Diamonds have been a symbol of luxury for ages due to their rarity. But recently, a new thing is gaining pace in the industry, i.e., lab-grown diamonds. Identical to the real diamonds in look and feel and even chemical composition, lab-grown diamonds seem like the future of sparkle.
But what exactly are lab-grown diamonds, how are they grown, what is their price, and where can you find the best lab-grown diamonds? Let’s explore in this blog.
What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are man-made diamonds grown in a lab with highly advanced technology. They are created under controlled conditions that replicate the natural environments in which diamonds grow.
Lab-grown diamonds have the same carbon structure, hardness, lustre, and fire as natural diamonds. They are essentially physically, optically, and chemically identical to the real ones. The only difference is in their process of creation.
Key Differences Between Lab-Grown Diamonds and Mined Diamonds
While lab-grown diamonds are similar to natural diamonds, it’s important to note that they are man-made. Hence, their creation distinguishes them from the natural ones.
| Criteria | Lab-Grown Diamond | Mined Diamonds |
| Formation | Grown in a laboratory under controlled conditions that replicate the natural conditions | Natural diamonds are extracted through mining |
| Time of Creation | In a laboratory they take a few weeks to manufacture | They take billions of years to form under the earth surface |
| Price | They are relatively inexpensive(1 carat lab-grown diamond costs around ₹45000 to ₹1 lakh)Source: Variation | Relatively higher due to the extraction process through mining |
| Availability | They are easily available and accessible as they can be easily manufactured in a lab | Not easily available or accessible |
| Environment | Cause no harm to the environment, owing to their eco-friendly way of manufacturing | Cause pollution, erode soil, lead to habitat destruction |
How are lab-grown diamonds manufactured?
The manufacturing of lab-grown diamonds is the most interesting thing. They are created in a laboratory in controlled environments.
There are two main methods through which lab-grown diamonds are created: HPHT and CVD.
HPHT or High Pressure High Temperature is a process in which the natural conditions for diamond creation are replicated by keeping carbon under high pressure and high temperature.
CVD or Chemical Vapor Deposition is the process in which carbon is added layer by layer in a vacuum chamber to create diamond.
Why Are They Gaining Popularity?
Lab-grown diamonds are widely popular in the US, UK, and European countries. However, it’s gaining popularity now in India and China.
Several factors contribute to the rising popularity of lab-grown diamonds.
- Diamonds are undoubtedly a symbol of luxury, and that luxury is now affordable.
- Best Lab-grown diamonds are completely identical to the naturally occurring ones.
- Unlike natural diamonds, which are rare, lab-grown diamonds are easily available.
- Lab-grown diamonds are very versatile and can be moulded into numerous shapes for jewelry.
- Lab-grown diamonds eliminate child labour from the processing of diamonds.
- They are produced in an eco-friendly manner with minimal or no aftereffects.
- The newer generation that is open to experimenting is also contributing to the rising popularity of lab-grown diamonds.
The Future of Lab-Grown Diamonds
According to Prudence Research, the global market size for lab-grown diamonds is expected to go up in the next ten years, from approximately 29 billion dollars to approximately 98 billion dollars.
Pioneers of the industry, such as Augmont, are also now entering the lab-grown diamond industry and offering some of the best lab-made diamonds in India.
This highlights the acceptance of lab-grown diamonds amongst consumers as well as industry players, indicating that the future of lab-grown diamonds is just as shiny as the diamonds themselves.
With increasing awareness, advancements in technology, and increased adoption and acceptance in the newer generations, the demand for lab-grown diamonds is poised to grow and reshape the jewellery industry.
Final Thoughts
Lab-grown diamonds are ethical and affordable alternatives to mined diamonds with no compromise on quality. So, whether you’re driven by sustainability, budget, or innovation, lab-grown diamonds represent a smart and conscious choice in today’s evolving jewelry market.