Lab Grown Diamond Types
THE ABILITY TO SYNTHESIZE DIAMONDS IN THE LABORATORY HAS BEEN AROUND SINCE THE EARLY 1950’S
It has only been in more recent years that laboratory grown diamonds have been available in the marketplace. A laboratory grown (also called synthetic, man-made or above earth) diamond IS a diamond. A lab grown diamond has the same chemical composition, crystal structure, optical and physical properties as a natural diamond – the difference being that a lab grown diamond is created by technological processes in a laboratory vs a natural geological process deep within the earth.
Synthetic diamonds are commonly produced using two methods – high pressure, high temperature (HTHP) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Both HTHP and CVD synthetic diamonds are nearly identical to natural diamonds – so much so that separating the two can only be accomplished at a major gemological laboratory such as the Gemological Institute of American or the American Gem Society.
Laboratory Grown diamonds are not for everyone; they do, however, appeal to consumers looking for a non-conflict, environmentally friendly alternative to natural diamonds as well as those who find cost as a consideration.
A laboratory-created diamond should be disclosed as such at the time of sale and noted as such on the sales receipt. In addition, a laboratory-grown diamond should have a tiny inscription on the girdle of the gem (edge) identifying it as a man-made gem.
