Why are lab diamonds so expensive?

Lab-grown diamonds have seen a rapid rise in popularity recently, sparking discussions regarding their affordability, quality, and durability. While lab diamonds provide more ethical and environmentally friendly alternatives than mined ones, consumers remain confused by their seemingly higher price points and durability issues related to scratch resistance; this blog post intends to address concerns like Why are lab diamonds so expensive, Do lab-grown diamonds scratch?

Diamond Production Can Be Complex

As it's key to understand both mined and lab-grown diamond production processes, mining gems is no simple endeavor; laborious excavation is required followed by cutting and polishing to extract these gemstones from Earth's crust before cutting and polishing to reveal beautiful gems buried underneath its crust. When it comes to lab-grown ones - typically created through High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both methods use sophisticated technologies in controlled environments where graphite materials such as graphite are subjected to extreme conditions that transform them into diamond crystals which then cut and polished much like mined ones would.

Equipment Are Expensive

One of the main reasons why are lab diamonds so expensive is that their production equipment is expensive and complex; machines must simulate high pressure/temperature conditions essential for gemstone formation in an artificial lab environment. Furthermore, skilled operators who understand their operation as well as assess quality can often come at a premium - which in turn affects the final cost calculations of lab-grown stones of different shapes and sizes like Oval Lab Grown Diamonds!

Contrary to popular opinion, lab-grown stones do not come without environmental costs. Energy consumption required for one diamond produced in a lab setting may be substantial depending on its method; these costs ultimately become part of consumer prices when bought through.

Durability and Scratch Resistance

Do lab-grown diamonds scratch? - Not more than mined ones do! Both varieties rank 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness - making them among the hardest natural substances known - making them highly resistant to scratching; however, no material is entirely scratch-proof as any contact between another diamond or an equally hard substance could result in scratches being possible; but overall they offer similar durability and scratch-resistance as their mined counterparts.

Optimal Care for Your Jewellery

Here are a few care tips that will ensure optimal care for lab-grown diamonds:

Daily Wear and Handling Procedures

• For optimal protection for your diamond's girdle, be mindful of setting choices.
• When Engaging in Physical Activities, Remove Jewelry. For activities where there's the chance of knocking your diamond against hard surfaces.
• Prevent Contact with Other Jewelry. They should never come into direct contact with other pieces, especially more delicate gems or metals.

Cleaning

• Regular Cleansing To preserve its sparkle, with warm water and mild dish soap mixed together, followed by the use of a soft toothbrush to gently scrub away dirt and oil build-up.
• For optimal performance and maximum protection of your diamond investment, professional diamond inspection and cleaning should take place once or twice each year.

Storage

• When it comes to diamond jewelry storage, separate compartments are key in protecting each piece against scratching against others
• They are best stored inside fabric-lined jewel cases or storage boxes equipped with partitions/dividers for optimal results.
• Wrapped in soft cloth can protect them from potential scratches or damages during storage.
• Keep jewelry away from direct sunlight to preserve its look and maintain its appearance.

FAQs

Q1. Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Cheaper than Mined Diamonds?

A1. In general, they tend to cost 20-40% less than mined ones of similar quality; however, they still represent significant savings, since production requires sophisticated machinery and expensive expertise compared with mining gems.

Q2. How can I best care for my lab-grown diamond to prevent scratching?

A2. To reduce the risk of scratches on jewelry, store it separately in fabric-lined cases. While they are highly scratch-resistant, other pieces or diamonds themselves could still scratch them over time.

Q3. Do lab-grown and mined diamonds differ visually?

A3. Not really, From an external viewpoint they appear identical - although certifications or lab reports could potentially distinguish one over the other.

Make an Informed Choice Now

At EX3Diamonds we believe that, Understanding why are lab diamonds so expensive is key when purchasing laboratory-grown gems. They offer an ethical yet more cost-effective option without compromising on quality or durability; when comparing prices make sure to consider factors like Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat; as this demonstrates how technology and expertise used for lab-grown creation reflects in their price tag. Also, check out our beautiful collections of round-shaped lab-grown diamonds!