Everything You Need to Know About Lab Grown Diamonds

Many of you may have already heard the term “lab grown diamonds” circulating around your social circle in recent years, but what exactly are they and how much do they really differ from mined diamonds grown naturally deep inside the Earth’s mantle? You’re going to want to read on to see these diamonds yourself. We promise you won’t be able to tell lab grown diamonds apart from mined ones!

Lab grown diamonds are in fact 100% real diamonds made of pure carbon and have the same physical, optical, and chemical properties of a natural diamond. They undergo the same GIA International Diamond Grading System™ and are further evaluated with the same 4C scale like any other diamond.

The chief differences stem from how they are created and how they are collected/distributed. Although the process of developing them is mimicked from nature to the lab, instead of taking billions of years to form naturally, it only takes a few weeks to grow one of these sparklers in a lab.

When a mined diamond grows in nature, the process creates a unique one of a kind diamond with varying levels of flaws and impurities; this is due to the uncontrollable circumstances of nature that differ on marginal levels. Whereas, synthetic diamonds are molecularly identical because they are grown in exact circumstances until they are cut and polished. Therefore, being grown in a controlled setting makes every lab grown diamond in the best circumstances, to be as flawless as technologically possible.

Technically speaking, diamonds are modified graphite, a crystalline carbon, which undergoes extreme heat and pressure that occurs in the Earth’s mantle. Through millions of years, the graphite eventually changes on the atomic level and its crystallized form slowly shifts into a diamond.

If that’s not enough science for you, volcanic pipes then carry these valuable minerals deep within the mantle all the way up to the Earth’s crust. These aren’t just any old volcanic pipes though, they are deeper and less common pipes otherwise known as kimberlite pipes.

Although the original charm of earth mined diamonds lies in their unique characteristics and their vast age, real diamonds can be up to 30% more valuable than lab grown diamonds of equal to higher quality, even though there is virtually no distinction between the two. Between labor costs and expenses for mining natural diamonds, the difference lies purely in aesthetics.

Although there a few techniques to synthesize diamonds, the most standard known process for lab created diamonds is called Chemical Vapor Deposition and involves taking a very thin sliver of a diamond, considered the diamond seed, made up of pure carbon (where the crystalline structure has already formed), place it in a device that acts as a pressurized vacuum where more carbon molecules attach themselves to the seed until it is fully developed and ready to be cut and polished. This process typically takes 10 weeks and develops a pure carbon diamond.

Unlike the generations to precede them, Millennials and Gen Z are shifting gears towards a more eco-conscious and sustainable planet. As they approach the aisle, many couples are forgoing the use of natural diamonds for engagement rings and wedding bands as they consider the ecological impact.

Beyond their monetary value alone are serious ethical and environmental ramifications that disrupt the balance of society as well as our planet’s delicate ecosystem. For many, finding an alternative for natural diamonds is a no-brainer, but the wedding ring market is still catching up to meet their needs. As it stands, there are at least two popular diamond simulants on the market today: cubic zirconia and synthetic moissanite. While both beautiful and affordable options in their own regard, these options are not without their flaws that may end up costing you in the long run. When you opt for a lab diamond though, you're getting a pure carbon diamond, real in every way except how it was formed.

With a lab created diamond there is zero conflict and in some cases there is less of a carbon footprint to grow lab diamonds than there is to mine natural ones. Rest assured that when you buy a lab grown diamond you’re not only getting a stone that's a bit more sustainable, but you're guaranteed that they are 100% conflict free diamonds. To top it off you're saving up to 30% when you opt for lab created diamonds.

Ever since lab grown diamonds have been climbing the market, more and more diamond cutters and jewelry designers have been using them as an alternative to the more expensive natural diamond. With consumer interest in these diamonds growing at a steady rate, designers are racing to set their designs apart from the rest. 

Among the top diamond jewelry designers to apply their unique cutting techniques to lab grown diamonds is the prestigious Christopher Designs located in New York. Using their elaborate Crisscut® diamond cutting techniques on their modern styled rings, ranging from classy halos to twisted shanks, Christopher Designs has built a diverse catalog of lab grown diamonds that’ll make any eco-conscious couple swoon. 

The Neon Crisscut® collection offers soon-to-be couples a variety of jewelry options such as engagement rings, wedding bands, anniversary rings, and bracelets with an array of shapes and settings. By implementing their innovative cutting techniques to amplify its face, each diamond appears up to 60% larger than generic cuts, saving you money without sacrificing on size. If you’re left wondering where the neon element comes to play in this collection, you’ll be happy to hear there are no fluorescent colors to be found within this line. The name “Neon” found its inspiration in the new generation of consumers and their simple, modern aesthetic, giving beauty a whole new dimension of meaning.

If you love the look of traditional and timeless jewelry with a modern twist, then the Neon Crisscut® Round Diamond Rings might be your perfect match. With its elegant yet elaborately twisted shank covered in a pave of smaller diamonds leading up to a bold 1.02ct Round Diamond, this engagement ring speaks to the most dynamic of personalities.

Some people are all about that sparkle factor, more so than others, and would rather bask in the reflections of many diamonds instead of just one. If your heart is set on a show stopping ring, then consider the 1.24ct Neon Crisscut® Round Diamond engagement ring. With a center stone elegantly surrounded not only by a halo of smaller diamonds, but flowing outwardly into a beautifully paved shank, this ring would definitely captivate the most sophisticated of soon-to-be brides. 

When it comes to indulging in the simple beauty of a wedding or anniversary band, most gravitate to the simplicity of a single pave band much like this Neon Crisscut® Round Diamond Band which flows nicely down the intricately designed shank. However, for those looking to honor their marriage with a more grandiose ring, the Neon Crisscut® 2 Row Pear Shape Diamond Band will be the perfect choice. The double row of alternating pear shaped diamonds 2.27cttw IVS along with the Neon Crisscut® round cut diamonds .79ctw IVS make for eye catching and dazzling wedding or anniversary band. 

Solitaire engagement rings are a favorite among those with a bold sense of style or find themselves drawn to the vintage aesthetic. If you love the glitz and glamor of a solitaire ring while still being open to mixing styles together, imagine adorning your finger with this regal Emerald Halo Engagement Ring: a 1.20ct Neon Crisscut® Emerald surrounded by a halo of 1.71cttw round diamonds with sleek shank that exudes elegance.

If you’re looking to celebrate your upcoming nuptials with more than just one big stone, how about three? Resembling the vintage style of Art Deco with this 3 stone Emerald Engagement Ring, you get a 1.40ct Neon Emerald with two .73cttw as well as 2.13cttw round diamonds for a sweeping embellishment.

Some of us like the idea of eternity, especially when it comes to wedding or anniversary bands. When you apply more than a dozen 4.38cttw Neon emeralds to a band, you get more ice than shank. Check out this Emerald Eternity Band if you’re looking  for a dazzling sparkler that’ll scintillate like fire in any room you walk into.

The popular pear cut diamond gets a modern makeover with this unique Neon Crisscut® Pear Eternity Band filled with 3.52cttw pear cut diamonds all tilted at different angles. As if wearing a laurel wreath made of diamonds, worthy enough for an artsy poetess or a muse who can’t help but inspire and invigorate new ideas in everyone they’re around!

If you’re more of a traditionalist looking to showcase a single diamond while also exhibiting a modern flare, this Solitaire Pear Engagement Ring featuring a 1.07ct Neon Crisscut® pear cut diamond comes with that extra pizazz that you’re longing for with 1.40cttw round cut diamonds flowing down a thin pave shank.

Whether as an anniversary or wedding band, oval cut diamonds speak to those who are still interested in the sparkle factor of the round cut, but prefer something better suited for their eclectic and sophisticated personal style. This seven stone 1.82cttw Neon Crisscut®  Oval Diamond Band definitely reveals as much fire as your heart’s desire.

With the chic shape of the oval beside two pear cut diamonds running off the sides of a clean shank you get a well balanced ring. Not too flashy, but still exquisite, this 2.13ctw Neon Crisscut® Oval Diamond Engagement Ring catches many of the hidden facets of the Neon Crisscut® .76cttw pear shaped diamonds as well as the 2.89cttw round cut diamonds as they all reflect off one another.

Many people can relate to the ovals’ ability to catch the light in a unique way similar to round cut diamonds, but altogether differently. The regal, classy look of this 1.17ct Neon Crisscut® Oval Diamond Engagement Ring, meets the slim and modern style with a halo and pave shank of 1.74cttw round cut diamonds.

Cushion cut diamonds exhibit that refined feel emeralds usually give off, while also maintaining that exquisite sparkle you only get from the rounder cuts. This 5 stone Cushion Band allows you to express dedication to that special someone with it’s 2.74cttw Neon Crisscut® cushion cuts while also making a stylish statement that’ll open up a whole new world of compliments. 

If 5 stones just isn’t cutting it for you, then try the Eternity Cushion Band! Filled to the brim with those delectably cut diamond cushions, you’re looking for something that’s got a unique angle and is an all around sparkler.

This slim Neon Crisscut® Oval Diamond Bracelet could be that missing addition to your oval engagement ring and wedding band set as it extends the radiance of these eco-friendly diamonds up to your wrist. If you’d rather keep the attention on the individual pieces themselves, you can flaunt your bracelet’s simple yet elegant design solo without anything adding to or distracting from its beauty. 

Like the above Neon Crisscut® Oval Bracelet, this Pear Bracelet would make a beautiful addition to your collection, flawlessly complimenting the Pear Eternity Band as the light scintillates from one piece of fine jewelry to another. As with any beloved piece of jewelry, you can mix and match this bracelet with other sentimental pieces in your collection. You can opt to wear it on its own and still make a statement worthy enough for any event or outing.

In a world where we’re constantly being faced with questionable ethics and sustainable opportunities, it’s time to embrace alternatives that help our society and our planet grow in harmony.

Christopher Designs sees the virtue of using lab grown diamonds as not only a sustainable alternative, but one that is more affordable. As the world takes yet another bold leap into the future of innovative technology, Christopher Designs continues to remain at the forefront of innovation as they embrace lab grown diamonds as not only a popular trend, but a unique alternative.