What
is a synthetic diamond?
Technological advancements have made it
possible to create diamonds in the lab. Cultured diamonds are also known as
synthetic diamonds, cultivated diamonds or lab-grown diamonds. They are also
referred to depending on the artificial production method such as HPHT diamonds. This is for diamonds made under high pressure and high temperatures or CVD diamonds for
those created by chemical vapor deposition crystal formation.
Do they possess the same properties?
Yes! The diamonds created in labs possess the same properties as natural diamonds. It also takes millions of years for the geological process that forms diamonds, which are then mined causing harm to the environment. However, the production of lab-grown diamonds takes just a few weeks.
The two are very similar in the chemical
and crystal composition. If you compare a natural diamond with a synthetic one,
it is unlikely that you will be able to differentiate them. Only a gemologist
can differentiate the two using specialized equipment.
Are
cultured diamonds fake?
No! Lab-grown diamonds contrary to what
most people think are not fake. Although the word synthetic is typically
associated with imitations, cultured diamonds are made of pure carbon, the same
material as natural diamonds crystallized in isotropic 3D form.
Are
they as expensive as natural diamonds?
The process of creating diamonds in the
lab is labor intensive and very expensive but more affordable than natural diamond mining.
Why
choose a cultured diamond for engagement?
1.
Affordable
Synthetic diamonds are usually priced
15-20% lower than natural diamonds. This makes them more affordable and gives women
a chance to wear a diamond ring without compromising on the quality.
Most
people believe that because the creation of diamond is in the lab, it should be
cheap. This is not the case as they have the same properties in terms of
brilliance and durability.
Ensure you compare the prices of both
before you buy. The 15-20% price reduction range is a guideline and depending
on where you purchase the diamond the price may vary.
2.
Environmentally-friendly
Natural diamonds have to be mined, which
can cause harm to the environment. Mining destroys eco-systems and leaves
behind empty and unproductive land. A typical open cut mine can be roughly 300
meters deep and 500 meters wide leaving the surrounding area barren. Cultured
diamonds have no negative impact on the environment. They do not leave an
environmental footprint and provide environmental sustainability.
3.
Conflict-free
Cultured diamonds are not associated
with labor exploitation, lifestyle disruption or funding of wars. They are
conflict-free, and when you buy it, you are sure it is not a blood diamond.
Arguments that cultivated diamonds are
taking jobs away and development in the relevant areas are valid. However, the
truth of this statement is, solutions can be found for this.
4.
Easily available
Since the creation is in a lab, cultured
diamonds are easily available. This is especially true if you are looking to
buy a colored diamond. Colored diamonds are very costly and not easily
available. Culture diamonds are available in several colors and sizes. You can
find one that has a feature and size to meet your preference.
Can
I get a colored cultured diamond?
Diamonds are not all colorless, and they
are available in a variety of colors. You can classify this as Type 1 and 2
diamonds.
1.
Type 1 diamonds
These are classified as such because of
the intake of blue light and nitrogen during the formation process. They
include Orange, Brown and Yellow diamonds.
2.
Type 2 diamonds
These are classified because of a lack
of nitrogen intake during the formation phase. They are rare and more valuable
and include Red, Blue, Green and Pink Diamonds.
Colored diamonds are more expensive than
the colorless ones. They are hard to find and scarce, which makes cultured
diamonds an ideal option. Most of the colored diamonds in the market are
actually cultured diamonds.
Labs create colored diamonds by
introducing foreign elements during the formation phase. Introduction of Boron
gives the blue color in blue diamonds. The higher the boron quantity, the more
the color’s intensity. The addition of nitrogen to the chemical structure helps
to achieve the yellow color.
Green, purple, pink and red diamonds are
formed using a process called irradiation. This changes the crystal lattice by
blasting the diamond with electrons or neutrons. Additional heat treatment
creates new colors.
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