Lab Grown Diamond Jewellery
At Niya K, we pride ourselves on offering our customers a wide range of choices regarding their jewellery purchases. Our passion for design drives our bespoke process, and as jewellers, we hope to cater to each of our customer's requirements.
Lab Grown (or Lab Created) Diamonds are a recent addition to our jewellery collection. They are made in a laboratory by mimicking the same natural process that occurred under the Earth's crust billions of years ago. These lab grown diamonds have the same physical and chemical properties as Natural Diamonds and therefore look identical. Only advanced testing can separate the two.
But it is essential to know that Lab Created Diamonds are not the same as Natural (or Mined) Diamonds as they lack the heritage that Natural Diamonds have built over billions of years. It is best to consider them as separate members of the wider gemstone family, each having their own unique advantages. Lab Grown Diamonds cost significantly less than Natural Diamonds and do not have the same environmental impact.
1. WHAT ARE LAB GROWN DIAMONDS?
Lab grown diamonds are synthetic diamonds that are created in a laboratory instead of being created under the Earth’s crust billions of years ago. These diamonds have the same chemical composition as natural diamonds, they are developed from a diamond seed and are visually the same as mined diamonds – only specialized testing equipment can tell them apart! They are also referred to as CVD diamonds, man-made diamonds or lab-created diamonds.
2. HOW DO LAB GROWN DIAMONDS DIFFER FROM THE DIAMOND-ESQUE GEMSTONES?
Despite the likability, lab grown diamonds should not be confused with diamond simulants, such as Moissanite and Cubic Zircon, which look similar to Natural Diamonds but are not chemically the same element and do not have the same fire and sparkle.
3. HOW ARE LAB GROWN DIAMONDS CREATED?
There are two technologies: High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT diamonds) and Chemical Vapour Disposition (CVD diamonds). Both techniques use extreme pressure to separate carbon atoms from other minerals/gases and add them to a diamond seed that is grown layer by layer. The final product is a “rough” diamond, similar to those found in diamond mines. From that point on, these lab created diamonds need to be cut, polished and distributed similarly to mined diamonds. .
4. IS IT OK TO BUY LAB GROWN DIAMONDS IN HK?
Sure it is! Lab Grown or Enhanced gemstones have existed in the Hong Kong market for years. They serve as an excellent alternative to mined diamond jewellery and engagement rings for customers looking for the same look as their natural counterparts.
5. WHAT KIND OF LAB GROWN DIAMONDS ARE AVAILABLE, AND DO THEY COME WITH CERTIFICATES IN HONG KONG?
Lab Created Diamonds are available in all the same shapes, colours and clarities as Mined Diamonds. The 4C’s is the best way to start exploring them and figuring out which are best for you. However, as this is a relatively new product, fewer options are available than mined diamonds, especially in large sizes and higher qualities.
Just like mined diamonds, lab created diamonds can also be sent to an independent laboratory such as IGI or GIA for certification, which will give all the information about the diamond and state whether the diamond is lab grown or mined. At Niya K, we provide certificates for all our diamonds over 1ct.
6. CAN LAB GROWN DIAMONDS BE MISTAKEN FOR MINED DIAMONDS?
The industry is working hard to make sure that Lab Created Diamonds are sold with full transparency so that customers do not get confused. As both lab grown and mined diamonds look identical, we ensure we work with ethical suppliers and have testing equipment (GLIS 3000) in our Hong Kong studio to differentiate them. All our engagement rings with larger diamonds come with certificates from independent laboratories that state the origins of the diamond, and our invoices fully disclose its specifications.
7. HOW DO I DECIDE IF LAB CREATED DIAMONDS ARE RIGHT FOR ME?
Diamond mining is a complex process and has several social and environmental impacts. The diamond industry has taken giant leaps forward in ensuring very high ethical standards throughout the pipeline (conflict-free diamonds) and reducing their carbon footprint. Lab grown diamond manufacturers claim they avoid these issues and thus are more ethical, despite the large amounts of energy required to grow diamonds. If you love diamonds but are concerned about the origins and environmental impact of diamond mining, then lab grown diamonds can be considered an alternative.
Lab Grown Diamonds are, on average, 60-70% lower priced than mined diamonds, giving you an option to upgrade your size or quality.
However, it is important to note that lab created diamonds do not have the same heritage as mined diamonds and may be perceived differently. As a new product, fewer choices are available, and there is no established re-sale market for lab created diamonds.
Buy Lab Grown Diamonds in HK
We believe it does not have to be an either/or question. You can choose to use different diamonds for different pieces of jewellery. At Niya K, we will work with you to provide options and create a beautiful piece of jewellery.
We have built a strong network of Lab Grown Diamond manufacturers and are able to offer our customers several options. If you are interested to know more about Lab Grown Diamonds and decide if they are right for you, kindly contact us.
