Support
Education
Lab-Grown Diamonds
MoissaniteCo.com is pleased to offer true lab-grown diamonds as an option for the side stones of our bridal rings. These man-made diamonds consist of actual carbon atoms arranged in the characteristic diamond crystal structure. Since they are made of the same material as natural diamonds, they exhibit the same optical and chemical properties.
Advantages of Lab Grown Diamonds
Beyond being environmentally friendly, other benefits of these lab-grown diamonds is that they are colorless, have exceptionally high clarity, are excellent cut which ensures lots of sparkle, and they are significantly harder than most natural diamonds given the purity of the diamond crystal.
How Are They Made
Lab-grown diamonds are created using two main processes: HPHT (high-pressure high-temperature) and CVD (chemical vapor deposition).
In the HPHT method, a small diamond seed is placed in a metal capsule and subjected to high pressure and temperature, which mimics the natural conditions under which diamonds form in the earth's mantle. The carbon source is then introduced, and the carbon atoms attach themselves to the diamond seed, creating a larger crystal.
In the CVD method, a diamond seed is placed in a chamber with a carbon-rich gas, such as methane. The gas is then ionized, and the carbon atoms are deposited onto the seed, gradually building up the diamond crystal.
One of the reasons why HPHT is preferred over CVD is that it produces diamonds with higher clarity and fewer defects. However, both methods can produce high-quality diamonds, and the choice of method depends on the specific application and the desired characteristics of the diamond.
After the growth process, lab-grown diamonds may undergo a post-growth treatment to improve their color, clarity, or other properties. One common treatment is annealing, which involves heating the diamond to high temperatures to remove any residual stress and improve its optical properties. Another treatment is irradiation, which can change the diamond's color.
How Do They Differ from Mined Diamonds
Visually our lab diamonds have the same appearance, beauty, and sparkle as their high-end natural counterparts. Physically they are considerably harder than most natural diamonds, making them more resistant to damage. They are also environmentally friendly, unlike natural diamonds which have a long history of damaging planet earth and the communities in which they are mined.
It is worth noting that lab-grown diamonds are also typically less expensive than mined diamonds, making them a more affordable option for those seeking a diamond ring. However, some people still prefer the allure and tradition of a natural diamond. Ultimately, the choice between a lab-grown or mined diamond is a personal one, and we are happy to offer both options to our customers.