Whether a diamond is grown in a laboratory or mined from the earth, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has ruled that a diamond is a diamond, no matter where it was formed.

Lab-Grown Diamonds vs. Mined Diamonds

In the jewelry industry, we’ve been watching big diamond suppliers, such as De Beers, market these new lab-grown diamonds as a fashion piece that is less “precious” than traditional mined diamonds.

But the reality is that laboratory-grown diamonds have the exact same chemical make-up as mined diamonds.

In fact, we’ve been selling high-quality lab-grown diamonds for our custom diamond engagement rings in our Dublin, Ohio store for about a year now.

They look exactly the same as mined diamonds, and they cost 20–30 percent less on average. Kind of a big deal!

Why the Diamond Industry Has Strong Opinions

It helps to know, first off, who De Beers is.

According to Wikipedia, “De Beers Group is an international corporation that specializes in diamond exploration, diamond mining, diamond retail, diamond trading and industrial diamond manufacturing sectors.”

The company is active in several countries and has historically played a major role in the diamond market.

Until the start of the 21st century, De Beers effectively had total control over the diamond market as a monopoly. Competition has since dismantled the complete monopoly, though De Beers Group still sells a large share of the world’s rough diamond production.

So what De Beers says about lab-grown diamonds may be, shall we say, a little biased?

Common Questions About Lab-Grown Diamonds

There’s been so much talk about these diamonds.

People often ask:

• Are lab-grown diamonds imitation?
• Are they expensive?
• Are they real diamonds?
• Will they turn my finger green?
• Are they good for engagement rings?

All valid questions.

Let’s look at the facts.

What Exactly Is a Lab-Grown Diamond?

Most diamonds, both those made below ground and above ground, are 99.95% carbon.

The other 0.05% can include trace elements or impurities. That’s fancy talk for junk atoms that are not part of the diamond’s normal chemistry.

The only real difference between a lab-grown diamond and one mined from the earth is how it came to be.

How Mined Diamonds Are Formed and Extracted

Mined diamonds are extracted from the earth using heavy machinery and significant disruption to the environment.

Until recently, this was the only way to get a diamond.

How Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Made

The process of making a diamond in the lab is pretty cool.

First, a diamond seed, which is also made in the lab, is placed in a Chemical Vapor Deposition, or CVD, chamber.

It sounds like a Star Trek episode, but the CVD is kind of like a greenhouse. That’s where the diamond will grow.

And just like mined diamonds, the quality of lab-grown diamonds can vary. A high-quality diamond seed will make high-quality diamonds.

From Diamond Seed to Finished Stone

Next, hydrogen is pumped into the chamber and ignited. Kind of like a mini Big Bang Theory.

Methane, or CH4, is then introduced, and the diamond begins to grow in layers.

It takes about 12 weeks to make the diamond crystal.

After the growth period, a piece of diamond “rough” is made. It’s not all pretty and sparkly at this point.

This is where both mined and lab-grown diamonds are treated the same. Rough is, well, rough. It needs to be cut and polished.

Why Cutting and Polishing Matter

As with all diamonds, cutting and polishing are where skill plays a part in the beauty of the gemstone.

Good cutters can find the beauty in the rough stone and literally bring it out. It’s super cool to watch!

After the rough is cut into shapes like round, oval, cushion, pear, and more, the diamonds are laboratory graded and laser inscribed with a number.

That number gives the consumer the details on their stone. It’s a pedigree.

What the FTC Says About Lab-Grown Diamonds

According to Forbes Magazine, “The FTC based its decision in favor of scientific facts, not the mined-diamond industry lobby, giving consumers real information on which to make informed diamond purchasing decisions.”

This is great news for the newest diamond purchasers — millennials.

Why Many Customers Choose Lab-Grown Diamonds

We’ve found that our younger customers like the idea of laboratory-grown diamonds for several reasons:

• They have less impact on the environment.
• Customers do not have to worry as much about conflicts.
• They offer a more affordable price point.
• They are real diamonds.
• They provide the beauty and durability people expect from a diamond.
• They can withstand everyday wear and tear.

For customers coming out of college with student debt, the price point is very appealing.

And since they are real diamonds, they get all the beauty and benefits of a gemstone made for everyday wear.

Why Technology Is Good for the Jewelry Industry

Some jewelers may think that lab-grown diamonds are bad for the jewelry industry.

But you can’t hold back technology. People deserve to know that they have a legitimate option in diamonds.

Our family has been in the jewelry industry for over 90 years, but we’ve evolved the business by using cutting-edge technology, like computer-aided design and 3D printers, to create custom jewelry.

This technology has helped us make an even better piece of jewelry, at a lower price, than Grandpa was able to do.

So technology is a definite plus!

Lab-Grown or Mined: The Choice Is Yours

It doesn’t matter where it came from.

Chemically, physically, and optically, mined and lab-grown diamonds are the exact same, and we’re pleased we can offer both to our customers.

Learn More About Lab-Grown Diamonds

Interested in learning more about lab-grown diamonds and how they are a sustainable and stunning option for your jewelry?

Download the whitepaper or visit Scott’s Custom Jewelers in Dublin, Ohio to explore lab-grown diamond options for your custom engagement ring or fine jewelry.