Cultured diamonds used in jewelry usually have the exact physical, chemical and optical characteristics as natural diamonds. Also referred to as synthetic, man-made or lab-grown these diamonds are made under intense heat and pressures basically speeding up the natural process.
The end result is usually a rough stone similar to a naturally mined one which then needs to be cut in the specific designs available. Synthetic diamonds are usually available in yellow or blue colors, and to a lesser degree colorless (or white). The yellow comes from the nitrogen impurities in the manufacturing process and the blue comes from boron. pink and green colors are also available using using irradiation.
Lab-grown diamonds can be distinguished by a process called spectroscopy using infrared, ultraviolet, or X-ray wavelengths. As such the SEC has issued regulations in the marketing and promotion of lab-grown diamonds to ensure consumers are properly informed.
Lab-grown diamonds usually are less expensive than naturally grown and mined diamonds. And due to the manufacturing process these diamonds do not harm the environment and are conflict-free. Depending on the company manufacturing the diamonds and the location of the factory it is also safe to say that most lab-grown diamonds are also considered FAIR meaning no inhumane or unsafe working conditions existed for the employees of the company manufacturing them.
Memorial Diamonds A specific type of lab-grown diamond is called Memorial Diamonds where hair, ash or animal remains are used in the process giving the finished product the same DNA as the person or animal the original sample came from.
Memorial diamonds have gained popularity in recent year as more people want to have a closer connection to their lost loved ones. A few companies in the USA and other countries produce such diamonds and the GIA provide grading certificates for lab-grown diamonds of all types.
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