What Is A Lab Grown Diamond?

At Shiva’s Gold and Gems, we pride ourselves on offering an exceptional range of diamonds, including the innovative and captivating lab-grown diamonds. These gems have sparked interest and curiosity among jewelry enthusiasts worldwide. 

Let’s explore what lab-grown diamonds are, how they are made, and what makes them an interesting choice for consumers.

Introduction to Lab-Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds are true diamonds produced through cutting-edge technological processes that mimic the natural diamond-growing conditions found deep within the Earth. Here are the essentials:

• Real Diamonds: They possess the same physical, chemical, and optical characteristics as mined diamonds.
• Production Methods: The most common methods are High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).

High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT)

1. Simulates Earth’s Mantle: This method replicates the natural conditions under which diamonds form in the Earth’s mantle, using high pressure and high temperature.
2. Growth Process: A small diamond seed is placed in carbon-rich material; then, it is exposed to temperatures of about 1,400-1,600°C and pressures over 50,000 atmospheres.

Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)

1. Gas Chamber Process: Involves heating a mixture of gasses in a chamber to about 800°C, causing carbon-rich gasses to decompose.
2. Seed Crystal: A thin slice of diamond seed is exposed to the gas mixture and carbon atoms deposit on the seed, slowly forming a diamond.

Pros and Cons of Lab-Grown Diamonds

While lab-grown diamonds offer many benefits, it’s important to consider also some of their relative limitations in relation to natural diamonds.

Pros of Lab-Grown Diamonds

• Affordability: Generally more cost-effective than natural diamonds, making them accessible to a broader audience.
• Consistency: Produced in controlled environments, ensuring a steady supply and uniform quality.
• Customization: Easier to produce in specific sizes, shapes, and colors, offering great flexibility for unique designs.

Cons of Lab-Grown Diamonds

• Market Perception and Value: Natural diamonds often hold higher perceived value and status due to their rarity and historical significance.
• Resale Value: Lab-grown diamonds currently tend to have lower resale value compared to natural diamonds.
• Heritage and Tradition: Natural diamonds carry a sense of history and timeless appeal that lab-grown diamonds may lack.

Why Natural Diamonds Are Better

While lab-grown diamonds offer numerous advantages, natural diamonds remain uniquely special and highly desired due to their distinctive qualities:

• Unique Origin and Rarity: Formed over billions of years deep within the Earth, natural diamonds are geological marvels. Their ancient origin and inherent rarity enhance their mystique and value.
• Higher Perceived and Resale Value: Due to their historical significance and scarcity, natural diamonds often command a higher perceived value and enjoy better resale value compared to their lab-grown counterparts.
• Timeless Tradition and Heritage: Natural diamonds are deeply embedded in cultural traditions and significant life events. Often passed down through generations, they serve as cherished heirlooms, symbolizing enduring love and status.

Jewelry Design Trends

In the realm of high-end jewelry design, natural diamonds have a longstanding association with luxury and status. They are often the centerpiece of choice for landmark occasions such as engagements, weddings, and milestone celebrations. The deep-rooted tradition of choosing natural diamonds for such significant events is driven by their historic and cultural symbolism, which lab-grown diamonds do not inherently possess.

While the affordability of lab-grown diamonds enables the creation of larger and more extravagant pieces, making luxury more accessible, natural diamonds continue to dominate classic and high-value jewelry designs due to their rarity and traditional appeal.

Conclusion: Discover the Brilliance

Lab-grown diamonds are a testament to the advances in science and the art of jewelry making. At Shiva’s Gold and Gems, we invite you to explore our exquisite collection of lab-grown diamonds and discover the perfect gem that matches your style and personality.

Visit our stores in Aruba and St. Maarten to see our full range, or contact us for more information on our products and services. Don’t forget to follow us on social media and check our blog for the latest updates and special offers!