Difference Between Lab-Grown Diamonds and Hybrid Diamonds

There are various kinds of diamonds:  mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, diamond simulants, and diamond hybrids, among others. It is essential to understand the difference between these different types of diamonds. Even though all these diamonds may look the same to the naked eye, each of these diamonds has its own characteristics and properties.

A number of people easily confuse lab-created diamonds with hybrid diamonds. In reality, the two are vastly different in all aspects. Let’s try to understand what these two types are and how they are different from each other.

Lab-Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds, also known as engineered diamonds, cultured diamonds, or what are lab diamonds, are real diamonds grown in a controlled laboratory environment. They have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as mined diamonds.

Lab-grown diamonds are created by two processes: chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and high-pressure high temperature (HPHT). Diamond simulants are created to imitate the look of real diamonds but contain no diamonds. They are non-precious. That is also the reason that diamond simulants are inexpensive.

What is a Diamond Hybrid?

The diamond hybrid is the most affordable and scientifically advanced, diamond-infused simulant. It involves parts of both the lab-grown diamond and the diamond simulant. It is constructed from a crystal core that has an infusion of enhanced lab-grown diamond on the outer layer. It has the look and feel of a real diamond because of the outer layer created from lab-grown diamond crystals, whereas on the inside, it has a non-precious core.

It is called “hybrid” because it uses a blend of both the technologies of lab-engineered diamond and diamond simulant. Some characteristics of diamond hybrids:

• Diamond hybrids possess high-quality brilliance.
• The price of diamond hybrids is as much as 3% of mined diamonds; that’s how affordable they are.
• D to F in color
• VS1 to VS2 in clarity
• Large selection of shapes and carat sizes

How is a Diamond Hybrid Created?

The diamond hybrid is created by placing a cut crystal core or substrate into a chamber. Intense heat and pressure are infused along with lab-grown diamond crystals. Both are bonded at a molecular level to the outer layer of the crystal core.

These engineered diamond crystals stack up on the core and realign with each other. The finished product is a diamond-infused simulant that has a non-precious crystal core and a solid outer layer of lab-grown diamond that will never wear off or detach from the core.

What is the Difference Between Diamond Hybrids and Lab-Grown Diamonds?

The diamond hybrid is distinct from lab-grown real diamonds. Differences in properties between diamond hybrid (DH) and lab-grown diamond (LGD)

• Diamond bonds: 85% in the infused outer layer (DH) and 100% (LG)

• MOHS hardness scale: outer layer 9.6 (DH) and 10 (LG)

• Color: D to F colorless (DH) and D to F colorless, S to Z yellow (LG)

• Clarity: Flawless to VS2 (DH) and WS to SI (LG)

What is the Price Difference Between the Two?

The cost of diamond hybrids is 10% of the cost of lab-grown real diamonds. One reason for its popularity is its affordability.

Differences Between Diamond Simulants and Lab-Created Diamonds

Diamond simulants are gemstones that are designed to appear like diamonds but are visually and chemically distinct from diamonds. They sell at a lower price as compared to lab-created diamonds, as they differ physically and chemically from diamonds. Due to their fiery sparkle, they can be easily identified with the naked eye.

What Should You Buy?

The above information will clear up some of the confusion that diamond lovers might have about diamond hybrids and lab-grown diamonds. For those who are looking for the most inexpensive options, a diamond hybrid will serve the purpose. But for those who are looking to buy a real diamond, a lab-grown diamond is the best option. Buying an engagement ring or jewelry for a wedding? Lab-grown real diamonds are the most appropriate for these occasions.

With a greater number of people opting to buy lab-grown diamonds and consumers understanding the difference between the different kinds of diamonds, it is a matter of choice, taste, and attitude that decides what consumers buy.