Lab-grown diamonds (LGD), synthetic diamonds, or cultured diamonds are created in laboratories. They can be purchased for a lower value than natural ones, hence gaining the moniker of affordable luxury.
Q/M is bringing lab-grown diamonds to the Indian market – incorporating stylish millennial elements, making them the perfect avant-garde affordable accessory for a price-sensitive, fashion-forward market.
These synthetic diamonds are the talk of the town. Lab-grown diamonds have captured the market and enthusiasts’ attention: from Casual jewellery to festive ornaments, from bespoke pendants to dazzling engagement rings.
They have the same properties (physical, chemical, and optical), are equally hard, and reflect light the same way as their natural counterparts.
How are Lab-grown Diamonds Created?
They are created using advanced technology to produce intricate, sophisticated, and detailed designs. The two distinct methods used to create lab-grown diamonds are:
High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) Method
In this method, the diamonds are created by subjecting them to similar conditions as those experienced by natural diamonds.
A small diamond seed (a tiny part of a natural diamond with the best growing pattern) is placed in carbon and subject to 5 GPa pressure at 15000C. The carbon melts and forms a diamond around the seed.
The diamonds created from this method often attain a yellow hue because they are exposed to nitrogen during formation. They also have metallic iron or zinc inclusions, which are undissolved fluxes that solidify when the diamond begins cooling. The presence of boron impurities gives the diamonds a slight blue tint.
Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) Method
This method creates diamonds at moderate temperatures between 700 and 13000C and lower pressure of 27kPa.
The diamond seed is kept in a vacuum chamber containing hydrocarbon gases. The temperature and pressure convert the gases to plasma which releases carbon particles. These particles rain down and form layers on the diamond seed, creating the diamond.
This method produces type IIA diamonds – some of the rarest in the world. These IIA diamonds lack impurities, making them colourless and of higher value.
Inclusions in CVD diamonds have comet-like appearances (caused by continuous crystal growth over non-diamond carbon) and cloudy and grainy appearances (caused by the start and stop of the vertical growth process in the crystals).
Evaluating Lab-Grown Diamonds
Diamond graders use the four Cs to determine the quality of a diamond and arrive at its value. They employ spectroscopy and other advanced testing methods to determine if the diamond is natural or lab-grown. Spectroscopy is also used to identify the inclusions and impurities in the diamonds and grade them.
Cut
A diamond’s cut has the most significant effect on its beauty and brilliance. The quality of the cut establishes the cutter’s skill: the more precise the cut, the more sparkling and valued is the lab-grown diamond.
Colour
Lab-grown diamonds range from colourless to light brown. The other colours (pink, yellow, orange) are categorised as fancy diamonds. Colourless diamonds are the rarest (created from the CVD method).
Clarity
Synthetic diamonds are classified based on internal inclusions and external blemishes. Diamonds without either are extremely rare (1-2% overall). Only certified graders can identify these imperfections are grade diamonds appropriately.
Carat
This is the physical weight of the diamonds measured in metric carats. A higher carat weight doesn’t necessarily mean a high-valued diamond if the other three parameters are unmet. The precision of the cut, the distinct colour, and the perfect clarity help graders determine the actual value of a lab-grown diamond.
India’s Meteoric Rise in the LGD Market
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi made headlines when he gifted a 7.5 Carat Lab-Grown Diamond to US First Lady Jill Biden during his visit to the White House. The gesture signified India’s growth in global LGD exports and was a proud moment for everyone in the Indian Diamond Industry.
The diamond, gifted by PM Modi, was created by a Surat, Gujarat factory using CVD technology. Moreover, the diamond was created using solar and wind energy resources, exhibiting India’s commitment to green and renewable energies. This diamond produced just 0.028g of CO2 per Carat during manufacturing, which is considerably lower than the emissions produced by naturally mined diamonds.
India is the largest player in lab-grown diamonds produced by the CVD method. Currently, India produces almost 15% of all LGDs globally. All these factors further cement the momentum of the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Commonly asked questions about Lab-Grown Diamonds
Are lab-grown diamonds real?
Yes, they are real. Their physical, chemical, and optical properties are identical to natural diamonds. They have the same crystal structure and sparkle and are as durable as the natural ones. The only significant difference is their lower price.
Can I tell the difference between a natural diamond and an LGD?
It is hard to discern the two with the naked eye. A jeweller could tell the difference by inspecting the lab report number on the girdle (the broad part of the diamond).
Is an LGD a fake diamond?
Not at all. Fake diamonds are made from materials like glass, cubic zirconia, nature zircon, or topaz gems. These are less durable and susceptible to chipping. Lab-grown diamonds have identical hardness to natural ones.
Do lab-grown diamonds sparkle?
If they have an excellent cut, they will sparkle and exhibit identical brilliance to natural diamonds.
Why do Lab-grown diamonds come in colours?
The colours are inherited during the growing process. However, these colours add to the charm of the diamond, making for an attractive investment.
Is it ethical to buy lab-grown diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are the easiest way to avoid buying unethically mined diamonds, popularly known as “blood diamonds.” Additionally, lab-grown diamonds are environmentally sustainable.
Conclusion
Luxury doesn’t have to cost a lot. With the advent of lab-grown diamonds, enthusiasts have access to intricate designs at half the price of natural diamonds. Whether a casual occasion or a formal setting, you now have the perfect accessory to dazzle and look your best with the affordable luxury of lab-grown diamonds. With brands like Q/M incorporating lab-grown diamonds into their range of minimalist jewellery, it is increasingly easier and inexpensive to be fashion-forward daily in the ever-changing trend market.