May 4, 2022

Everything You Need to Know About Manmade Diamonds

Manmade diamonds, also called lab-grown diamonds, are often regarded as an economical, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible alternative to natural diamonds. Although the first gem-quality synthetic diamonds were created in the mid-1990s, they are still a novelty today.

At Ritani, we understand you might feel unsure about manmade diamonds and how they compare against mined diamonds. To shine a light on the subject, we have prepared this guide to help you make an informed decision and determine if they are the right choice for your engagement ring.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

• What are manmade diamonds? Are they real diamonds?

• Discover how manmade are made using two different methods.

• Manmade diamonds vs. natural diamonds, can you tell them apart?

• Reasons to buy a manmade diamond engagement ring from Ritani.

From budget to sustainability, there are multiple valid reasons why you might be interested in buying a manmade diamond engagement ring. Keep on reading to learn.

Manmade Diamonds Are Not Imitations or Fakes

In your quest to find a diamond alternative, you probably stumbled upon cubic zirconia, moissanite, white topaz, or other natural or synthetic gems claiming to be an excellent swap. It’s important to be aware that those materials are imitations, a.k.a. simulants. Manmade diamonds do not fit into this category; they are not an imitation material and can’t be called ‘fake diamonds.’

At first glance, simulants appear to be diamond lookalikes. However, they do not share the same qualities that make natural diamonds valuable and desirable, such as hardness and luster. Diamond imitations won’t be as durable nor display the same brilliance or fire as lab-grown or natural diamonds. Some imitation gems, like cubic zirconias, will even scratch or become cloudy over time.

Shop Lab Grown Diamonds at Ritani

Manmade Diamonds Are Real Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds are as real as earth-grown diamonds; they share the same chemical composition, crystal structure, physical and optical properties. Manmade diamonds are as hard, strong, scratch-resistant, and durable as their natural counterparts. They are cut and polished to achieve the same fire, brightness, and scintillation as mined diamonds. The difference between a synthetic and a natural gem lies in their origin.

Making Diamonds in the Lab: HPHT and CVD

The High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) technique was developed in the 1950s. It basically aims to replicate a natural diamond’s extreme heat and pressure growing conditions. The Chemical Vapor Disposition (CVD) method, developed in the 1980s, grows diamonds inside a vacuum chamber filled with carbon-containing gas.No method is better. Both HPHT and CVD produce real manmade diamonds. Although HPHT diamonds and CVD diamonds grow differently, they are all cut and polished following the same procedure as a natural diamond.

RELATED: CVD vs HPHT Diamonds

Lab vs. Natural Diamonds: Can you tell them apart?

The short answer is no, you wouldn’t be able to tell them apart; not even your local jeweler could. Manmade diamonds, possess the same brilliance and sparkle as natural diamonds but at a fraction of the cost. Even a diamond tester tool would identify a lab-grown diamond as a real diamond. Only laboratories with special, sophisticated equipment can identify them. A laser inscription or a lab report is the only way to tell a manmade diamond apart from a natural diamond.

Lab Diamond Certification

Gemological laboratories recognize manmade diamonds. They are graded by the same 4C’s standard natural diamonds are subjected to. Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat are described in-depth in a lab grown diamond report. All Ritani lab grown diamonds come with a grading certificate so you can be sure of their quality. Ritani’s lab grown diamonds are graded by the world’s leading diamond laboratories such as the IGI, GCAL, and HRD.

Explore Our Lab Grown Diamond Finder

4 Reasons to Buy a Manmade Diamond Engagement Ring

1. Lab Diamonds are Up to 30% Cheaper

Manufacturing diamonds in the lab costs less than running a mining operation. There’s also significantly less demand for manmade diamonds, which is part of the reason why they have such accessible price points. A lab diamond with the exact same color, cut, carat weight, and clarity characteristics than a natural diamond, can be 30-50% cheaper. You get more for your money if you decide to go for a manmade option.

Watch our Video Comparison on Earth Grown vs. Lab Grown Diamonds

2. Lab-Grown Diamonds are 100% Conflict-Free

You can now buy an engagement ring with a clear conscience. Since synthetic gemstones are grown in the lab, you don’t have to worry about any of the social responsibility concerns related to mining.

3. They are Eco-Friendly

Mining has a huge impact on the environment and uses a lot of energy. From erosion to deforestation and pollution, diamond mining takes a toll on our planet. Lab grown processes on the other hand, have a much smaller environmental impact. Some laboratories are even carbon negative since they run their operations on renewable energy.

4. You Won't Be Able to Tell the Difference

Your manmade gem won’t change color, get cloudy or look like a lower quality version of a natural diamond. Choosing a manmade diamond engagement ring doesn’t mean you are sacrificing color, carat weight, clarity, or cut.

So, should you buy a lab grown diamond?

Natural diamonds are seen as the more romantic option for many people since they took millions of years to form underground. If resale value is crucial for you, then natural diamonds are still the better option. But, if your buying decision is centered around ethical values, sustainability and/or economy, manmade diamonds are your best bet.

Ritani has innovative tools to help you find the ideal manmade diamond for you. Use our Lab Diamond Finder and filter by shape, price, any of the 4Cs, and more. You can also take advantage of our Market Analysis Tool, that compares the price of each one of our diamonds to a 200,000 diamonds market database, so you will know when you are getting the best deal.