Diamonds are one of the most precious entities in the world today. The developed world has placed a large amount of value on these gemstones. This can primarily be seen in the form of jewelry.
However, many have fallen victim to purchasing ‘diamonds’ — only to find out that they were fake/synthetic. One looking to make such an investment really must do their due diligence in finding a reputable wholesaler rather than someone who will stop at nothing to rip you off.
Aside from the precious gemstones found in nature, scientists have recently been working to engineer lab created diamonds. Mimicking the actual diamond-making process out in nature, scientists have developed a highly transformative method in crafting these gems.
This piece will talk about the similarities between real and lab created diamonds, as well as the differences. You may be surprised to see how much both truly have in common.
What is a Real Diamond?
A real diamond is something found in nature. It’s not synthetic — nor is it produced in a laboratory. These gemstones are essentially created in the mantle of the Earth’s crust. The extreme pressure — coupled with intense heat — result in these rare gems.
Natural diamonds are hard in texture, and come in a number of different colors and shades. There are some natural diamonds which even appear with the rarest colors of yellow, blue, and pink (among others).
What is a Lab Created Diamond?
Lab created diamonds are formed in specialized environments. The aim is to reproduce something that’s nearly identical to a diamond found in the wild. The chemical composition of a lab created diamond is essentially the same to that of its counterpart. The lab created diamonds are formed with carbon atoms. These atoms come from actual diamonds. As such, they retain a very similar structure.
Using extensive pressure and heat, these lab created diamonds are essentially crafted the way a real diamond would be with pressure/heat from the earth’s core.
Differences/Similarities
It’s nearly impossible to tell a natural diamond from a lab created one. Due to the structure coming from an original diamond, the lab created version holds many of the same properties — including shape, color, gloss, and hardness.
The primary difference between the two is price. The average cost of a diamond engagement ring is north of $6,000. Conversely, an engagement ring made from a lab created diamond is priced at a considerably lower cost. One could save over $5,000 by opting for the less expensive version.
Image Source: Centaurus Diamond Tech., Inc.