The Advantages of Lab-Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds are still sometimes confused with imitations, even though they are diamonds. They have the same essential chemical, physical and optical properties as naturally formed diamonds. The fundamental difference is their origin: one forms within the Earth over geological time, while the other is created in controlled environments using technological processes.

To the naked eye, it may be impossible to distinguish a lab-grown diamond from a mined diamond with comparable characteristics. Specialized gemological laboratories, however, use advanced instruments to identify growth features and confirm origin. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) specifically highlights the need for this specialized analysis.

How are lab-grown diamonds created?

Two main technologies are used to produce gem-quality diamonds: high pressure high temperature (HPHT) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). These methods reproduce or recreate the conditions needed for a diamond crystal to grow.

The result is a diamond composed essentially of crystallized carbon and displaying the properties that define this material: characteristic hardness, refractive index, crystal structure and optical behaviour.

A more traceable origin

One of the main advantages of a lab-grown diamond is the ability to identify its production method and supplier more clearly. At AGUAdeORO, this traceability forms part of our approach to selecting materials.

A lab-grown diamond does not require the opening or operation of a diamond mine. It therefore avoids impacts directly linked to diamond extraction, such as large-scale excavation and transformation of a mining site.

It would nevertheless be inaccurate to describe its production as impact-free. Growing a diamond in a laboratory requires energy, equipment and raw materials. Its environmental profile depends in particular on the technology used, the efficiency of the facility and the source of its electricity. This is why we prefer transparency to absolute environmental claims.

Conflict diamonds: what origin changes

The trade in some diamonds has historically contributed to financing armed conflicts. The Kimberley Process, introduced in the early 2000s, regulates the international trade in rough diamonds in order to limit the circulation of conflict diamonds as defined by its certification system.

This framework does not, however, cover every social, environmental or traceability issue associated with mining. Choosing a lab-grown diamond removes the diamond itself from the mining supply chain, but a responsible approach should also consider production conditions, the energy used and the other materials that make up the jewel.

Expanded creative possibilities

HPHT and CVD technologies now make it possible to produce high-quality diamonds across a wide range of sizes and characteristics. Specific growth conditions or treatments can also create different colours.

Lab-grown diamonds are often offered at a lower price than natural diamonds with comparable characteristics, although prices vary according to size, quality, market conditions and supplier. This difference can make it possible to dedicate more of the budget to the design of the jewel, the metal or the size of the stone.

Selection of rings set with cultured stones.

Why AGUAdeORO chose lab-grown diamonds

At AGUAdeORO, we chose lab-grown diamonds because they combine the gemological properties of diamond with an identifiable production origin, while avoiding diamond mining for the stone itself.

Our approach is not to claim that any material is “impact-free”, but to seek greater transparency and control within our supply chain. Combined with our 18-carat Fairtrade gold, lab-grown diamonds allow us to offer a vision of luxury based on quality, traceability and responsibility.

AGUAdeORO

Swiss jewellery house using responsible materials since 2009.

Luxury is about heritage. But not if it means depriving others of their future.