Laboratory-grown diamonds (also sometimes referred to as man-made or synthetic diamonds) entered the gem and jewelry market in commercial quantities about five years ago.
DO THEY LOOK ANY DIFFERENT?
Although identical in appearance to natural diamonds, they have very subtle differences that can only be detected by trained gemologists and sophisticated equipment designed for that purpose.
ARE THEY “REAL DIAMONDS?”
Laboratory-grown diamonds possess the same chemical, physical and optical properties as a natural earth-mined diamond. The only difference is that they were formed in a lab, rather than in the earth.
HOW DO NATURAL EARTH-MINED DIAMONDS FORM?
Natural diamonds formed deep in the earth under extreme pressure and high temperature as long as three billion years ago. Volcanic activity brought them to the surface where they lay in a type of volcanic rock formation known as kimberlite pipes, waiting to be mined.
HOW ARE LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS FORMED?
Science! There are two different methods for creating lab-grown diamonds Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT). Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) is the most typical within the jewelry industry. With this method, a carbon seed is placed in a chamber and exposed to extreme heat and pressure. This replicates the natural processes of the earth. Lab-grown diamonds take roughly six to ten weeks to develop.
WHICH IS RIGHT FOR ME?
A Williams Jewelers bridal specialist will review all aspects of lab-grown and natural earth-mined diamonds so you can make an educated decision and choose which is right for you.