Diamond Guide

We understand what an important decision it is to buy a diamond and are here to help you with any questions you may have. When deciding on a natural or lab-grown diamond for your Sarah O. piece, know that neither diamond is “better” than the other. What matters is the significance you put into your diamond and what it means to you!

What is the difference between a Lab-grown diamond and a natural diamond?

Lab grown diamonds have the same chemical, physical and optical properties as natural diamonds. The primary difference between a natural diamond and a lab-grown diamond is their point of origin. A natural diamond is grown under the ground in an uncontrolled environment and a lab-grown diamond is grown in a controlled environment in a lab. 

How is a lab diamond created?

Lab-grown diamonds are produced in a laboratory in approximately 2-3 weeks. There are two types of processes that are used in creating a lab-grown diamond. The first method is HPHT which is high pressure high temperature. The diamond growth process subjects carbon to extreme temperature and pressures and is meant to replicate the extreme heat and pressure conditions deep within the earth where natural diamonds form. The second method is CVD which stands for chemical vapor deposition. With CVD, diamonds grow from a hydrocarbon gas mixture subjected to moderate pressures and temperatures in a vacuum chamber.

Is there a visual difference in a Lab created diamond vs. a natural diamond?

There is no visual difference between a lab-grown diamond vs. a natural diamond to the naked eye. They sparkle and have varying types of color, clarity, size and shapes, just like diamonds. They are also just as hard as natural diamonds and score a 10/10 on the Mohs hardness scale. The only way to tell the difference between lab-grown diamond and a natural diamond is with specialized equipment.

Are Natural Diamonds worth more than Lab-grown diamonds?

While the lab grown diamond and the natural diamond are the same chemical, physical and optical properties, the rarity of a natural diamond is what truly sets the two apart from each other. Natural diamonds are finite and rare whereas with Lab-grown diamonds there is no limit to how many more can be grown in the future. Because of this, Lab-grown diamonds are priced lower than that of natural diamonds. 

Is a Moissanite a diamond?

Although moissanites are clear in color like a diamond, they are diamond simulants and are not the same chemical substance as a diamond.