About lab-grown diamonds
WHAT ARE LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS?
Lab-grown, synthetic or man-made diamonds, whichever name you want to use – we are proud representatives! Although the first lab-grown diamonds were manufactured as early as 1989, they have only recently made headlines worldwide. Lab-grown diamonds received a lot of attention when Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio invested a large sum in a lab-grown diamond startup called Diamond Foundry.
Lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds have the same structure and chemical properties, and it is impossible to tell them apart with the naked eye. Even a gemologist or jeweller cannot tell the difference just by looking at them through a magnifying glass, as you need an ultraviolet light to distinguish between them.
At Macor, we avoid using the word synthetic diamond to describe laboratory diamonds. The word synthetic is misleading when referring to laboratory diamonds because it is perceived by many to be fake or imitation. Lab-grown diamond is as real a diamond as a mined diamond.
HOW ARE LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS MANUFACTURED?
As the name suggests, lab-grown diamonds are grown in a laboratory from small seeds of carbon. There are currently two methods of growing them:
The HP-HT (high pressure – high temperature) method mimics the growth of a natural diamond when subject to enormous pressure and heat.
The CVC (chemical vapor deposition) method uses heat and gases to form the diamonds.
LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS AND ETHICS
Lab-grown diamonds are currently the most environmentally friendly diamond option; this is why they are often referred to as ethical diamonds.
The environmental impact of laboratory diamond production is significantly lower than that of mined diamonds and the environmental pollution and damage they cause.
Renewable energy can be used to manufacture laboratory diamonds and their manufacture is not linked to the serious human rights issues and conflicts that exist in diamond mining. International classification certificates are available for laboratory diamonds, and you can read more about this on our blog.
WHY CHOOSE LAB-GROWN DIAMOND?
Lab-grown diamond is an excellent choice not only for you, but also for the planet. Not only are lab-grown diamonds a more environmentally friendly option, they are also conflict-free and less expensive.
Conflict-free
These diamonds that are created on the ground, have no links to the conflicts that continue to take place both in the mines of developing countries and in developed countries. Conflicts can include unsafe working conditions, child labour or political conflict.
Less expensive
Due to their production method and shorter supply chain, laboratory diamonds are significantly cheaper than natural diamonds. In addition, the high price level of natural diamonds has been maintained by a few large mining companies, which contributes to the price difference.
More environmentally friendly
Because lab-grown diamond is manufactured above ground, in the controlled environment, the pollution and waste of mining can be avoided.