Diamond 101
Your quick guide to understanding what makes a diamond truly special.
The 4C's of Diamonds
Every diamond, whether lab-grown or natural, is graded by the same universal standards known as the 4C's:
1) Cut
What it means: The precision of the diamond's facets- how it's shaped and how it's polished.
Why it matters: Cut determines brilliance and sparkle. Even a flawless diamond will look dull if the cut is poor.
Grades: Excellent -> Very Good -> Good -> Fair -> Poor.
Tip: A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully from every angle
2) Colour:
What it means: How "white" or colourless the diamond appears.
Grades: D (colourless) -> Z (light yellow or brown)
Tip: Most clients prefer near-colourless ranges (D-H) for a balance of value and beauty.
3) Clarity
What it means: The presence - or absence- of internal inclusions or external blemishes.
Grades: Flawless (Fl) -> Included (I3)
Tip: Many inclusions are microscopic; VS (Very Slightly Included) and SI (Slightly Included) stones often appear flawless to the naked eye.
4) Carat Weight
What it means: The diamond's weight and perceived size
Reality check: Two diamonds of the same carat weight can appear differently sized depending on their cut proportions.
Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds
Origin
Lab-grown diamonds are created in advanced laboratories using extreme heat and pressure to replicate the same conditions that form natural diamonds deep within the Earth. Natural diamonds were formed billions of years ago under the Earth's surface through geological processes.
Chemistry
Both are made of pure carbon and have the exact same crystal structure. There's no difference in their chemical composition.
Appearance & Durability
Lab-Grown and natural diamonds look identical and share the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale). They sparkle, refract light, and wear the same way. Even professional jewelers often need specialized equipment to tell them apart.
Certification
Both can be certified by reputable gem labs such as GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or IGI (International Gemological Institute). Each comes with a grading report showing it's 4 C's.
Environmental Impact
Lab-grown diamonds have a much smaller environmental footprint since they don't require mining.
Natural diamonds, while beautiful and rare, involve mining that can impact ecosystems and local communities.
Cost
Lab-grown diamonds typically cost 30%-70% less than natural diamonds of the same quality. Natural diamonds command a higher price because of their geological rarity and the labour involved in mining.
The Takeaway:
Both are real diamonds. The choice depends on what matters most to you- sustainability and value, or rarity and tradition.
Choosing What Matters to You
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Some clients fall in love with the romance of a natural stone, others appreciate the innovation and ethics of lab-grown.
At Wild& Grown, every diamond - lab or natural - is hand-selected for its fire, symmetry, and overall beauty.
CVD vs HPHT: Two Ways to Grow a Diamond
All lab grown diamonds begin with a tiny carbon seed, just like mined diamonds form deep within the earth. The difference lies in how that carbon crystal grows.
HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature)
Diamonds are created by replicating the natural environment where diamonds form - intense heat and pressure cause carbon atoms to bond into a brilliant crystal. HPHT diamonds often show exceptional clarity and structure, closely mirroring those found in nature.
CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)
Diamonds grow layer by layer in a specialized chamber. A carbon-rich vapor attaches to the seed and gradually builds the diamond crystal over time. This process allows for precise control and exceptional colour purity.