Lab-grown diamonds have gained significant popularity in recent years, offering an alternative to natural diamonds, but many people wonder whether they are as strong as real diamonds. At Nazar’s & Co. Jewelers, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality fine jewelry, including both natural and lab-grown diamonds. In this blog, we’ll explore whether lab-grown diamonds are as strong as their natural counterparts, providing you with the information you need to make an informed choice.
Why Are Diamonds So Strong?
The incredible strength of diamonds comes down to their unique crystal structure, which is what makes them the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth. Diamonds are composed of pure carbon atoms, and it’s the way these atoms bond together that gives diamonds their remarkable durability and resilience. In a diamond, each carbon atom forms covalent bonds with four neighboring carbon atoms, creating a tetrahedral lattice. This structure is not only incredibly rigid but also evenly distributed, which accounts for a diamond’s unparalleled hardness.
Hardness vs. Toughness
While diamonds are renowned for their hardness, it’s important to understand that hardness and toughness are different qualities. Hardness refers to a material’s ability to resist scratching, and because of its atomic structure, a diamond ranks at 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it the hardest known natural material. This means that only another diamond can scratch a diamond.
However, toughness refers to a material’s ability to withstand breakage or chipping. While diamonds are very tough, they are not indestructible. Like all materials, diamonds can be chipped or fractured if struck at certain angles, especially along cleavage planes where the atomic bonds are more easily separated. That said, their superior toughness means they hold up very well to everyday wear, making them ideal for jewelry that is worn frequently, such as engagement rings and bracelets.
Lab-Grown Diamonds Share the Same Structure
One of the most remarkable aspects of lab-grown diamonds is that they share the exact same crystal structure as natural diamonds, giving them the same level of durability, hardness, and brilliance. This structural identity arises because lab-grown diamonds, like natural diamonds, are made entirely of carbon atoms arranged in a tetrahedral lattice, where each carbon atom bonds with four others. This uniform and stable atomic arrangement is the source of a diamond’s unparalleled strength and its resistance to scratches and wear.
The Formation Process: Natural vs. Lab-Grown
The main difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds lies in how they are formed. Natural diamonds are created over millions of years, deep within the earth’s mantle, where carbon is subjected to extreme heat and pressure. In contrast, lab-grown diamonds are produced in high-tech laboratories using advanced techniques like High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) to replicate these natural conditions.
Despite the differences in their origins, the end result is the same: a diamond that possesses the exact same chemical, physical, and optical properties as a natural one. The carbon atoms in lab-grown diamonds arrange themselves in the same rigid, tetrahedral structure, creating a material that is equally hard and durable. This means that, structurally, there is no difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds when it comes to their ability to resist wear and tear.
Durability in Everyday Wear
Because lab-grown diamonds share the same structural integrity as natural diamonds, they are just as suitable for everyday wear. You can expect your lab-grown diamond to resist scratches from most materials, including common household items like metal, glass, or ceramics. Both lab-grown and natural diamonds can withstand the rigors of daily life, maintaining their sparkle and brilliance over time.
Like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are also tough, meaning they can endure impacts without easily chipping or breaking. However, it’s important to note that no diamond, whether lab-grown or natural, is indestructible. Just as with natural diamonds, certain angles or hard impacts can cause chips along a diamond’s cleavage planes—thin areas where the atomic bonds are slightly weaker. This is why it’s important to choose a protective setting for high-wear jewelry like rings.
The Practical Advantages of Lab-Grown Diamonds
For those who are considering lab-grown diamonds, the structural identity between lab-grown and natural diamonds offers an assurance of quality and durability. Because they are equally strong and resilient, lab-grown diamonds are ideal for any type of fine jewelry, from custom engagement rings to statement pieces.
Comparing Lab-Grown Diamonds to Other Gemstones
When discussing strength, it’s also worth comparing diamonds—both lab-grown and natural—to other gemstones. While diamonds top the Mohs scale, other popular gemstones like sapphires (9) and rubies (9) are also quite hard, but they are not as durable as diamonds. On the other hand, gemstones like emeralds (7.5 to 8) and opals (5.5 to 6.5) are much softer and more prone to scratches and damage. If strength and longevity are important to you, lab-grown diamonds offer the same durability as natural diamonds, far surpassing other gemstones in terms of hardness.
Strength and Brilliance of Lab-Grown Diamonds at Nazar’s & Co. Jewelers
At Nazar’s & Co. Jewelers, our collection of lab-grown diamonds showcases the same exceptional quality as our natural diamond offerings. You can choose a lab-grown diamond with confidence, knowing it will stand the test of time while delivering the same dazzling brilliance, durability, and beauty that natural diamonds are known for. Whether you’re looking to design a custom piece or select from our in-house designs, lab-grown diamonds offer a modern, high-quality option that doesn’t compromise on strength.
Conclusion: Are Lab-Grown Diamonds as Strong as Real Diamonds?
Yes, lab-grown diamonds are just as strong as natural diamonds. Both rank at the top of the Mohs scale and share the same chemical composition and crystal structure, making them equally durable and resistant to damage. Whether you choose a lab-grown or natural diamond, you can be confident that you’re getting a gemstone that will stand the test of time.
At Nazar’s & Co. Jewelers, we offer a luxurious shopping experience, with a range of fine jewelry, including both lab-grown and natural diamonds. Whether you’re looking to create a custom piece or explore our designer collections, our expert team is here to assist you. Visit us today to discover the beauty and strength of our stunning diamond selection.