diamonds.

A silver engagement ring with several diamonds

Image by Wilkinson Goldsmiths

At Wilkinson Goldsmiths, we source and sell both traditional and lab-grown diamonds, in an effort to give customers the ideal piece of jewellery to fit their personality and needs. If you have any questions about jewellery or gemstones, we would love to answer them.