Diamonds are formed in the earth’s womb, under tremendous pressure and are mined due to their value. These are natural diamonds. But humans have managed to create diamonds in the laboratory, using the same method – by exerting pressure so that carbon becomes a diamond. This process is faster than natural diamonds and you can get a lab made diamond at a fraction of the price. But does this mean that lab made diamonds are not “real”? Absolutely not! They are very real and are more ethically sourced.
Here are a few ways one can test if a diamond is real or not.
- Fill a glass with water, 3/4th of the way and drop the stone. If it floats then it isn’t a diamond.
- Another way to check the diamond is by blowing on it. A layer of fog forms on the stone because of the vapors in your breath and if it dissipatesfast, it is a real diamond, Diamondsconduct heat and therefore these vapors will disappear.
- Heat the stone to check if it shatters. A fake diamond will not be able to bear the heat. But a real diamond is created under tremendous pressure and heat and will not break or shatter. This applies to both natural and lab made diamonds.
- A real diamond also reflects light very well and provides a sparkling effect. They can reflect fire or coloured light too. A fake stone will not give off a “fire” or sparkle when seen under a light.
These tests can also tell if the lab diamond is real too. A lab diamond may be made in a different way but its properties are just like natural diamonds.
Lab diamonds and natural diamonds
A lab diamond is just like a natural diamond, visually and chemically. They have the same type of clarity and colour and sparkle the same as natural diamonds. They also come in various shapes and sizes like natural diamonds. Lab diamonds are just as hard too and they will pass all tests that identify natural diamonds. Both have carbon as their main element, but there is one difference. Natural diamonds have nitrogen but not lab diamonds.Lab diamond rings are in no way different from rings made from natural diamonds.
Grading
Gem labs grade natural diamonds on the FL-I3 clarity scale and the D-Z colour scale. Lab made diamonds are only being graded recently and some don’t follow the FL-I3 or D-Z grading. Lab grown diamond engagement rings are in no way less than natural diamond rings and if you want to make sure you have the real deal, then a lot of jewellers offer authenticity certificates.
Couples may choose lab grown diamonds for various reasons. Newly engaged couples may prefer budget buys because they need to plan for their wedding. Lab diamonds and natural diamonds are really similar and thereis no reason to believe that natural ones are better. So, why pay more for the natural stone? No one can really tell if you have a lab made or natural diamond until you tell them.
