

Natural diamonds can suffer many different inclusions during their billion-year history. The main inclusions they face are metallic in nature and a remnant of the molten metal solution used to create them. Because of this, the only clarity rankings for lab diamonds are I, SI, VS, and VVS. Organizations like the GIA and AGS use slightly different clarity and color scales when it comes to ranking lab diamonds. All diamonds are bound to have some inclusions that affect clarity, whether they come from the ground or the lab.

Since they’re created in a lab in ideal conditions, a lab diamond should be flawless, right? Not exactly. Generally, the creation process takes 6 to 10 weeks. Because the structure is exactly the same as a natural diamond, lab diamonds aren’t synthetic or knock-offs, like cubic zirconia or moissanite.

They use a high-temperature, high-pressure chamber that mimics the atmosphere that diamonds grow in underground.Īfter this process, the result is a diamond crystal that has the same molecular structure and composition as a naturally occurring diamond. As molecules of graphite switched around into a triangular pattern, they formed diamonds.īecause scientists don’t have quite that much time on their hands, they’ve created a special technique to speed things up in the production of lab diamonds. This level had so much heat and pressure that it began to modify graphite on the atomic level. All diamonds started out in the mantle, which is a level that protects us from the hot temperatures of the earth’s core. How Are Natural and Lab Diamonds Created?Ī natural diamond takes billions of years and very special conditions to form. Educating yourself on both these types of diamonds can help you decide which choice is right for you. Diamonds that come from the earth are natural diamonds, and these are probably what you’re most familiar with.īut did you know that there’s another type of diamond out there that looks so similar, you can’t tell the difference? Lab diamonds are quickly becoming a favorite of buyers thanks to their lower cost and sustainable production methods. Before you rush off to the store and buy the first attractive piece you come across, it’s important to consider the source of the diamond. If you’re looking to impress your loved one, a new piece of diamond jewelry might be on your shopping list.
