Laboratory-grown diamonds
LET'S LEARN ABOUT
Laboratory-grown diamonds are artificially produced diamonds.
Named 'synthetic diamonds', 'laboratory-grown diamonds' or 'laboratory-created diamonds', these stones share the same essential chemical composition and crystal structure as diamond.
The key difference is that they were grown by people as opposed to forming naturally - affecting availability and price.
Here at The Gem Academy, we explore the story surrounding laboratory-grown diamonds from their growth to identification. Explore this page to gain a refreshing insight into this fascinating topic.
Laboratory-grown diamonds are just as hard as diamond.
Just as sparkly.
They are the same material.
However, they possess a few key differences that allow us to separate them from natural diamond.
Laboratory-grown diamonds are made in factories.
There are two main processes:
HPHT and CVD
These processes are completely different to one another. The results stones have different identification features.
up to 85% cheaper
Diamond and laboratory-grown diamonds are the same material. However, due to different origins - diamond and laboratory-grown diamonds are different products that have different values.
The replicable nature of laboratory-grown diamonds results in lower prices. They currently trade at an average of 15-25% of the price of a comparable natural diamond. Although some of the smaller sizes are showing price stability, the retail prices of larger stones continues to be unstable.
Nothing lasts forever
This latest documentary discusses the conflict in our industry between diamonds and laboratory-grown diamonds.
Review coming soon
Most diamonds and laboratory-grown diamonds have laser inscriptions and possibly an accompanying report.
There are many stones out there that don't.
Even more troubling, there are counterfeit laser inscriptions on some laboratory-grown diamonds that link to natural diamond reports.
It is of upmost importance that we are able to separate diamonds and laboratory-grown diamonds.
Identification
Disclosure
The identification and disclosure of laboratory-grown diamonds is an absolute priority. Accidentally purchasing or mis-selling an undisclosed laboratory-grown diamond can cost us our reputation as well as cause financial damage.
Fraud is unacceptable but, sadly, occurs. Increasingly, undisclosed laboratory-grown diamonds are being sold back into the jewellery industry via second-hand jewellery.
Natural versus laboratory-grown diamonds
Not always possible but a darn good skill to have. All you need is magnification! And knowledge and experience... Gotta start somewhere! Let's start here...
Coming soon...
Top 5
Misconceptions
From how they are grown to the mining that is involved - find out the biggest misconceptions about laboratory-grown diamonds.
Coming soon...
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