Diamond Mining vs Diamond Growing: Little Known Facts

The FTC has done extensive testing of earth-mined and Lab Grown Diamonds to discover they are chemically, optically, and physically identical, but now we are going to examine the differences in how they come into our jewelry shops. Both are real diamonds - which by definition is pure crystallized carbon, but we want to explore more on how they are made, the differences, diamond facts, and myths. Lab-Created Diamonds will pass all tests used to confirm a pure carbon diamond, so what separates these two sparkly gems? By the time we finish answering that question, we will have you convinced to only opt for Lab-Grown for all your future diamond purchases- they are simply better for many reasons, and here is why.

How Lab Grown Diamonds are Made

There are two methods to grow Lab-Grown Diamonds - either through High-Pressure High-Temperature or through Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Want to know exactly how growing a diamond works? In the CVD method, scientists start the process by cutting a small piece of carbon, known as a seed, which is then placed in a low-pressure microwave chemical vapor deposition chamber. Gases combine with electrical energy, which ignites a plasma ball causing a cloud to form in the chamber leading to carbon molecules that rain on the seed. And within 6 to 12 weeks, a rough diamond is formed! They then take the perfect beauty to be cut, polished, and graded by the same world-renowned labs that certify earth-mined diamonds. Just like with earth-mined diamonds, there will be variances in color, clarity, and carat size, and the Lab Created Diamond will be graded accordingly. Both earth and Lab Made Diamonds have one primary ingredient: carbon.

Lab Grown vs Earth Mined Differences: Quality

New Origins Diamonds are indistinguishable from earth-mined diamonds, even under a microscope, according to the Gemological Institute of America. So, what makes them different then?

Only 2% of diamonds mined will be Type IIa diamonds, making them very rare. They contain the purest form of carbon, with either very little or no nitrogen atoms in the crystal structure. This makes Type IIa diamonds harder and brighter than your typical Type la diamonds. Type IIa diamonds were historically only owned by royalty and the super-wealthy due to their incredible beauty and high level of quality - examples are the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond and The Hope Diamond. All of the diamonds we grow at MiaDonna are the superior Type IIa, giving you the highest-quality brilliant gem with more value for your money.