Non-earth-mined diamonds, also known as lab-grown diamonds or eco diamonds, are diamonds that are created in a laboratory rather than being mined from the earth. They are chemically and physically identical to earth-mined diamonds, but they are typically less expensive and more environmentally friendly to produce. In terms of quality, there is no difference between lab-grown diamonds and traditional diamonds. Both types of diamonds can be cut, polished, and graded in the same way, and they have the same optical and physical properties. The main difference between the two is the way they are produced. Some people prefer traditional diamonds because they are naturally occurring, while others prefer lab-grown diamonds because they are more affordable and environmentally friendly. Ultimately, the choice between lab-grown and traditional diamonds is a matter of personal preference.
A selection of non earth mined and traditional diamond rings from our Sydney studio
We are excited to now offer our diamond designs in a choice of traditional and also non-earth mined diamonds. These offer an alternative to our clients who desire the beauty and desirability of a high grade white diamond without the need to mine. As explained above, non earth mined diamonds aren’t simulants or imitations- they are actual, atomically identical diamonds that are grown under controlled conditions using extreme pressure and heat. It is not possible for even gemologists to tell them apart without very specialised testing equipment ( and even then it can be hard to tell them apart). Now that the technology behind them has reached a sustainable point of energy use and a reasonable price, we believe in the exciting combination of quality and value they represent to our clients.
Because the gems are genuine diamond , they exhibit all the fire , brilliance and hardness as traditional diamonds. Diamond grading is performed on the same criteria of cut, colour and clarity, and we are proud to continue selecting only diamonds of the highest beauty for our designs.
When we utilise non earth mined diamonds we always specify verbally and in all written descriptions that they are non earth mined , and we very clearly label and identify all diamond details.
Non Earth mined Tatiana diamond stud earrings
We are very selective when it comes to our diamond suppliers , and will only will only support ethical diamond miners, growers and dealers who can demonstrate the following:
their diamonds are traceable to the point of manufacture. Currently all our non earth mined diamonds are grown under renewable energy sources in the USA
they can prove their stones are neither manufactured nor cut by an exploited workforce
they declare their energy sources and are (at least) moving towards renewables
they demonstrate corporate social responsibility.
Lab-created diamonds are typically around half the price of their mined equivalents and (with careful vetting of suppliers) offer a very socially and environmentally sustainable alternative to mined diamond
Jewellery-grade, lab-created diamonds are grown using very advanced and precisely monitored industrial processes.
They’re grown using two different methods; Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) and High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT).
CVD starts with a thin diamond plate over which layers of carbon molecules are deposited in a high temperature environment. HPHT uses a diamond seed in combination with graphite or diamond powder combined in a high temperature and high pressure plasma.
Both methods produce diamonds of the same composition as those originating through natural processes.
To tell them apart you need access to some very specialised testing equipment and the casual observer certainly can’t pick the difference—as none are visible to the naked eye. In the high grades we exclusively use , it is extremely hard to tell the difference , since it is growth patterns in the inclusions (internal flaws) that identify a diamond as CVD, HPHT and traditional earth mined . If a diamond is a high grade such as Vs1 there is very little growth pattern to examine even under ultra high microscope magnification.
Feel free to contact us with any questions- Victoria is always delighted to discuss in more detail the options available in selection of gems and precious metals.