In the past, diamonds were grown for industrial uses only. In recent years, the process has been improved greatly such that gem quality diamonds are grown.
The conditions of intense pressure and heat are recreated in the laboratory to grow diamond crystals. The crystals are then cut to bring out the sparkle of the diamond. Lab grown diamonds are available in most of the same shapes, sizes and qualities of natural diamonds.
Many consumers like less direct impact on the earth, and therefore, choose lab grown diamonds for their jewelry. Tons of earth must be moved to collect natural diamonds. With lab grown diamonds, carbon, methane,and machinery are gathered and used instead. The laboratory process is viewed also as more humanitarian as less manual labor, under dangerous conditions, is involved. Natural diamonds take thousands of years to make, while lab grown diamonds take six to ten weeks. The crystal is grown and then graded, just like a finding a natural diamond and then grading it. There's no distinct process to create a certain clarity or color in lab grown diamonds. Yet, whiter lab grown diamonds take longer to complete.
In general, lab grown diamonds range about 20% to 30% less expensive than natural diamonds. We can create custom pieces, such as engagement rings and wedding bands, with lab grown diamonds upon request. Smaller sizes of lab grown diamonds are now available and are being used in jewelry. Farnan Jewelers uses natural diamonds in the pieces on display in our cases. If a client would like lab grown diamonds used in their jewelry, we can special order them for certain styles.
