WHAT ARE LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS?

Lab-grown diamonds, also known as man-made, lab-created, or lab diamonds, are produced in a controlled laboratory environment. This method avoids the environmental and human impacts associated with traditional diamond mining.

These diamonds are physically identical to their mined counterparts, both achieving a perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. The primary distinction lies in their origin.

The creation process for lab-grown diamonds mirrors that of natural diamonds. Carbon atoms are subjected to high temperatures and immense pressure, forming a crystalline lattice structure. Once fully developed, these diamonds are cut and polished to maximize their brilliance. Similar to mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are available in various color and clarity grades. Due to their ethical and environmental advantages, lab-grown diamonds provide excellent value for those seeking genuine diamonds.

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ARE LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS REAL?

YES, Lab-grown diamonds replicate the identical chemical composition of natural diamonds, composed of pure carbon in a cubic crystalline form.

While natural diamonds take millions of years to form beneath the earth's surface, lab-grown diamonds are crafted in a controlled environment within a few weeks.

"Elga Jewelry" ensures that its diamonds match the chemical properties of natural diamonds, resulting in optically identical finished stones.

Explore further details on our meticulous creation process below.

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"Lab-grown diamonds are now becoming a popular alternative for many people, since they can have the same beauty and properties as a mined diamond and are often more affordable"

Gemological Institute of America (GIA)

HOW ARE LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS MADE?

There are a few methods used to create lab-grown diamonds. Typically, lab-grown diamonds start with a tiny lab diamond, like a seed.

The seeds are placed in a chamber called a plasma reactor (in the case of CVD synthesis) or a large mechanical press (if manufactured by HPHT).

Then, depending on the technology used, some combination of heat, pressure and a carbon source are used to make the crystals grow, layer by layer.

About Lab-grown Diamonds

METHOD USE FOR LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS CREATION

Lab-grown diamonds are produced by two methods

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or high pressure, high temperature (HPHT).

(CVD) Chemical Vapor Deposition

Lab-grown diamonds, cultivated in laboratories by scientists, exhibit an identical chemical composition to natural diamonds, both consisting of pure carbon in a crystalline form. Optically indistinguishable from their natural counterparts, the primary distinctions lie in their production methods and rarity.

Lab-created diamonds offer a sustainable alternative, revolutionizing the diamond industry with a controlled and innovative approach to crafting these exquisite gems.

(HPHT) High Pressure High Temperature

This method replicates the conditions in which diamonds naturally develop. Utilizing large mechanical presses, extreme pressure and high temperature are applied to carbon in the presence of a diamond seed. Functioning as a template, the seeds facilitate the growth of a carbon lattice layer by layer over the course of a few days. This process enables the creation of lab-grown diamonds with properties akin to those formed in the Earth's depths over extended periods.

How do you make colored lab-grown diamonds?

A notable advantage of lab-grown diamonds lies in their capacity to be created in a spectrum of colors, often exceptionally rare in natural diamonds. Achieved by altering the gas mix introduced to the CVD reactor, coupled with treatments applied at the conclusion of the synthesis process, this seemingly straightforward technique belies the extensive refinement undertaken by our scientists. Thousands of hours of dedicated efforts have resulted in the mastery of the process, consistently producing the perfect Elegance shades of light pink and blue.

LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS VS MINED DIAMONDS

As of 2018, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) considers both lab-grown and mined diamonds to be real. The only difference between the two is point of origin. Unlike a mined diamond, a lab-grown diamond such as a ELGA created diamond has guaranteed origin.

The naked eye cannot tell the difference between a lab-grown and mined diamond. Most trained gemologists cannot tell the difference between a polished mined diamond and a polished lab-grown diamond without using advanced technology traditional methods and machinery cannot tell the two apart.

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Lab grown diamonds vs mined diamonds

Both lab created and mined diamonds share the same chemical composition and quality. Lab-created diamonds are not diamond simulants such as cubic zirconia and moissanite.

Lab-grown vs mined diamond morphology

The main difference between mined and lab-grown diamonds is their morphology their natural shape before cutting and polishing.

Mined diamonds grow as an octahedron. HPHT diamonds grow as a cuboctahedron, while CVD diamonds such as ELGA diamonds grow as a cube. Their natural morphology does not affect their appearance once cut and polished into their desired shape.

Mined diamonds also contain trace amounts of nitrogen from the ground they were formed within.

Lab-grown vs mined diamond inclusions

Both mined and lab-grown diamonds have inclusions, which occur naturally during the growth process. Both origins occasionally produce flawless diamonds, which are rare and very valuable. Both mined and man-made diamonds must be graded for their clarity on a scale from Flawless to Included.

Diamond simulants, such as cubic zirconia, do not have these inclusions and therefore cannot be graded for clarity. This is related to their chemical composition, not to the lab-grown process.

Lab-grown vs mined diamond “sparkle”

Lab-grown and mined diamonds “sparkle” in the same way because they are both real diamonds. The term jewelers and gemologists use to describe sparkle, however, is brilliance.

A diamond’s brilliance comes from its ability to bend or refract light. Light enters a diamond and is then reflected off its interior surfaces, called facets. This light interacting with the diamond’s multiple surfaces is its brilliance. The display of white light inside a diamond is an indicator that a diamond is real, regardless of its origin.

Brilliance depends on a diamond’s cut. A poorly-cut diamond will not shine as brightly as one with a high-quality cut. Diamond simulants, such as cubic zirconia, do not refract light in the same manner and will have little to no brilliance at all.

Lab-grown vs. mined diamond “fire”

Rainbow or colored light is referred to as a diamond’s “fire.” A diamond’s fire should only appear on a diamond’s outer surfaces, however, whether man-made or mined. If you look closely at a stone and rainbow colors appear within, it is likely synthetic.

Moissanite and cubic zirconia are known for reflecting back lots of rainbow-colored light. Although some love this colorful display, the “disco-ball effect” that happens when either is exposed to natural light is one of the easiest ways to identify them as simulants, not Real diamonds.

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CUT TO ORDER LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS

Get the exact lab created diamond you want. We'll cut a lab grown diamond for you in any shape and size you desire. Experience the craftsmanship of bespoke diamond creation with our Custom Cut By ELGA program.

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LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS VS SIMULANTS

Although visually similar, diamond simulants such as cubic zirconia are fundamentally distinct from diamonds chemically, representing entirely different gems and materials.

In contrast, lab-grown diamonds share the identical chemical composition with natural diamonds, but their creation process is accelerated through scientific means.

This key distinction emphasizes the genuine nature of lab-grown diamonds, aligning them closely with their natural counterparts despite the expedited production method.

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Lab-grown diamonds vs. Moissanite 

Moissanite, initially a natural mineral, is a more affordable gem than diamonds. Due to limited natural supply, scientists replicated it in labs for commercial use.

While visually resembling diamonds, moissanite has lower color and hardness grades, offering a cost-effective alternative with a diamond-like appearance.

Lab-grown diamonds Vs Cubic Zirconia 

are distinct alternatives to natural diamonds. Cubic zirconia, designed as a more affordable option, differs chemically and lacks the hardness and sparkle characteristic of diamonds.

Unlike lab-grown diamonds, cubic zirconia is not considered a gemstone as it is synthetically created from powdered zirconium and zirconium dioxide, melted together to form a stone.

HOW ARE LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS GRADED?

ELGA sets the standard for batter quality in lab-grown diamonds For Quality Assurance we have created 10X QC Standard on top of Traditional '4C's' cut, color, carat, and clarity to ensure best of best shine deliver for ELGA jewelry.

Each ELGA diamond undergoes rigorous quality control tenfold! We leave no room for imperfections.

ELGA ensures that all stones meet our rigorous standards and each stone >0.2 Carat comes with ELGA certification.

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Discover even more reasons to choose lab-grown diamonds.

THE BENEFITS OF LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS

Guaranteed origin

The origin of lab-grown diamonds, which come directly from our above-ground, with less- carbon emission in laboratory. In contrast, mined diamonds, even those labeled 'ethical' or 'conflict-free,' cannot provide this level of radical transparency.

The ELGA Jewelry 's mission is to bring the brilliance of lab-grown diamonds within reach, making the allure of diamonds accessible to a wider audience. Through continuous innovation in our cutting-edge technology, we strive to produce larger, superior, and more affordably priced lab-grown diamond stones.

No middlemen markups

ELGA controls its inventory from the moment a diamond is created in our Polish facility to when it is set in fine jewelry. The price of your ELGA created diamond is a reflection of its value, not middlemen markups.

Less carbon emissions

At ELGA, our lab-grown diamonds are cultivated with care of its carbon foot print. Our commitment to sustainability is integral to our innovative lab-grown technology, designed to make the brilliance of diamonds accessible to more people, more often.

No human or environmental toll

ELGA created lab-grown diamonds are produced without the same devastation a mine brings to the land, wildlife, and local population.

Approachable price

Lab-grown diamonds such as ELGA created diamonds are often more affordable than mined diamonds parallel in quality. Many customers are able to purchase lab-grown diamonds higher in carat weight because of this. learn more about our diamond pricing

OUR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

At ELGA, our lab-grown diamonds are cultivated with care of its carbon foot print. Our commitment to sustainability is integral to our innovative lab-grown technology, designed to make the brilliance of diamonds accessible to more people, more often.

We understand that creating something new has an impact on the planet, and our promise of transparency is reflected in our efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of our stones.

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Lab grown diamonds FAQ

How long does it take to grow lab-diamonds?

A lab-grown diamond takes approximately one month to grow. It is then cut and polished before being sold as loose diamonds or set in fine jewelry.

What Is a ELGA Created Diamond?

A ELGA created diamond is a lab grown diamond created in a laboratory then cut and polished by master craftspeople in our Polish Facility.

Can you tell a lab-grown and mined diamond apart?

Lab-grown and mined diamonds are nearly impossible to tell apart. Both are identical in appearance and chemical composition. Their few subtle differences come from their growth process and are not a reflection of their quality. These differences can only be found by specially-trained gemologists with advanced tools designed for that very purpose.

What are the diamond 4Cs?

The 4Cs of diamonds—cut, color, clarity, and carat weight—are the international standard for measuring a diamond’s quality and determining its value. Each of these characteristics is measured and graded in a specific way, and their quality is documented in a diamond grading report.

Diamond Cut: This refers to how a diamond is cut and polished, affecting how light enters and exits the diamond. It is not the same as the diamond’s shape.

Diamond Color: This measures the absence of color in a diamond. The closer a diamond is to being colorless, the rarer and more valuable it is. Color is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (noticeable yellow). Most engagement rings and diamond jewelry fall within the D-J range, which is colorless to near colorless. This scale is different from the one used for fancy color diamonds like pink, blue, or green.

Diamond Clarity: This refers to the visual purity of a diamond, indicating how many inclusions or imperfections are present. Diamonds with the highest clarity have the fewest inclusions.

Diamond Carat: This measures the size of a diamond, traditionally by its weight in carats.

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