Diamond Guide

At Dean & Dust, we have opted to offer lab-grown diamonds alongside our selection of earth mined diamonds to give our clients the opportunity to select the diamond qualities they value the most. 

Laboratory Grown Diamonds 

Laboratory grown diamonds are grown in highly controlled laboratory environments using advanced technological processes which replicate the conditions under which diamonds naturally develop when they form in the Earth’s mantle. Like earth mined diamonds, lab diamonds are composed of actual carbon atoms characteristically arranged in the diamond crystal structure. 
Optically, physically and chemically Lab-grown diamonds are identical to earth mined diamonds. Like earth mined diamonds, the hardest natural material in the world, lab-grown diamonds also possess a hardness of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale.
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same incredible fire, scintillation and sparkle of earth mined diamonds and are becoming increasingly popular among those shopping for engagement rings and diamond jewellery.
 
Some of the biggest advantages of a lab-grown diamond include: 
- Ethical and earth friendly choice.
- Greater affordability 
- Colours that are rarely found in nature can be created, making unique and coveted pieces more obtainable 
 
Lab-grown diamonds are created through either a process using Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD), or HPHT (Heat and Pressure Treated). These lab-grown diamonds are then Cut and Polished and graded just as an earth mined diamond is.
 
Lab-grown diamonds are evaluated by the same grading processes and standards that are used for earth mined diamonds. Like earth mined diamonds, all lab grown diamonds are graded precisely for the 4 C’s (Colour, Cut, Clarity and Carat). For more information on diamond grading see our Diamond Guide below.
 
Essentially, the only difference between a lab grown diamond and an earth mined one is their source and price. It is not possible to identify a lab diamond from an earth mined diamond with the naked eye. Differentiation between lab and earth mined diamonds is only possible by a gemologist with a high-powered microscope. 

Whether it’s the beauty and wonder of an earth mined diamond formed over a billion years ago, or the affordability of a lab grown diamond allowing visions and budgets to align, diamonds are the perfect choice for your forever piece.