Diamonds

Natural Diamonds

Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle over billions of years. They result from immense natural pressure applied to carbon, miles below the surface. These diamonds are found in volcanic rock formations called kimberlite pipes. However only about 5% of these pipes contain enough diamond to make mining economically feasible.

Key points about natural diamonds:

• Origin: Naturally occurring, created by geological processes.
• Age: Billions of years.
• Appearance: Varying colours due to trace elements (e.g., nitrogen or boron).
• Inclusions: Often contain tiny foreign materials trapped during formation.

Lab-Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds, also known as synthetic or man-made diamonds, are created in laboratories. They share the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. However, they form much more quickly and under controlled conditions. Here are the key aspects:

• Origin: Created in a lab using two methods: Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT).
• Age: Grown within weeks or months.
• Appearance: Identical to natural diamonds; only trained gemmologists and specialised equipment can detect subtle differences.
• Ethicality: Some consider lab-grown diamonds more ethical due to their controlled production process, however the do require a large amount of energy to create.

Conclusion

Both natural and lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, composed entirely of carbon. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, budget, and ethical considerations. Whether you opt for the timeless allure or natural diamonds or the modern appeal of lab-grown ones, both have their unique charm and beauty.