Lab-grown diamonds are an innovative alternative to naturally mined diamonds, offering the same chemical, physical, and optical properties. Understanding the key terms related to lab-grown diamonds is crucial for anyone involved in jewellery design, whether you are a jeweller, a buyer, or simply curious. This glossary provides clear, concise definitions to help navigate the complex world of lab-created diamonds, from their manufacturing process to how they are used in fine jewellery.
Lab-Grown Diamond
A diamond created in a controlled laboratory setting, is identical to a natural diamond in composition, structure, and optical properties. These diamonds are grown using advanced technology such as High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) methods.
High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT)
A method of creating lab-grown diamonds by mimicking the conditions under which natural diamonds form, involving high pressure and high temperature to transform carbon into a diamond.
Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)
A process used to create diamonds by breaking down gases like methane, which releases carbon atoms that then bond to form diamond layers. This method produces gem-quality diamonds in a more controlled environment.
Man-Made Diamond
An alternative term for lab-grown diamonds, indicates that these gems are artificially produced by humans rather than mined from the earth.
Synthetic Diamond
A term used to describe lab-created diamonds, although it can sometimes cause confusion. While “synthetic” suggests they are not real, these diamonds have the same properties as natural diamonds.
Cultured Diamond
Another term for lab-grown diamonds, emphasises the controlled, cultivated process used to grow them rather than the natural geological processes of mined diamonds.
Diamond Seed
A small fragment of diamond (natural or lab-grown) is used as a base for growing a larger lab-grown diamond crystal through processes like HPHT or CVD.
Carat Weight
A unit of measurement for diamond weight, equivalent to 0.2 grams. Lab-grown diamonds, like natural diamonds, are measured in carats. Larger carat weights tend to have higher values.
Cut
Refers to how a diamond is shaped and how its facets are proportioned to maximize light reflection and brilliance. Common cuts include round, princess, emerald, and cushion.
Clarity
A grading of the internal and external flaws or inclusions in a diamond. Lab-grown diamonds typically have fewer inclusions than natural diamonds, as their growth process is more controlled.
Colour
A measure of the tint in a diamond. Lab-grown diamonds are graded on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The colour grade can influence the value and appearance of a diamond.
Dispersion
Also known as “fire,” dispersion refers to the way light is separated into rainbow colours when it passes through a diamond. This property is identical in lab-grown and natural diamonds.
Inclusion
A flaw or imperfection within a diamond, often in the form of small minerals or internal fractures. Lab-grown diamonds can have inclusions, but their controlled growth process results in fewer and less severe inclusions than natural diamonds.
Brilliance
The amount of light reflected from the interior of a diamond, giving it its sparkle. Both natural and lab-grown diamonds can exhibit high brilliance depending on the cut quality.
Scintillation
The flashes of light seen when a diamond moves, are caused by light bouncing off its facets. A well-cut lab-grown diamond will exhibit excellent scintillation.
Pavilion
The lower part of a diamond below the girdle, is designed to reflect light back through the crown, maximizing brilliance and scintillation.
Girdle
The thin edge that separates the crown (top) and pavilion (bottom) of a diamond. The girdle is an important element in determining the stone’s overall durability and setting security.
Fire
The coloured flashes of light reflected from within a diamond due to dispersion. Lab-grown diamonds can exhibit strong fire when properly cut.
Fancy-Coloured Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds can be made in various colors like yellow, pink, or blue by adding trace elements during the growth process. Fancy-coloured diamonds are highly sought after for unique jewellery designs.
Diamond Certification
A grading report provided by laboratories such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI), assesses the quality of a lab-grown diamond based on the 4Cs: Carat, Cut, Clarity, and Color.
Lab-Grown Fancy Shapes
Lab-grown diamonds can be cut into various fancy shapes, such as pear, oval, heart, or marquise, providing a wide range of design options for jewellery.
Loose Diamond
A diamond, either lab-grown or natural, that has not been set into a piece of jewellery. Loose diamonds are typically sold by carat weight, colour, cut, and clarity.
Moissanite
A lab-grown gemstone often compared to diamonds due to its similar brilliance and hardness. Moissanite is not a diamond, but it is a popular alternative for engagement rings due to its affordability and visual similarity.
Eco-Friendly Diamond
Lab-grown diamonds are considered eco-friendly as their production does not involve mining, which can have significant environmental impacts. They are also more sustainable due to the reduced carbon footprint of lab diamond creation.
Ethical Diamond
Lab-grown diamonds are often called ethical diamonds because their production does not involve conflict zones or human rights abuses associated with some natural diamond mining operations.
Diamond Scintillation
Refers to the flashes of light seen when a diamond moves, caused by the reflection of light from the diamond’s facets. Lab-grown diamonds exhibit this quality just like natural diamonds.
Diamond Fluorescence
The visible light emitted by some diamonds when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. Some lab-grown diamonds display fluorescence, though it does not affect their appearance in normal lighting conditions.
Conflict-Free Diamond
Lab-grown diamonds are guaranteed to be conflict-free, as their production does not involve war-torn regions or exploitative practices often associated with natural diamond mining.
Synthetic Diamond vs. Imitation Diamond
Lab-grown diamonds are “synthetic” but share the same properties as natural diamonds, while imitation diamonds (like cubic zirconia or moissanite) resemble diamonds but have different compositions and properties.
Diamond Laser Inscription
A small, often invisible, inscription on the girdle of a diamond that provides identification or certification details. Lab-grown diamonds can also be inscribed for authentication purposes.
