What are Lab Grown Diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds that are created in a controlled laboratory environment rather than formed naturally within the Earth. These diamonds are produced using high-tech processes that replicate the conditions under which natural diamonds form. There are two primary methods for creating lab-grown diamonds:

  1. Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): In this process, carbon is released from plasma by superheating hydrocarbon gas in a vacuum to temperatures between 3,000 and 4,000 degrees Celsius. At these temperatures, carbon atoms separate from their molecular bonds and settle onto a flat wafer of previously grown synthetic diamond, forming vertical layers. This method can produce diamonds for various applications, including jewelry, medicine, communications, and technology.

  2. High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT): This method mimics the natural conditions found deep within the Earth's mantle. A carbon source, a diamond seed, and a metallic catalyst are placed into an octahedral cell, which is then subjected to extreme heat (around 1,500 degrees Celsius) and immense pressure in a mechanical press. The molten metal dissolves the carbon, and the high pressure causes the carbon to precipitate onto the diamond seed, resulting in the growth of a larger diamond.

Both methods produce high-quality diamonds that are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are increasingly popular for their ethical and environmental benefits, as they do not involve the environmental degradation or ethical concerns associated with diamond mining.

Properties of Natural Mined Diamonds vs Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds share many properties because they are essentially the same material, carbon, arranged in a crystal lattice. However, there are a few differences in their properties, primarily due to their origins.

Similarities:

  1. Chemical Composition: Both lab-grown and natural diamonds are made of carbon atoms arranged in a cubic crystal structure.
  2. Hardness: Both types rank 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making them the hardest known material.
  3. Optical Properties: They have identical refractive indices and dispersion values, giving them the same brilliance and fire.
  4. Thermal Conductivity: Both have very high thermal conductivity, which is why they feel cold to the touch and are used in industrial applications.
  5. Density: Both types have similar densities, around 3.5 grams per cubic centimeter.

Differences:

  1. Origin:

    • Natural Diamonds: Formed over billions of years under high pressure and temperature deep within the Earth's mantle.
    • Lab-Grown Diamonds: Created in a matter of weeks using high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods in a laboratory.

  2. Inclusions and Impurities:

    • Natural Diamonds: Often contain inclusions or impurities such as other minerals, which can affect clarity.
    • Lab-Grown Diamonds: May contain metallic inclusions or patterns specific to their growth process, such as metallic flux from the HPHT method or layers from the CVD method.

  3. Growth Patterns:

    • Natural Diamonds: Exhibit growth patterns influenced by natural geological processes.
    • Lab-Grown Diamonds: Can show characteristic growth patterns or striations indicative of their artificial creation process.

  4. Environmental and Ethical Impact:

    • Natural Diamonds: Mining can have significant environmental and ethical concerns, including habitat destruction and human rights issues.
    • Lab-Grown Diamonds: Generally considered more environmentally friendly and ethically produced, with less environmental degradation and fewer human rights issues.

  5. Cost:

    • Natural Diamonds: Typically more expensive due to their rarity and the costs associated with mining.
    • Lab-Grown Diamonds: Generally more affordable as they are not subject to the same limitations of natural supply.

  6. Detection:

    • Natural Diamonds: Typically identified by their unique inclusions and growth patterns.
    • Lab-Grown Diamonds: Require specialized equipment for detection, such as spectroscopy or luminescence imaging, to distinguish from natural diamonds.

Both types of diamonds are suitable for jewelry and industrial applications, with the choice often coming down to personal preference, ethical considerations, and budget.

Popularity of Lab Grown Diamonds in Jewelry

Lab-grown diamonds have been gaining popularity in the jewelry market for several reasons:

Ethical Considerations:

  1. Conflict-Free: Lab-grown diamonds do not have the ethical concerns associated with "blood diamonds" or conflict diamonds, which are mined in war zones and sold to finance armed conflict.
  2. Environmental Impact: Producing lab-grown diamonds generally has a lower environmental impact compared to traditional mining, which involves significant land disturbance and ecosystem disruption.

Cost:

  1. Affordability: Lab-grown diamonds are typically 20-40% cheaper than natural diamonds of similar quality. This makes them an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers who still want the beauty and durability of a diamond.

Quality and Variety:

  1. Quality Control: The controlled environment in which lab-grown diamonds are produced allows for consistent quality and fewer inclusions compared to some natural diamonds.
  2. Customization: Lab-grown diamonds can be produced in various sizes, shapes, and colors more easily than mined diamonds, offering greater flexibility for custom jewelry designs.

Market Trends:

  1. Consumer Awareness: Increasing awareness about the ethical and environmental issues associated with diamond mining has led more consumers to consider lab-grown diamonds as a viable alternative.
  2. Celebrity Endorsements: High-profile endorsements and the adoption of lab-grown diamonds by luxury brands and celebrities have helped boost their popularity and acceptance in mainstream markets.

Technological Advancements:

  1. Improved Production Methods: Advances in CVD and HPHT technologies have improved the quality and availability of lab-grown diamonds, making them more accessible to a broader audience.
  2. Certification: Major gemological institutions, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and International Gemological Institute (IGI), now offer certification for lab-grown diamonds, providing consumers with assurance of their quality and authenticity.

Market Segmentation:

  1. Younger Demographics: Millennials and Gen Z consumers, who tend to prioritize sustainability and ethical consumption, are more likely to choose lab-grown diamonds over natural ones.
  2. Fashion and Trends: Lab-grown diamonds are becoming increasingly popular in fashion jewelry, where trends can change quickly and consumers may seek more affordable options to keep up with the latest styles.

Retail Availability:

  1. Wider Availability: More jewelers and retailers are offering lab-grown diamonds, including major brands and online stores, making them easier for consumers to find and purchase.

Who are we?

Sawan Diamonds was established in Bangkok, Thailand by Supachai Mohamed Abusali, an ambitious entrepreneur with a deep-rooted legacy in the gemstone and jewelry industry. Born and raised in the vibrant city of Bangkok, renowned globally as a gem and jewelry hub, Supachai comes from a family with generations of experience in the trade.

Supachai completed his Bachelor's degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management and initially pursued a career in the logistics industry, where he held a managerial position at a global company. During his tenure, he developed a keen interest in the lab-grown diamond and jewelry trade. Proactively marketing himself as a jeweler, he made his first jewelry sale while still employed in logistics.

A few months later, having gained sufficient sales and experience in the diamond jewelry business, Supachai left his job to establish a solid foothold in the industry. Today, Sawan Diamonds reflects his passion and commitment to excellence in the world of lab-grown diamonds and fine jewelry.