Natural and Lab-Grown Diamond FAQs
Bradley Gough Diamonds Answers Your Lab-Grown Diamond Questions
Buying the perfect diamond for diamond jewelry can be difficult, especially if you don’t know what to look for. The 4Cs; cut, clarity, color, and carat is a great place to start. The 4Cs are used by the Gemological Institute of America to certify diamonds for sale. Our team at Bradley Gough Diamonds wants to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision when buying diamond jewelry.
When most people think of a diamond they think of a diamond that is mined from the ground. Did you know that there are also diamonds that are man-made? When considering buying a diamond we want to make sure you have good information to make informed decisions. Here’s what you should know:
What are Lab-Grown Diamonds & How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made?
Lab-grown diamonds are exactly what they sound like, a diamond that is grown in a lab by scientists using complex machines and processes that involve harnessing incredible amounts of heat and pressure to be applied to carbon atoms. Lab-grown diamonds also go by the name lab-made diamonds, lab-created diamonds, synthetic diamonds, lab diamonds, and man-made diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds have the exact same chemical makeup and physical properties as their natural diamond counterparts.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real?
Is a lab-grown diamond a real diamond, you ask? With the same chemical makeup and physical properties as natural-mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are diamonds. Both types of diamonds are made of carbon atoms that have been stacked and condensed under immense pressure. This process results in the same physical cut, color, carat, and clarity factors between both types of diamonds.
What are the Similarities Between Natural & Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Other than the chemical properties and physical look of both diamonds, the most notable similarity is the way that both diamonds are certified. Both diamond types are certified using the Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA) diamond test utilizing the 4Cs method. The 4Cs are; Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat.
What are the Differences Between Natural & Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Natural diamonds are formed as carbon is trapped far below the surface of the earth. Over millions of years, the intense heat and pressure condense the pure carbon into the gemstone that we know today.
Man-made diamonds can be created in a laboratory using specialized machines that replicate the heat and pressure that a natural diamond experiences to be formed. The lab-grown process takes anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to complete, depending on the technology being used and the carat weight of the diamond being grown.
How Much Does a Lab-Grown Diamond Cost?
Lab-made diamonds are less expensive than natural diamonds. This lower cost means that a consumer can get a larger man-made diamond for the same price as a natural diamond. However, that same cost savings also means that lab-grown diamonds do not hold their value well over time.
Why Do Natural Diamonds Cost More?
If both diamonds offer the same chemical makeup and physical appearance, why do natural diamonds cost more? Natural diamonds are extremely rare. There are only a limited number of GIA-certified 1-carat diamonds found while mining each year. As the carat size increases, the rarity of the diamond increases as well. A 4-carat natural diamond is much rarer than a 1-carat natural diamond. Natural diamonds are able to hold their value over time, unlike their man-made counterparts.
Another reason that natural diamonds are more expensive is the time it takes to form. Natural diamonds take millions of years to form and are often regarded as a piece of history. Natural diamonds are the perfect symbol of love. The intense heat and pressure used to form a natural diamond symbolize the special bond of love between two people. As a relationship progresses, the bond of love gets stronger and stronger, just like a diamond.
What Diamond is Right for You?
There is no right or wrong answer for which diamond is better to buy. Each diamond has its own benefits. If you are looking to make the most out of your diamond budget then look into lab-grown diamonds. If you are looking for the ultimate symbol of love or enjoy the thought of owning a piece of history then a natural diamond would be a perfect choice.
Shop Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds & Diamond Jewelry at Bradley Gough Diamonds!
Whether you’re on the search for natural or lab-grown diamonds, we at Bradley Gough Diamonds are happy to provide a large inventory of both loose diamonds and diamond jewelry. Are you looking for a lovely diamond to incorporate into a favorite jewelry item of yours or want to start the process of creating a custom-designed jewelry design? Consider shopping our inventory of loose lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds here!
Maybe you want to buy a lab-grown diamond or lab-grown jewelry because it fits your budget and lifestyle. Shop lab-grown diamond jewelry like lab-grown diamond rings, lab-grown diamond engagement rings, lab-grown diamond earrings, lab-grown diamond necklaces, lab-grown diamond tennis bracelets, and more at Bradley Gough Diamonds in Fort Wayne!
Still Not Sure What Diamond Is Right For You?
At Bradley Gough Diamonds, we want to make sure that you find the perfect diamond, whether it be a natural diamond or lab-grown diamond. If you are still unsure of what diamond is right for you, our team would be happy to help. Feel free to give us a call at (260) 436-9300 or schedule an appointment with one of our experienced jewelry professionals so we can give you the personal time and attention that you deserve!