Lab-grown diamonds have attracted much attention in the jewellery industry in the recent decade. In particular, the industry was shocked when global diamond company De Beers announced in 2018 that they would produce and sell lab-grown diamonds targeted at younger consumers under the Lightbox brand.
A frequently-asked question is whether lab-grown diamonds are similar to natural diamonds. The answer is yes - both are identical in chemical composition, crystal structure, optical properties and physical characteristics. The only difference is how the diamonds are formed.
Natural diamonds are formed over a very long period at extremely high pressure and temperature below Earth’s mantle. Lab-grown diamonds are created by simulating the carbon crystallisation process in a laboratory over weeks or months.
The retail price for lab-grown diamonds is generally a fraction of those of natural diamonds, depending on how they are produced and low mine-free production costs. So, which is the better choice - natural or lab-grown diamonds?
In the longer term, it is hard for lab-grown diamonds to retain their investment value because of ever-increasing mass production and supply. Nonetheless, lab-grown diamonds are a good option from the perspectives of fashion and wearers.
Moissanite, another manufactured diamond simulant, is a popular choice resembling a lab-grown diamond. While both appear remarkably similar, moissanite has better brilliance and fire than lab-grown diamonds. In addition, moissanite will display a ‘doubling’ effect under magnification - which is not found in lab-grown diamonds.
Mohs hardness: 10