Natural diamonds
Natural diamonds are miracles of nature, formed deep beneath the Earth's surface over billions of years. They turn carbon into incredibly hard and shiny gems through massive heat and pressure. Each one has to be mined, cut, and polished through a labour-intensive, environmentally adverse process. The diamonds are then generally hoarded by a few companies (hence the massive price tag) and doled out to make your lovely jewellery.
Lab-grown diamonds
Conversely, lab-grown diamonds are true to their name. They’re crafted in high-tech labs over a few weeks using two processes. In the first process, CVD, or Chemical Vapor Deposition, a tiny slice of diamond is placed in a carbon-rich environment to essentially grow a new diamond. It's quick but can produce a brown-tinted diamond, with more processing needed to bring them up to standard.
In the second process, HPHT or High Pressure High Temperature, pure carbon is pressed in a tube under intense heat and an electric current transforms it into a diamond.
These diamonds are physically, chemically, and optically identical to their natural counterparts but come with a more sustainable footprint and often at a friendlier price point.
Which is which?
How can you be sure what type of diamond you’re buying? The first thing to do is check the inclusions. Lab-grown diamonds have far fewer inclusions, made of different materials to natural diamonds.
The second thing is to carry out diamond reports and testing. Our stores are all equipped with state-of-the-art Yehuda diamond testers to distinguish between artificial and lab-grown, and our finest pieces come with independent diamond reports so you can be confident in what you are buying.
So, whether you lean towards natural diamonds or lab-grown stones, we’ve got the expertise and tools to guide you. Check out our collection in-store, give us a call or see some for yourself at charlesfish.co.uk.
