What’s the Deal with These “Fake” Diamonds?
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked, “Rob, what’s with these ‘fake’ diamonds?” It’s a common question, and I understand why. There’s a lot of misleading information out there about lab-grown diamonds. But let’s set the record straight: they’re not “fake” at all. In fact, they’re just as real as their billion-year-old counterparts, the earth-mined diamonds aka natural diamonds.
Be cautious of jewelers who tell you to “avoid non-pure, unnatural, fake diamonds.” Chances are, those jewelers are sitting on a large inventory of natural diamonds and want to sell them off as lab-grown diamonds grow in popularity. The purpose of this article isn’t to pit natural diamonds against lab-grown ones but to clear up the misconception that lab-grown diamonds are “fake.” At Les Olson Jewelers, we provide our clients with all the information they need to make an informed decision that’s best for them.
Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds: What’s the Difference?
Both natural and lab-grown diamonds are made from the same element—carbon—and undergo extreme pressure to form. The key difference is time: an earth-mined diamond, or “natural diamond,” takes over a billion years to form, while a lab-grown diamond takes just a few weeks. Saying a lab-grown diamond is fake is like calling ice made in your freezer fake compared to ice that forms naturally outside.
A Brief History of Lab-Grown Diamonds
1950s: The journey began in 1952 when Union Carbide produced the first diamonds using the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) method. Soon after, companies like General Electric started creating diamonds using the High-Pressure, High-Temperature (HPHT) method. Initially, these diamonds were used mainly for industrial and technological purposes.
1970s: General Electric made a breakthrough by producing the first gem-quality lab-grown diamonds—clear and sizable enough for jewelry. In 1971, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) published the first scientific study on lab-grown diamonds, bringing more attention to this technology.
Mid-1980s: Manufacturers started producing commercial quantities of gem-quality lab-created diamonds. Early versions were often small and had a yellowish or brownish hue, but their quality steadily improved.
2000s: The CVD method became more popular for creating gem-quality diamonds, as it required lower pressures and temperatures than HPHT, making it a more efficient process.
Mid-2010s: Colorless, high-quality lab-grown diamonds became widely available, cementing their place in the jewelry market. Both HPHT and CVD methods remained popular, offering consumers more sustainable and ethical diamond choices.
Why Some Are Hesitant About Lab-Grown Diamonds
It’s understandable why some people might feel hesitant about lab-grown diamonds. For centuries, diamonds were mined from the earth, a process that was difficult, time-consuming, and expensive. This rarity, combined with their beauty and the long natural formation process, drove up the price of natural diamonds. Consumers have grown accustomed to paying a premium for these stones.
But now, lab-grown diamonds have changed the game. Instead of taking a billion years to form, these diamonds can be created in just 2 to 8 weeks, with no mining involved. The supply of lab-grown diamonds is growing every day, which is why they cost significantly less than earth-mined diamonds.
The Fascinating Process of Growing Diamonds in a Lab
There are two main methods for creating lab-grown diamonds:
High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT): This process mimics the way diamonds form naturally, using extremely high pressure and heat (about 1,300-1,600°C). It can produce high-quality diamonds in just a few weeks and is ideal for growing larger diamonds quickly.
Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): A small diamond seed is placed inside a vacuum chamber filled with carbon-rich gases. As the gases are heated, carbon atoms bond with the seed, forming the diamond layer by layer. This process can take anywhere from a few weeks to two months, depending on the desired size and quality. CVD diamonds are known for their high purity.
Both methods produce real diamonds that are chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds, just grown in a lab.
Why Choose Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds offer consumers the chance to buy a real diamond at a fraction of the cost of a natural one. Our clients love that they can purchase an engagement ring without breaking the bank, especially during times when the cost of living is high. Diamonds are an investment in love, and with the arrival of high-quality, consumer-grade lab-grown diamonds, a beautiful stone is now within reach for everyone.
At Les Olson Jewelers, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality lab-grown and natural diamonds, giving you the freedom to choose what suits your style and budget best. Whether you’re looking for a more sustainable option or simply want to get the most for your money, lab-grown diamonds are worth considering.
Making an Educated Choice at Les Olson Jewelers
At Les Olson Jewelers, we believe in empowering our clients to make informed decisions. We provide all the facts, whether you’re considering a natural diamond or a lab-grown one, so you can weigh the benefits and choose what’s best for you. Our goal is to educate, not persuade, ensuring you have a clear understanding of your options. Whether it’s a matter of budget, or personal preference, we’re here to guide you, so you can feel confident in your choice. After all, it’s your special moment, and you deserve to make the decision that’s right for you. In conclusion, lab-grown diamonds are not “fake”—they are real, beautiful, and affordable.
So, the next time you hear someone calling them fake, you can confidently set the record straight!
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked, “Rob, what’s with these ‘fake’ diamonds?” It’s a common question, and I understand why. There’s a lot of misleading information out there about lab-grown diamonds. But let’s set the record straight: they’re not “fake” at all. In fact, they’re just as real as their billion-year-old counterparts, the earth-mined diamonds aka natural diamonds.
Be cautious of jewelers who tell you to “avoid non-pure, unnatural, fake diamonds.” Chances are, those jewelers are sitting on a large inventory of natural diamonds and want to sell them off as lab-grown diamonds grow in popularity. The purpose of this article isn’t to pit natural diamonds against lab-grown ones but to clear up the misconception that lab-grown diamonds are “fake.” At Les Olson Jewelers, we provide our clients with all the information they need to make an informed decision that’s best for them.
Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds: What’s the Difference?
Both natural and lab-grown diamonds are made from the same element—carbon—and undergo extreme pressure to form. The key difference is time: an earth-mined diamond, or “natural diamond,” takes over a billion years to form, while a lab-grown diamond takes just a few weeks. Saying a lab-grown diamond is fake is like calling ice made in your freezer fake compared to ice that forms naturally outside.
A Brief History of Lab-Grown Diamonds
1950s: The journey began in 1952 when Union Carbide produced the first diamonds using the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) method. Soon after, companies like General Electric started creating diamonds using the High-Pressure, High-Temperature (HPHT) method. Initially, these diamonds were used mainly for industrial and technological purposes.
1970s: General Electric made a breakthrough by producing the first gem-quality lab-grown diamonds—clear and sizable enough for jewelry. In 1971, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) published the first scientific study on lab-grown diamonds, bringing more attention to this technology.
Mid-1980s: Manufacturers started producing commercial quantities of gem-quality lab-created diamonds. Early versions were often small and had a yellowish or brownish hue, but their quality steadily improved.
2000s: The CVD method became more popular for creating gem-quality diamonds, as it required lower pressures and temperatures than HPHT, making it a more efficient process.
Mid-2010s: Colorless, high-quality lab-grown diamonds became widely available, cementing their place in the jewelry market. Both HPHT and CVD methods remained popular, offering consumers more sustainable and ethical diamond choices.
Why Some Are Hesitant About Lab-Grown Diamonds
It’s understandable why some people might feel hesitant about lab-grown diamonds. For centuries, diamonds were mined from the earth, a process that was difficult, time-consuming, and expensive. This rarity, combined with their beauty and the long natural formation process, drove up the price of natural diamonds. Consumers have grown accustomed to paying a premium for these stones.
But now, lab-grown diamonds have changed the game. Instead of taking a billion years to form, these diamonds can be created in just 2 to 8 weeks, with no mining involved. The supply of lab-grown diamonds is growing every day, which is why they cost significantly less than earth-mined diamonds.
The Fascinating Process of Growing Diamonds in a Lab
There are two main methods for creating lab-grown diamonds:
High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT): This process mimics the way diamonds form naturally, using extremely high pressure and heat (about 1,300-1,600°C). It can produce high-quality diamonds in just a few weeks and is ideal for growing larger diamonds quickly.
Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): A small diamond seed is placed inside a vacuum chamber filled with carbon-rich gases. As the gases are heated, carbon atoms bond with the seed, forming the diamond layer by layer. This process can take anywhere from a few weeks to two months, depending on the desired size and quality. CVD diamonds are known for their high purity.
Both methods produce real diamonds that are chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds, just grown in a lab.
Why Choose Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds offer consumers the chance to buy a real diamond at a fraction of the cost of a natural one. Our clients love that they can purchase an engagement ring without breaking the bank, especially during times when the cost of living is high. Diamonds are an investment in love, and with the arrival of high-quality, consumer-grade lab-grown diamonds, a beautiful stone is now within reach for everyone.
At Les Olson Jewelers, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality lab-grown and natural diamonds, giving you the freedom to choose what suits your style and budget best. Whether you’re looking for a more sustainable option or simply want to get the most for your money, lab-grown diamonds are worth considering.
Making an Educated Choice at Les Olson Jewelers
At Les Olson Jewelers, we believe in empowering our clients to make informed decisions. We provide all the facts, whether you’re considering a natural diamond or a lab-grown one, so you can weigh the benefits and choose what’s best for you. Our goal is to educate, not persuade, ensuring you have a clear understanding of your options. Whether it’s a matter of budget, or personal preference, we’re here to guide you, so you can feel confident in your choice. After all, it’s your special moment, and you deserve to make the decision that’s right for you. In conclusion, lab-grown diamonds are not “fake”—they are real, beautiful, and affordable.
So, the next time you hear someone calling them fake, you can confidently set the record straight!