Lab-grown diamonds have become a hot topic for jewelers and brides and grooms from one end of the country to the other. They are cheaper than real diamonds and as an added bonus it is just about impossible to make a differentiation between the real gems and the diamonds that have been grown in a lab. Find out why making this distinction is just about impossible, except for experienced jewelers.Lab Grown DiamondsDiamonds that have been grown in a lab are far from being fake. They are, in fact, real diamonds that are just being grown in a different environment. This environment is created and monitored to offer the best diamonds possible and the ultimate result is lab-grown diamonds that look visually the same and are almost chemically the same as diamonds found in nature.Both types of diamonds have the same type of sparkle and the same types of clarity and colour. All of these diamonds come in different shapes and sizes and diamonds that have been grown in a lab are just as durable as the diamonds that are found in nature.The Scientific DifferenceScientifically, lab and natural diamonds both contain carbon but the vast majority of diamonds found in nature also contain a small amount of nitrogen. Lab diamonds do not have any nitrogen in them. This is the way that most gemologists identify lab versus natural diamonds. Other ways to tell the difference include a special sort of fluorescence and a laser inscription.Cubic Zirconias Zirconias are gems that have been grown in a lab, and they have been in circulation ever since 1976. These gems are available in different colours and there are also colourless varieties that are available. They resemble diamonds but it is a lot easier to tell the difference between natural diamonds and cubic zirconias than it is to spot the differences between lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds.Overall, cubic zirconias reflect less light and don't have the hard, durable consistency of diamonds. These zirconia gems are easier to scratch and often show signs of wear and tear. A diamond, however, is the hardest gem in the world and retains its luster year after year.Fake Versus Real DiamondsA cubic zirconia is often considered to be a fake diamond, even though it is still a lab-grown gem. Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, cannot be considered to be fake diamonds. They are also grown in a lab but contain almost all the essential elements that make diamonds a world-class gem in their own right.Key Differences between Natural Diamonds and Lab DiamondsThe biggest differences found when making the distinction between lab and natural diamonds lies in the sustainability, rarity, value, and cost of them. As far as looks go, it's difficult to tell these 2 types of diamonds apart. Natural diamonds and high-end lab diamonds look precisely the same when viewed by the human eye while lab diamonds with a lower clarity may show a few inclusions that aren't seen in natural diamonds.Both natural and lab diamonds can be found in all the standard shapes including the following:
- Emerald
- Radiant
- Pear
- Escher
- Round
- Oval
- Princess
- Marquise
- Cushion
They both have the same brilliance and sparkle and just like natural diamonds, lab diamonds can be found in different colours.Examining the Price of Lab vs Natural DiamondsOne of the biggest differences to note when comparing these diamonds is the cost. Diamonds that have been grown in labs are generally priced anywhere from 30% to 50% lower than natural diamonds. The pricing, however, all depends on the clarity, colour, cut, and size of the diamonds that are being compared.Lab Grown Diamond RingsSince grown diamonds and natural diamonds are both produced using the earth's soil, they are indistinguishable except when viewed by an experienced jeweler. Many people are turning to lab diamond rings as an alternative to a natural diamond ring since these gems provide more value for the money and can be the best cost-effective option available.When only a diamond will do, there are choices available. It's a good idea to look into your options before going ahead and purchasing an engagement ring or wedding ring. Find out more about the wide range of diamond options available today by getting in touch with us through our contact form at liviadiamonds.com or by calling us directly at 416-737-0050. We are Toronto's diamond custom rings specialists that create the perfect rings for the perfect couples.
