What are Lab-GrownDiamonds?
WHY CHOOSE LAB GROWN DIAMONDS
Lab grown diamonds combine innovation, sustainability, and unmatched brilliance. Here’s why they stand apart.
SUPERIOR QUALITY
Not all grown diamonds are created equal. Civia's are harder and brighter than 99% of all diamonds, no matter their origin. They’re real and they’re spectacular.
Superior Ethics
Since pioneering the industry in 2005, Civia purchases have helped stop and repair the damage caused by diamond and gold mining industries.
And we prove it
We proudly back up our quality and sustainability claims with world-renown third-party certifications and verifications.
What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds, also known as engineered diamonds, synthetic diamonds, and man made diamonds, are REAL diamonds. They are grown in a controlled laboratory environment using advanced technology to replicate the earth's natural process of crystallizing carbon into brilliant diamonds.
Each diamond grown possesses the same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds, making them chemically, optically, and physically identical to earth-mined diamonds. Not only do they offer a sustainable and ethical alternative, they come at a more affordable price point without compromising quality.
Are Grown Diamonds Real?
Yes! Grown diamonds are real diamonds, identical in every way to earth-mined diamonds.
Not to be confused with cubic zirconia, moissanite, or a "look-a-like" diamond, grown diamonds are 100% pure crystallized carbon. Think of it as making ice in your modern-day freezer versus getting it from a glacier. Both are frozen H2O regardless of the origin.
We are crystalizing carbon into stunning rough diamonds that are then cut, polished, and graded just like earth-mined diamonds. They carry the same optical, physical, and chemical properties. They have the same refractive index, dispersion, and hardness and are graded to the same standards as mined diamonds by leading independent gemological institutes, including the IGI, GIA, and GCAL.
BESPOKE LAB GROWN DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RINGS AND FINE JEWELRYHANDCRAFTED WITH THE TOP 1% OF LAB DIAMONDS.
How are Lab Grown Diamonds Made?
How are Lab Grown Diamonds Made?
Scientists start the process of growing a Civia diamond by cutting a small piece of carbon, known as a seed. It is placed in a low-pressure microwave chemical vapor deposition (CVD) chamber. Hydrogen and methane gases combine with electrical energy, which ignites a plasma ball. From there, a cloud forms in the chamber, and carbon molecules rain on the seed. Within six to 12 weeks, a sizable rough diamond is formed. It is then cut, polished, and graded by the same world-renowned labs that certify earth-mined diamonds.
High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT)
HPHT recreates the natural growing environment found within the earth and is typically used to grow smaller gem diamonds. There are a few different types of HPHT technologies used, but the process best suited for producing gem-quality Lab Grown Diamonds to be set in finished jewelry is created using a BARS press.
The BARS press was invented by Russian scientists and uses a combination of inner and outer anvils to apply hydraulic pressure to the growth cell within the unit. The growth cell itself contains all the elements necessary to grow a diamond, including a tiny diamond seed, highly refined graphite, and a catalyst consisting of a mixture of metals and powders.
Consistent temperatures reaching 1,300 degrees Celsius and over 50,000 atmospheres of pressure are applied to the growth cell. Over a few days, the elements within the growth cell melt and then reform during cooling to create finished, rough, Lab Grown Diamonds ready to be extracted for cutting and polishing.
WHAT IS A LAB-GROWN DIAMOND GRADING REPORT
A grading certificate, also known as a diamond certificate or diamond grading report, provides an in-depth assessment and evaluation of a diamond's characteristics and quality. It serves as an objective and independent verification of a diamond's attributes, allowing buyers to make informed decisions and understand the value of their purchase. When it comes to lab-grown diamond grading, it follows a similar system to natural diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are assessed based on the same criteria as mined diamonds, including the 4Cs: carat weight, cut, color, and clarity. These grading factors determine the quality and value of a lab-grown diamond.
Pro tip! Some lab-grown diamond companies grade their own diamonds, which is a huge conflict of interest. Make sure you buy a diamond with an independent grading report from a reputable diamond grading organization -- American grading labs are always best.
Civia's lab-grown diamonds are graded by IGI, GCAL, and GIA.
How Ethical are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
As the first grown diamond company in America to be a Certified B Corporation, we have proven our commitment to not only meet but exceed the highest standards in social and environmental performance.
Every lab created diamond from Civia is guaranteed conflict-free and sourced from highly sophisticated labs where they are created and cut in a controlled environment. But we go one step further with our Lab Grown Diamonds. Profits from every purchase at Civia fund our foundation, The Greener Diamond, which empowers diamond mining communities to live a life outside of poverty and diamond mining.
Not all lab grown diamonds are sustainable and eco-friendly, do not be fooled by the greenwashing.
