Are Lab Grown Diamonds as Strong as Mined Diamonds?

When considering the purchase of a diamond, whether for an engagement ring, fine jewelry, or any other purpose, one of the most critical factors is the diamond’s strength and durability. The debate between lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds often raises questions about their comparative strength. Here’s a detailed look at whether lab-grown diamonds are as strong as their mined counterparts. Lab grown diamonds are much less expensive than earth-mined diamonds, making them a great choice for engagement rings and jewelry.

What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?

A lab-grown diamond, also known as a cultured diamond, is a diamond created through a technological process that replicates the natural process of diamond formation. It has the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as a natural diamond, but is grown in a controlled laboratory environment using advanced technologies such as high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD). 

Lab-grown diamonds are eco-friendly, conflict-free, and more affordable than traditional diamonds, making them a popular choice for engagement rings and fine jewelry. They are certified and graded like natural diamonds, with comparable quality and beauty.

How Do Lab Grown Diamonds Compare?

Mined diamonds have a crystal structure and so do lab grown diamonds. Lab grown diamonds replicate the crystal lattice-like structure of mined diamonds. Despite their similarities, lab grown diamonds don’t destroy wildlife or harm workers.

Lab diamonds grow in a controlled environment environment of extreme pressure and heat, known as High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Thanks to extensive research and practice, lab grown diamonds grow in the same way mined diamonds do.

Environmental and Ethical Considerations

While the strength and durability of lab-grown and mined diamonds are equal, the environmental and ethical implications differ. Lab-grown diamonds do not involve mining, which can disrupt ecosystems and have negative environmental impacts. Additionally, lab-grown diamonds are conflict-free, unlike some mined diamonds known as “blood diamonds” that are associated with human rights abuses. However, the production of lab-grown diamonds requires significant amounts of energy, although some producers use renewable energy sources.

Lab Diamonds vs. Mined Diamonds for Engagement Rings

Are lab diamonds as good as mined diamonds? It’s no secret that for the last century mined diamonds have adorned most engagement rings. Does this mean they’re superior to lab grown diamonds? Not at all. Lab grown diamonds are equal in quality, durability and appearance!

While mined diamonds are a traditional choice, that doesn’t make them better. In fact, as more consumers look for a more environmentally and socially conscious option, lab diamonds are being chosen much more frequently while mined diamonds are becoming less and less popular.

Many people wonder if you can tell the difference between a laboratory grown diamond and a mined diamond. Let’s compare the physical similarities and differences between lab grown and mined diamonds to see how they stack up.

Cost Differences

You’re constantly inundated with the declaration that “diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” Who can deny that sparkle? Well, you’re in luck, because lab grown diamonds sparkle just as bright as mined diamonds. The best part? They cost a fraction of the price. It might be time to reword it to “diamonds are a man’s best friend,” because he is going to save a considerable amount of money on a lab created diamond. Considering mined diamonds cost $2,500-$16,000 per carat, that’s hundreds—or thousands—of dollars saved.

That’s money you can use on a dream honeymoon, down payment on a house, or spend on other, more important things—like your wedding. It’s easy to see that your ring budget will go further with a lab grown diamond than a mined diamond.

Appearance

It’s impossible to tell the difference between a lab grown diamond and mined diamond in a side-by-side comparison. You need special tools to be able to differentiate one from the other. That’s because they’re identical in all ways.

If you want to verify that your diamond is lab grown, check its grading report. Along with specifying that it was grown in a lab, it will also indicate the diamond’s grade on all 4Cs, including carat weight, color, clarity and cut. A grading report gives you peace of mind knowing your diamond is the quality you expect.

While some may think that lab grown diamonds can’t sparkle as bright as mined diamonds, that’s just not true. Let’s take a closer look at these sparkling beauties.

Lab Grown Diamond Brilliance

Do lab grown diamonds shine like mined diamonds? Of course! How is this possible? Lab grown diamonds have the same chemical, physical and optical properties as mined diamonds. This means that your lab grown diamond is going to shine as bright as a mined diamond. Goodbye costly gemstones, hello sparkle!

Let’s breakdown these physical characteristics in more detail:

• Do lab grown diamonds get cloudy? Diamonds do not cloud over time—whether they’re grown in a lab or pulled from the earth. This is due to their crystal structure and durable nature. While a film may buildup if they are not properly cared for, you can easily clean them with soap and warm water.
• Do lab grown diamonds test as real diamonds? Yes! Lab grown diamonds test positive on a diamond tester because they’re made of crystallized carbon, just as mined diamonds are. Although, because some HPHT diamonds may carry impurities (although unnoticeable to the naked eye), there is a chance they could test as moissanite or non-diamond.
• Are lab grown diamonds as hard as mined diamonds? Yes! Let’s take a look at the Mohs Hardness Scale, the metric used to measure the hardness of a substance. Where do mined diamonds land? Diamonds are the hardest material on earth. They rank at 10 which means they’re extremely durable. Lab grown diamonds match their mined counterparts in hardness, strength and durability! Take comfort knowing lab grown diamonds are strong enough to hand down to the next generation.

What make Lab Grown Diamonds Superior

Lab grown diamonds are affordable, free of mining concerns, conflict-free, durable, brilliant and luxurious. What’s not to love? Expert gemologists can’t differentiate between mined diamonds and lab grown diamonds. Which means neither will anyone else!

Side-by-side, they’re one in the same. When you look at lab grown diamonds, they’re made of the exact same chemical structure as mined diamonds. The only difference between mined diamonds and lab grown diamonds (aside from the cost) is their origin.

After comparing lab diamonds vs. mined diamonds, it’s easy to see why lab grown diamonds are the superior choice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, lab grown diamonds are a game-changer in the world of diamonds. They offer a more affordable, sustainable, and conflict-free alternative to mined diamonds. With their identical chemical, physical, and optical properties, lab grown diamonds are just as strong and durable as mined diamonds. They sparkle just as bright, and their appearance is impossible to distinguish from mined diamonds.

Whether you’re looking for a beautiful engagement ring or a stunning piece of jewelry, lab grown diamonds are an excellent choice. They’re a symbol of love, commitment, and sustainability. So why not make the switch to lab grown diamonds? Your wallet, the environment, and your values will thank you.

Thank you for reading this comprehensive guide to lab grown diamonds. We hope you now have a better understanding of the benefits and advantages of lab grown diamonds. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.