Have you ever wondered how diamond creation occurs? There are few things on Earth more precious than a dazzling diamond. One reason we find these tiny treasures so special is because the way diamonds are formed is extremely complex, a wonder of nature in itself. Luckily, new technologies enable us to make lab-grown diamonds that are made of exactly the same materials and are just as spectacular as those found in nature. The Diamond Room’s experts are well-versed in both natural and lab-grown diamonds, their formation processes, and the advantages of both types of gems. Discover how both formation processes can create breathtaking jewels you’ll never want to take off.
How Natural Diamond Creation Occurs
Contrary to the old wives’ tale, diamonds do not come from coal. The source rocks of diamonds are actually igneous rocks found in vertical layers. Diamond creation and formation occurs when carbon deposits around 100 miles below Earth’s surface are subjected to high temperatures and pressure. This process can occur in many different places within the Earth, but scientists believe nearly all mined diamonds are formed in the upper mantle and brought to the surface via deep volcanic eruptions. The timeline for natural diamond formation can vary widely. Some stones may form in just days or months, while others take millions of years to come together.
Scientists estimate that most natural diamonds date back millions or even billions of years, and the process may be interrupted at times due to changes in temperature or pressure, leading to an even longer timeline. Some diamonds also take on different colors; this is due to the interaction of various elements during the forming process. Natural diamonds require harvesting through mining.
The sale of natural diamonds is also highly regulated in an effort to prevent too many stones from entering the market at once, leading to lessened value. Because of these factors, natural diamonds come with a higher price tag than
lab-grown ones. However, they offer a stunning appearance that will catch anyone’s eye and are a wonderful quality gemstone.
How Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Formed
Due to the complex and expensive harvesting processes that come with natural diamonds, modern technology has been developed to grow real diamonds within labs in the same ways they would grow underground. Diamond Creation is achieved with high-pressure synthesis processes that use pressure and heat to mimic the natural growth process, lab-grown diamonds are physically, chemically, and optically identical to natural diamonds. Once formed, they are cut and shaped like mined diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are 100% real diamonds.
The naked eye cannot distinguish physical differences between natural or lab-grown diamonds; in fact, even trained experts need to use specialized equipment that can detect minute differences in the diamond’s elements. However, these minute differences actually work to the diamond’s advantage. Since lab-grown diamonds are formed in highly-controlled environments without exposure to the elements, they are often higher quality than natural diamonds, exhibiting fewer details and heightened clarity over time. Though lab-grown diamonds are less expensive than natural ones, they hold just as much value as natural diamonds.
Instead of taking millions of years for development on the Earth, lab-grown diamonds are made in a much shorter time. They also do not require expensive or dangerous mining practices to harvest as natural diamonds do. These factors account for the pricing differences between lab-grown and natural diamonds. When you choose a lab-grown diamond, your budget will stretch much further, allowing you a bigger stone. Lab-grown diamonds can also be certified and insured just like a natural diamond too.
Which Type Of Diamond Is Right For You?
At the Diamond Room, we offer both natural and lab-grown diamonds in our jewelry selection. Some guests specify that they prefer a natural diamond, while others have no preference or enjoy the opportunity to get a larger stone with lab-grown options. Many guests do not know the difference between the two, which is why our friendly and knowledgeable staff will help guide you throughout your purchase.
Both types of diamonds appear brilliant, are high-quality and long-lasting, and will look beautiful in any piece of jewelry. Bottom line: no matter which type of diamond you choose, you’ll have a piece you’ll love for decades. It’s all up to you to decide which type of stone looks and feels right for you! Just as both types of diamonds are the same, we’re certain you’ll feel the same joy when you wear your new diamond, no matter
which type you choose. Your beautiful diamond is waiting for you.
If you’ve got questions about how diamonds are formed and the differences and similarities between natural and lab-grown diamonds, contact our experts at The Diamond Room to learn more today.
For more on our diamond education, check out https://diamondrooms.com/loose-diamonds/
Learn more about diamond creation from GIA https://www.gia.edu/birthstones/april-birthstones
