What is the Difference?
In the world of jewelry, diamonds are an eternal symbol of love, infinity, uniqueness and romance. Every diamond is unique and has a story that adds to its value. Natural diamonds are an inseparable part of tradition and culture, they have sentimental and historical value. Since biblical times, diamonds have been considered a special, unattainable stone, symbolizing luxury, eternity and a status symbol.
In ancient tribes and among the Indians, natural diamonds were considered a stone that gives power to those who hold it, thanks to its special strong properties, and to this day, diamonds are the most powerful stone in the world.
In recent years, lab-grown diamonds have entered the world of jewelry and continue to gain momentum. They are replacing natural diamonds, which can provide an attractive and low-cost alternative compared to natural diamonds.
While lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds may look the same, many wonder about the difference between them. Here are some key differences to look out for:
The main difference lies in their origin, with natural diamonds formed deep beneath the Earth’s crust, while lab-grown diamonds are artificial diamonds created in a lab. Natural diamonds are incredibly rare, which affects their high value and price. They develop under very high temperatures and pressures, and their formation is a slow and complex process that takes between a billion and three billion years. They make their way to the surface of the Earth through rare and powerful volcanic eruptions; while lab-grown diamonds are more readily available, cheaper, and more easily obtained.
How are lab-grown diamonds created?
Using innovative processes, scientists are able to recreate the natural diamond growth process in a fraction of the time. It should be noted that, like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are made from pure carbon, but their production process is short. The first step in the production of lab-grown diamonds is the creation of a catalyst, i.e. a substance that allows the carbon to crystallize into the form of a diamond. In the production process, the catalyst is placed inside a glass or ceramic tube, along with carbon under high pressure and temperature. The function of the catalyst is to allow the carbon to crystallize into a diamond. The process of producing lab-grown diamonds takes several weeks or months, depending on the size of the diamond. It is important to say that lab-grown diamonds share the same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds. They are composed of carbon atoms arranged in the same crystal lattice structure, resulting in diamonds that are visually indistinguishable from their natural counterparts. In addition, they are completely identical to natural diamonds in terms of their physical characteristics, such as hardness, color, clarity and luster. It is important to say that lab-grown diamonds also meet the highest standards of the diamond industry.
Is a lab-grown diamond a real diamond?
Lab-grown diamonds are considered just as real as diamonds mined from the earth. They come in the same shapes, sizes, colors and degrees of clarity as natural diamonds. Both natural and lab-grown diamonds have the same physical and chemical properties and both come with diamond certificates. Studies have compared synthetic diamonds to natural diamonds and found that there is no difference between the diamonds in chemical composition, specific gravity, appearance, and hardness. So in terms of quality and appearance, natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds are remarkably similar.
How can you tell a natural diamond from a lab-grown diamond?
Without special equipment and prior knowledge, it is almost impossible to tell lab-grown diamonds from natural diamonds. They look exactly the same. Today, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) no longer uses the moniker “synthetic diamond” when grading lab-grown diamonds.
So how can we tell the difference?
The amount of nitrogen in a diamond – natural diamonds contain tiny amounts of nitrogen, compared to lab-grown diamonds, which contain no nitrogen at all. This is one of the main means of identification by which they can be distinguished, and gemologists use this identification device primarily.
Wavelength – A machine that measures wavelengths can be used to find the difference between a lab-grown diamond and a natural diamond and identify them.
Are lab-grown diamonds more ecological?
Well yes, lab-grown diamonds do not involve mining that causes significant destruction of deforestation and changes in various ecosystems, although the production of lab-grown diamonds involves a huge amount of energy.
In conclusion, a diamond is not only a precious stone, it is a sign of love, tradition, quality and inheritance that is passed down from generation to generation. When you choose a diamond, you are not only purchasing a piece of jewelry, but also expressing the important and precious moments in life. The choice between a natural diamond and a lab-grown diamond depends on your personal preferences, if historical value, future investment and the emotional aspect of connecting with nature are important to you, choose a natural diamond.
If ecological values are important to them, and of course your budget is lower, a lab-grown diamond is the diamond Yours.
BENAMI Jewelry will be happy to advise and help you personally choose the exact piece of jewelry and diamond for you, according to all your considerations and preferences.
You are welcome to contact the studio for any questions or consultation, for the design and preparation of your perfect and precise piece of jewelry.
