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What is a Lab-created Diamond?
A lab-created diamond is "grown" inside a lab using cutting-edge technology that replicates the natural diamond growing process. The result is a man-made diamond that is chemically, physically, and optically the same as those grown beneath the Earth's surface. Lab-created diamonds are eco-friendly, ethically sourced, and competitively priced.
There are two processes used to create Lab Grown Diamonds:
Chemical Vapor Deposition Diamonds
The first process is called Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). A “seed crystal,” which is a very small diamond seed, is placed in a small chamber. The chamber is then filled with gases that are heated. Once the gases reach the right temperature, layers of carbon begin to form on the seed crystal. This causes the seed to grow and create a square-shaped diamond crystal.
High-Pressure High-Temperature Diamonds
The second process is called High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) . This is meant to replicate the earth’s process of forming Natural Diamonds. In this process, natural graphite is placed in a large machine that crushes it with extreme pressure and temperatures. Under these conditions, the graphite turns into a diamond.
What is the Difference Between CVD and HPHT Diamonds?
You cannot tell the difference between a CVD and HPHT diamond with the naked eye. Both methods create a real diamond that is chemically and physically similar to natural diamonds. When it comes to grading Lab Grown Diamonds, the same 4 Cs: Colour, Cut, Clarity, and Carat are applied.
Cubic Zirconia
Cubic zirconia is a manmade mineral made of zirconium dioxide. CZs can appear to be very like diamonds, but they have very different mineral structures. Cubic zirconias have been found in nature in small amounts, but the vast majority used in jewellery are man-made in a lab.
The simplest way to tell if a gem is a cubic zirconia or a real diamond is to inspect the stone for wear and colour. Since diamonds are harder than almost any other substance, diamonds will not scratch or wear down – in fact, they will scratch other surfaces.
If you have a microscope or magnifying glass, look at the very edges of the facets of the stone. A diamond's facet edges will usually look incredibly sharp and precise. If the stone looks abraded or worn down it is likely not a genuine diamond.
You should also look at the colour of the light as it enters and escapes the surface of the stone. If you turn both a diamond and a CZ upside down, the bottom of a diamond will give off the entire rainbow of colour reflections, whereas CZs usually have more exclusively orange and blue flashes. This is because cubic zirconias and diamonds have different refractive indexes.
Moissanite
Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral called silicon carbide, which is very rare and can’t be found in nature large enough to be cut into even a one-carat gemstone. For this reason, the moissanite used in fine jewellery is created in a lab—unlike diamonds, which are naturally occurring.
The biggest advantage of moissanite over diamonds is the price, for moissanite is considerably cheaper than a diamond. “A moissanite gem is approximately one-tenth the cost of a mined diamond of equal size and quality. Diamonds are known for their durability. They are the hardest naturally occurring mineral and can withstand almost any kind of wear and tear. However, moissanite doesn’t fall far behind. “Moissanite is the second hardest to diamonds on the Mohs hardness scale
Keep your jewellery in a safe place where there aren't any children or pets who might accidentally knock it off a shelf or table. If you use a jewellery box, make sure it has a lock and is kept away from moisture and heat sources.
Clean your jewellery regularly with soap and water.
You should also clean your jewellery regularly with soap, warm water, and a soft cloth. This will help your jewellery look its best and prevent tarnishing.
Avoid wearing jewellery while sleeping or showering.
If you wear jewellery at night, make sure you remove it before going to bed. Also, avoid wearing jewellery when you sleep because it can cause chafing and irritation.
Don't leave jewellery lying around where children could get their hands on it.
Keep your jewellery stored in a safe place away from small objects that might damage it. You should also keep your jewellery clean by wiping it with a soft cloth after each use.
Take off any jewellery before swimming or bathing.
If you wear jewellery while swimming or taking a bath, you run the risk of damaging it. This includes rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other items. Remove them before entering the water.