Are Lab Grown Diamonds as Durable as Natural Diamonds?
Choosing between lab-grown and natural diamonds often raises questions about durability. This blog delves into the durability of both, exploring their differences and similarities. Understanding these aspects is crucial for making an informed purchase, ensuring your diamond jewellery withstands the test of time.
What is Diamond Durability?
Diamond durability refers to the ability of a diamond to withstand wear, pressure, and damage over time. It's a critical factor in determining the longevity and resilience of diamond jewellery.
Key Factors Influencing Durability
Hardness: This is the resistance of a diamond to being scratched. Diamonds score a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making them the hardest known natural material.
Toughness: This measures a diamond's ability to resist breaking, chipping, and cracking. While diamonds are incredibly hard, their crystal structure can make them susceptible to cleavage if struck in certain directions.
Stability: Stability refers to a diamond's resistance to heat, light, and chemicals. Diamonds are stable under high temperatures and resist damage from most chemicals, making them suitable for daily wear.
Why Durability Matters in Jewellery
Durability is essential for diamond jewellery, especially for pieces worn regularly like engagement rings and wedding bands. A durable diamond ensures that the jewellery remains beautiful and intact over time, providing lasting value and sentimental significance.
What are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds, also known as synthetic or man-made diamonds, are created in a controlled laboratory environment. They possess the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds.
How Lab Grown Diamonds are Made
CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition): This process involves placing a diamond seed in a chamber filled with carbon-rich gas. The gas is then ionized, breaking down the molecules and allowing carbon atoms to deposit onto the seed, forming a diamond.
HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature): This method mimics the natural diamond formation process by applying high pressure and high temperature to a carbon source around a diamond seed, resulting in diamond growth.
Properties of Lab Grown Diamonds
Chemical Composition: Lab grown diamonds are composed of pure carbon, just like natural diamonds, and are virtually identical in terms of chemical structure.
Physical Properties: They share the same physical properties as natural diamonds, including hardness, toughness, and stability. Lab grown diamonds can be cut and polished to the same specifications and brilliance as natural diamonds.
What are Natural Diamonds?
Natural diamonds are formed over billions of years deep within the Earth's mantle under high pressure and high temperature conditions. They are then brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions.
Formation of Natural Diamonds
Geological Process: Natural diamonds form about 100 miles beneath the Earth's surface, where carbon atoms are subjected to extreme pressure and temperature. Over time, these conditions cause the carbon atoms to crystallize, forming diamonds.
Properties of Natural Diamonds
Chemical Composition: Natural diamonds are made of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure, giving them their renowned hardness and brilliance.
Physical Properties: Natural diamonds are renowned for their exceptional hardness, ranking 10 on the Mohs scale. They also exhibit excellent toughness and stability, making them ideal for various types of jewellery.
How Durability Impacts Jewellery Use
Everyday Wear and Tear
Diamond jewellery, whether lab-grown or natural, is often subjected to daily wear and tear. The durability of these diamonds ensures that they can withstand the rigors of everyday activities without losing their brilliance or incurring significant damage. This includes resistance to scratches, chips, and general wear.
Long-Term Value and Maintenance
Durability also affects the long-term value and maintenance of diamond jewellery. Durable diamonds require less frequent repairs and replacements, maintaining their value over time. Proper care, such as regular cleaning and occasional professional check-ups, helps preserve the diamond's condition and appearance.
Specific Use Cases in Indian Jewellery Traditions
In Indian culture, diamonds are often used in a variety of traditional jewellery pieces, such as mangalsutras, nose pins, and bangles. The durability of both lab-grown and natural diamonds makes them suitable for these intricate and often symbolic pieces. Their ability to withstand everyday activities ensures that these heirlooms can be passed down through generations without losing their luster or integrity.
