Lab created diamonds have sparked interest in NZ jewelry industry. The growing demand for ethically sourced and sustainable gems has paved the way for these diamonds as they offer affordable and eco-friendly alternatives to naturally mined diamonds.
The technology in creating these diamonds ensures they are physically, chemically, and optically identical to earth-grown diamonds. With the increasing consumer preference for lab-grown diamonds, this cutting-edge technology could change the diamond industry’s future in new zealand and worldwide.
This article will explore the benefits of lab diamonds, their manufacturing process, and how they are poised to revolutionize the jewelry industry.
An Introduction To Lab-Created Diamonds
What Are Lab-Created Diamonds?
Lab-created diamonds are man-made diamonds that have the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds. They are produced in a laboratory under controlled conditions using advanced technology, replicating the environment in which natural diamonds are formed. The only difference is their origin, with lab-created diamonds being produced in weeks, whereas natural diamonds are formed over millions of years.
How Are They Different From Natural Diamonds?
While lab-created diamonds have the same properties as natural diamonds, there are a few differences, including:
- Origin: As previously mentioned, the origin of lab-created and natural diamonds differs.
- Price: Lab-created diamonds are more affordable than natural diamonds, as they do not require the same costly mining process.
- Clarity: Lab-created diamonds often have fewer inclusions and blemishes compared to natural diamonds, as they are formed under controlled conditions.
- Size and colour: Lab-created diamonds have a more comprehensive range of colours, and can be made in larger sizes than naturally occurring diamonds.
Benefits Of Choosing Lab-Created Diamonds Over Natural Diamonds
There are several benefits to choosing lab-created diamonds over natural diamonds, including:
- Affordability: Lab-created diamonds are more affordable than natural diamonds so you can get a more extensive, higher-clarity diamond for your budget.
- Ethical: Lab-created diamonds are ethically sourced, as they do not require any mining process, which can often be associated with unethical practices.
- Environmentally friendly: Producing lab-created diamonds in a laboratory rather than mining them reduces the environmental impact of natural diamond mining.
- Rarity: Because lab-created diamonds are still relatively new to the industry, they are still considered unique and rare.
Lab-created diamonds are a fantastic choice for those looking for a more affordable and ethical alternative to natural diamonds. By understanding the difference between lab-created and natural diamonds, you can make an informed decision and choose the right diamond.
Different Methods Used For Manufacturing Diamonds
Two primary methods for lab-created diamond production are high-pressure high-temperature (hpht) and chemical vapour deposition (cvd). Let’s take a closer look at each method:
- High-pressure high-temperature (hpht)
- Uses a diamond seed placed in a pressure chamber, carbon material, and metal catalysts to initiate growth.
- The growth occurs at high pressure (up to 60 kilobars) and high temperature (up to 2200°c).
- The resulting diamonds are usually large and used in industrial applications.
- Chemical vapor deposition (cvd)
- A carbon-rich gas is introduced into a vacuum chamber, ionizing it and turning it into plasma.
- The plasma causes the carbon atoms to attach to a diamond seed and create layers of diamond.
- The resulting diamonds are often smaller and are used primarily for jewelry.
Conclusion
Lab-created diamonds are claiming their place in the diamond industry in new zealand. As the world moves towards sustainable and ethical practices, lab-created diamonds offer an eco-friendly and conflict-free alternative to mined diamonds. They may not come with the same natural origin story, but they are physically identical to mined diamonds with the added advantage of being affordable.
