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Diamonds are precious stones are sought after due to their rarity and value. Diamonds are made of carbon, but it looks unlike any other carbon element. They are usually mined, found deep in the earth’s belly and until recently was the only source of diamonds. But with technological innovations, scientists found a way to replicate the creation of diamonds, but on the surface of the earth – in a lab. Now, it is very important to understand that there are stones such as cubic zirconia which look like diamonds but aren’t. They aren’t precious stones either. Lab made diamonds are real diamonds but just that they are made in a different place. So, what are the differences between lab made and natural diamonds?
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Being created
Natural diamonds are mined from the earth’s belly where carbon is under a whole lot of pressure. Nature is the creator here. Intense pressure and heat within the earth create natural diamonds and the process takes long. But lab diamonds are made in a lab by mimicking the process that creates diamonds within the earth. There are two methods for artificially creating diamonds – chemical vapor deposition and highpressure high temperature. In the chemical vapor method, a “seed” is a small diamond seed is placed in a chamber that is filled with hot gases. Once at the right temperature, layers of crystal start to form on the “seed”. In HPHT, natural graphite is crushed under high temperatures and pressure. One can get lab grown diamond engagement rings because they look exactly the same and won’t look any different.
Price
There is no physical or chemical difference between lab and natural diamonds. The price between these two fluctuatesbecause of demand. A few years ago, lab made diamonds were expensive because the method of creating them was new. Today they are significantly cheaper than natural diamonds. Moreover, natural diamonds are hard to mine and will deplete over time.
Resale value
There is quite a difference between natural and lab made diamonds when it comes to resale value. Natural diamonds will retain 50% of their value when being sold but the same cannot be said for lab made diamonds.
Sustainability
If we think about humanitarian and environmental impacts then natural diamonds lead this area. Mining isn’t the most sustainable in the long term and blood diamonds are found in areas with huge humanitarian crises. Lab made diamonds are more sustainable as they are made in labs and doesn’t impact the environment as much.
These are some of the interesting facts about lab grown diamonds but it is clear that there aren’t any significant differences between natural and lab-made diamonds at least when it comes to the point of purchasing. Lab-grown diamonds make excellent choices for rings, bracelets and necklaces. Price-wise they cost less and can come within the budget. Due to this, gifting or even treating yourself becomes affordable. Diamonds look great on jewellery and at the same time make great inheritances. Many royals pass down precious stones like diamonds to their heirs as well.
Read more: Various customs followed in a wedding ceremony in London, UK
