Lab grown Diamond jewelry, once a scientific curiosity, now has a widespread market presence. What insight does science provide regarding these engineered stones? From their creation process to their physical properties and long-term value, scientific research provides essential context for anyone considering lab grown Diamond jewelry.
Being knowledgeable about the science behind lab grown Diamonds helps consumers make informed decisions that align with their values and financial goals. Let’s look at what the research reveals about how these Diamonds are made, their characteristics, and what they mean for your jewelry investment.
The Two Scientific Methods Behind Lab Grown Diamond Creation
Two primary methods have been established for creating lab grown Diamond jewelry, each replicating natural Diamond formation through different technological approaches:
High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT)
The HPHT method mimics the conditions deep within the Earth by subjecting carbon material to extreme pressure and high temperatures. This process subjects graphite powder to pressures of 5–6 GPa and temperatures of 1300–1600°C.
Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)
CVD involves filling a vacuum chamber with carbon-containing gas that crystallizes on a synthetic Diamond seed. Researchers from the Institute for Basic Science in South Korea recently detailed a new method that can grow Diamonds in just 150 minutes, demonstrating how rapidly this technology continues to advance.
What Research Shows Regarding Physical Characteristics
Lab grown Diamonds consist of the same material as their naturally occurring counterparts and have the same crystal structure and chemical composition, but they differ in the type and shapes of inclusions.
Also notable, colorless laboratory grown Diamonds are type II, meaning they have no detectable nitrogen impurities, while only about 1% of natural Diamonds are type II. This extreme purity is actually uncommon in natural Diamonds, which typically contain trace elements from their formation deep within the Earth over billions of years.
Many lab grown Diamonds require post-growth treatment to achieve their final appearance, including being decolorized by HPHT annealing.
The Science of Value Retention
Scientific research on market performance reveals a significant difference between natural and lab-grown Diamonds in terms of long-term value.
The average price of a one-carat lab-grown Diamond has fallen from $3,410 to $892. In 2024, the average price of lab grown Diamond jewelry dropped 8.3%, while loose, lab grown Diamond prices have fallen 22.3% year over year.
Typical production of lab-grown Diamonds takes weeks rather than billions of years, which contributes to their rapidly declining prices as production scales up.
Production Scale and Market Implications
Scientific advances in production capability tell an important story about the future of lab grown Diamonds. India has an estimated 4,000–6,000 CVD reactors and is home to the company producing the largest known faceted CVD Diamond to date, a 75.33 ct square emerald cut.
The scalability of production means supply can increase rapidly. However this increases the risk of market saturation, diminished demand, and therefore, the reduced value of a lab-grown Diamond. GIA averages more CVD-grown Diamond submissions per day than it once did during an entire year.
The Science of Ethical Sourcing
Natural Diamonds today benefit from strict ethical sourcing protocols. Modern natural Diamonds are conflict-free and traceable, while lab grown Diamonds require substantial energy inputs that do not always come from renewable sources and result in greenhouse gas emissions. The environmental impact depends heavily on the energy sources used in production.
What This Means for Your Jewelry Investment
The scientific evidence presents a clear picture: while lab grown Diamonds share the physical properties of natural Diamonds, they behave very differently as jewelry investments. Their rapidly declining prices reflect their unlimited production potential.
Natural Diamonds, which are created over billions of years, tend to hold their value more effectively over time.
When choosing Diamond jewelry, you should consider not only the upfront cost but also the potential long-term value. Natural Diamonds represent a tangible connection to natural history and typically hold their value as heirlooms passed through generations.
Experience the Difference at Colonial Jewelers in Frederick, Maryland
Scientific research provides the facts, but choosing the right Diamond jewelry requires personal guidance from experienced jewelry professionals who understand both the science and the artistry of fine jewelry.
At Colonial Jewelers, we’ve served Frederick, Maryland for over 77 years, and our GIA-certified gemologists help you understand the fundamental differences between natural and lab grown Diamonds. We proudly offer both options, though our preference remains with ethically sourced, conflict-free natural Diamonds that represent nature’s extraordinary craftsmanship and maintain their value over time.
With our free lifetime warranty on engagement rings, interest-free financing options, and decades of expertise, your Diamond jewelry purchase can be an investment you’ll treasure forever.
Come visit our showroom to experience the difference firsthand, contact us online, or give us a call at (301) 663-9252 to arrange a personalized consultation.