How Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Age?

How Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Age?

When selecting the ideal engagement ring, one of the most critical factors to consider is the diamond. With the growing popularity of lab-created diamonds, many people have questions about how they compare to natural diamonds and how they will age.

Do lab grown diamonds age differently? Do they lose their shine? How does the structure affect the toughness of the material?

In this guide, we will look at natural and lab-grown diamonds to see how they age and how to make them shine like new again for a long time.

The Internal Structure of a Diamond: Nature vs. Science

The diamond’s anatomy is one of the most important factors that determine how long the diamond will last, how bright it will be and how it will age.

Whether a diamond is mined from the earth or grown in a laboratory the basic makeup of the diamond is the same.

1. Crystal Structure
   Both natural and lab grown diamonds are made of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice. This structure is what makes diamonds famous for being the hardest material – 10 on the Mohs’ scale of hardness.

• Natural diamonds are formed deep in the earth’s crust under an interval of millions of years under extreme heat and pressure.
• Lab grown diamonds are produced with innovative technology in a controlled environment to replicate the natural process, but it does this in a few weeks, not millions of years.

Since the two types of crystals are of the same kind, lab grown diamonds age in the same manner as natural diamonds, and they do not suffer from a decline in brilliance.

     2. Growth Process and Purity

Lab grown diamonds are produced by two main processes:

• High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT): Imitates the environment of formation of natural diamonds.
• Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): This method grows a diamond layer by layer using a gas mixture.

All of these methods produce a diamond that is chemically and physically the same as a natural diamond. Since these are produced in a controlled environment, lab grown diamonds have fewer inclusions and are more likely to have a more homogeneous structure than natural diamonds.

External factors that can lead to the ageing of a diamond.

As one of the hardest materials on Earth, diamonds are not indestructible. Some of the factors that can damage the appearance of a diamond include heat, light, and chemicals.

1. Heat Exposure

Extremely high temperatures are tolerable to both lab grown and natural diamonds. However, excessive exposure to very high temperatures (for example, the flame of a jeweller’s torch) may result in some small structural changes.

• Solution: Minor heat damage can be cleaned up by a professional and the brilliance of the diamond can be restored by conventional care.

     2. Light and UV Radiation

Whereas there are some gemstones that lose their color when exposed to sunlight for many years, diamonds are not affected by UV radiation. In this regard, lab grown diamonds have the same clarity, brilliance and color of natural diamonds.

     3. Chemical Exposure

Although diamonds are chemically inert on their own, the metal settings of a ring may react to certain chemicals. Household cleaners, chlorine in a pool, or even some beauty products may cause the metal to lose its luster or even weaken the prongs that hold the diamond in place.

• Solution: It is advisable not to wear your custom wedding ring when swimming or cleaning and keep it in a soft jewelry pouch when not in use.

Durability: Are Lab Grown Diamonds Tough?

Lab grown diamonds are as tough as natural diamonds and in some cases even more resistant to chipping or cracking.

Why? Because lab grown diamonds are grown in a controlled environment, they have fewer internal fractures or inclusions than natural diamonds. However, no diamond is indestructible. Although they are very hard, a sharp blow in the wrong place can still cause a chip. This makes ring setting selection very important. For instance, a bezel setting or a halo setting can provide more protection, especially if you have an active lifestyle. 

Do Lab Grown Diamonds Change in Appearance Over Time?

The color and clarity of lab grown diamonds will not change over time. However, like all diamonds, they do need to be cleaned from time to time to keep their shine.

• Natural oils from the skin, dust, and lotions can cause a thin film to form on the surface of the diamond, which will make it less shiny. 
• Warm water and mild soap, with a soft toothbrush, will be enough to clean your custom engagement ring and bring back its shine.

Comparing Lab Grown and Natural Diamonds: Long Term Value

Some people have the concern that lab grown diamonds are worth less than natural diamonds over time. Since the resale value of lab grown diamonds is different from that of natural diamonds, this is mainly due to market perception and not durability or aging.

If you are choosing a diamond for its beauty, longevity and ethical sourcing then a lab grown diamond is a great investment that will last for generations.

How to Keep Your Diamond Ring Looking New.

To preserve the beauty of your engagement ring or custom wedding band:

✅ Regular Cleaning: Clean your ring with mild soap and a soft brush once every month.

✅ Professional Checkups: Have your rings examined by a jeweler every 6-12 months for a thorough cleaning and prong check.

✅ Safe Storage: When not wearing your ring, place it in a soft pouch or a lined jewelry box.

✅ Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not wear your ring when cleaning or when applying other strong beauty products.

Find the Perfect Custom Diamond Ring in Chicago

If you are looking for a custom engagement ring in Chicago that will endure the years, then our team of expert jewelers is ready to assist you in creating a beautiful piece that will tell your own one of a kind love story.

Schedule your Free Consultation today and let us help you bring your jewelry vision to life! I hope this helps!

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By: Koorosh Daneshgar CEO/Design Chief

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