Laboratory Best man made diamonds NZ are chemically identical to natural diamonds and offer all of their sparkle at more affordable price points. Furthermore, they’re sustainably grown and ethically sourced – all qualities you should look out for when purchasing diamonds.
Organic diamonds form deep within Earth when pure carbon undergoes billions of years of extreme pressure and temperature in what’s known as the “diamond stability zone”, often with metallic inclusions visible only under 10x magnification.
1. Lab-Grown Diamonds
As opposed to imitation buy lab diamonds like cubic zirconia and moissanite (which contain different chemical compositions), lab grown diamonds are made entirely out of pure carbon crystallization. This allows them to mimic natural earth mined diamonds optically, physically, and chemically.
Mined stones tend to be more costly, while ethically sourced ones are typically more affordable for jewellery lovers on a tight budget. Therefore, ethical gemstones may make an ideal addition for anyone on a tight budget!
Though initially controversial, lab-grown diamonds have proven themselves as durable and beautiful as their mined counterparts. Their four Cs (cut, clarity, colour and carat) can match those found in mined diamonds; and undergo the same stringent grading processes – so not only are they ethically sourced and sustainable options, they still look incredible.
2. Moissanite
Moissanite is an exquisite and durable stone that, at first glance, appears like diamond. Typically used in engagement rings for its affordable price point and budget-minded consumers.
Silicon carbide stones boast a 9.25 rating on Mohs’ scale of hardness. Furthermore, they’re significantly cheaper than natural diamonds while outlasting cubic zirconia in durability and affordability.
Moissanite differ from diamonds in that they don’t occur naturally on Earth – instead, they’re created in laboratories in controlled conditions for maximum success. This ensures the gems grow optimally.
Compare to diamonds, moissanite showcase both brilliance (white flashes) and fire (coloured flashes), making them appear similar. Their beauty may appear unnatural for some people though; additionally it can be hard to tell the difference between an actual diamond and its moissanite twin using electricity alone; experts require special tools in order to determine their authenticity.
3. Cubic Zirconia
CZ (Cubic Zirconia) is one of the most widely sold diamond simulants on the market, being both cheaper and harder than its diamond counterpart while maintaining similar aesthetic qualities – making it an excellent alternative choice for anyone wanting to avoid supporting unethical mining practices in conflict zones.
Cubic zirconia of the highest quality can look so similar to diamond that even experienced gemmologists often struggle to distinguish the two. Unfortunately, standard gemmological tests cannot reliably detect it either; the main indicator being how CZ sparkles compared to diamond’s white sparkly light.
One disadvantage of CZ is its less organic quality compared to diamonds due to its manufacture – High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Only special machines can detect whether a gem is natural or lab grown! Nevertheless, if budget allows, other gem options such as sapphires and emeralds offer beautiful stones at more reasonable costs without compromising ethical considerations.
4. Natural Diamonds
Diamonds are stunning gemstones that have long been prized for their radiance, strength, and emotional value. However, due to the risky mining process involved in natural diamond production and centuries of ongoing supply concerns they may raise questions over resale value or environmental impact of natural diamonds.
Lab-Grown diamonds are created from carbon atoms in a laboratory under similar heat and pressure conditions to those found when nature first created diamonds billions of years ago, only taking only weeks rather than millions to grow these stunning gems.
Conclusion
Though natural diamonds will always remain popular, lab grown diamonds have grown increasingly popular due to their similar appearance, affordability and sustainability. Furthermore, lab diamonds offer greater ethical consideration. That is why Clean Origins only sells ethically-sourced and eco-friendly lab diamonds in our pieces of jewellery – read more here.
