CVD Diamonds V/S Earth Grown Diamonds Differences
The world of diamonds is always evolving and offering new and exciting gems and diamonds. In recent years, lab created diamonds vs earth mined diamonds have gained popularity.
This blog explores the key differences between CVD diamonds vs natural diamond (manufactured diamonds) and natural diamonds. From this blog, you will learn how both these varieties of diamonds are formed, their characteristics, ethical considerations, and more.
What differentiates CVD diamonds from Earth-grown diamonds?
1. The formation process
Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is one of the ways in which engineered diamonds are created. The process involves a diamond seed placed in a chamber filled with gases. The gases are ionized into plasma, while carbon reacts to the diamond seed. This process then leads to the carbon to crystalize and forming a rough diamond. This is how CVD lab grown diamonds are manufactured.
Earth grown diamonds go through a similar process such as CVD process, but deep inside the Earth’s surface. Moreover, this process occurs naturally and is not under human control. Diamonds may take millions of years to form deep inside the Earth. The process involves the crystallization of carbon atoms and forms into a diamond.
2. Physical and chemical properties
CVD and earth created diamonds possess the same physical and chemical properties. Both these types of diamonds include pure carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure. They have similar hardness and brilliance. However, earth grown diamonds often have more impurities and inclusions as they are not grown in controlled environments like laboratory diamonds.
Manufactured diamonds are considered real diamonds. In fact, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) recognizes CVD lab grown diamonds as real diamonds, just like the natural diamonds. Both types of diamonds are graded on the same scale for the 4Cs of diamonds – color, clarity, cut, and carat.
3. Market perception
According to a recent study by Morgan Stanley, the CVD lab grown diamonds market share will rise to 18%. The report said, “The trend of increasing lab grown diamond market share remains unchallenged, adding to the structural challenges being encountered by the natural diamond market.”
While experts are positive about lab grown diamonds, there are many who argue that the appeal of man-made diamonds is temporary and may not hold in the long term. But this view is slowly changing as more and more consumers accept cultured diamonds and are looking for certified lab grown diamonds from various sources, such as lab grown diamond manufacturers, jewelers, designers, and wholesalers.
While the resale value of CVD diamonds is still a big question when compared to earth grown diamonds, experts are confident that the growing demand for lab diamonds will lead to an enhanced long-term resale value of lab grown diamonds.
4. Ethical factors
The ethical factors surrounding diamonds have been a topic of discussion for many years. Earth grown diamonds are known to be linked to various issues, such as social, political, environments, among others. Natural mined diamonds often raise the concerns of labor exploitation, politics, war, and environmental damage.
CVD diamonds are considered ethical as they are manufactured in safe and controlled environments. These diamonds do not lead to ecological damage. Lab grown diamonds are conflict-free diamonds. For this reason, many conscious consumers have shifted to buying man-made diamonds from mined diamonds.
5. Cost comparison of CVD and Earth-grown diamonds
Earth grown diamonds are expensive due to the mining processes involved, including digging deep into the Earth’s crust and requiring large amounts of water and labor costs.
Compared to mined diamonds, CVD diamonds are at least 40% cheaper than mined diamonds. Man made diamonds incur lower product costs. The affordability factor of manufactured diamonds makes it an attractive option for budget consumers.
Also Read : Types of diamonds based on different factors
Over to you
In summary, both CVD diamonds and Earth grown diamonds offer distinct pros and cons. Considering the differences, it is clear that man made diamonds are winning over natural diamonds. With growing consumer awareness about the ethical and cost benefits of manufactured diamonds, it is no doubt that lab diamonds are a better choice amongst the two.If you’re looking to buy certified lab grown diamonds, explore the range of options from Grown Diamond Corporation.
