Lab grown diamonds

  • LGD are manufactured in laboratories, as opposed to naturally occurring diamonds. However, the chemical composition and other physical and optical properties of the two are the same.
  • Naturally occurring diamonds take millions of years to form; they are created when carbon deposits buried within the earth are exposed to extreme heat and pressure.
lab-grown diamonds

What are Lab-Grown Diamonds (LGDs)?

Lab-grown diamonds are also known as synthetic diamonds.

  • These are synthetic diamonds having identical chemical and physical characteristics to diamonds found in nature.
  • Scientists at a General Electric research facility in New York invented the first LGD in 1954.

Use of Lab-Grown Diamonds:

  • Due to their superior thermal conductivity, pure synthetic diamonds are employed as heat spreaders for high-power laser diodes and high-power transistors in electronics.
  • They are used as cutters and in other tools and machinery that need these characteristics.
  • They are often employed in industrial settings because of their strength and hardness.

How are they produced?

  • Two basic processes—the High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) approach and the Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) method—are used to produce lab-grown diamonds.
  • In the HPHT process, pure graphite carbon and a seed diamond are subjected to temperatures and pressures that are over 1,500 degrees Celsius.
  • The seed diamond is heated using the CVD process inside a sealed chamber that is filled with gas rich in carbon.

Properties and Applications of LGDs

  • Physical Properties: Lab-Grown Diamonds have the same hardness, refractive index, and dispersion as natural diamonds.
  • Applications: They are used in jewelry, cutting tools, scientific instruments, and electronics.

Ethical and Environmental Advantages

  • Ethical Sourcing: Lab-Grown Diamonds are conflict-free, alleviating concerns about “blood diamonds” associated with unethical mining practices.
  • Reduced Environmental Impact: Traditional diamond mining can have significant environmental consequences, making LGDs a more eco-friendly option.

Lab-grown Diamonds Significance

  • The manufacturing of lab-grown diamonds has a lesser environmental impact than natural diamond extraction.
  • Open-pit mining produces a lot of waste and causes environmental damage, such as soil erosion and water and air pollution.
  • However, the manufacture of lab-grown diamonds can take place in a controlled setting, lowering the possibility of environmental harm.

Diamond Industry in India

A brief about the diamond industry in India is given below.

  • The largest diamond exporter in the world is India.
  • 19% of all diamond exports worldwide come from India.
  • Only diamonds make up 50% of the country’s total gem and jewellery exports.
  • A significant location for the production of diamonds is Surat, Gujarat.
  • The biggest market for cut and polished diamonds is the United States, closely followed by China.
  • The established diamond industry in India, which performs these duties, is not likely to be impacted by the increase in the production of LGDs.
  • Every year, the nation exports diamonds to nations like China, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates.

Lab-Grown Diamonds & Indian Economy

  • The Indian economy is significantly influenced by the gems and jewellery industry.
  • It contributes roughly 7% to GDP and 10%–12% to all exports of goods from the nation.
  • With 5 million skilled and semi-skilled workers employed, it is one of the leading sectors in terms of job creation.

Lab-Grown Diamonds in India Challenges

  • Lack of awareness: Many consumers in India are still not aware of lab-grown diamonds, or they may have misconceptions about them. This can make it difficult for lab-grown diamond companies to market their products and generate demand.
  • Competition from natural diamonds: The natural diamond industry is well-established in India, and it has a strong brand reputation. This can make it difficult for lab-grown diamond companies to compete on price or quality.
  • Regulatory challenges: The Indian government has not yet developed clear regulations for the lab-grown diamond industry. This can make it difficult for companies to operate and comply with the law.
  • Supply chain challenges: The lab-grown diamond industry is still in its early stages of development, and the supply chain is not as well-developed as the natural diamond supply chain. This can make it difficult for companies to obtain the materials and equipment they need to produce lab-grown diamonds.

FAQs

How are lab-grown diamonds created?

Lab-grown diamonds are typically produced using two main methods: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both methods replicate the conditions under which natural diamonds are formed but in a controlled environment.

How can you distinguish between lab-grown and natural diamonds?

Distinguishing between lab-grown and natural diamonds may require specialized testing equipment. However, some lab-grown diamonds may have distinctive features, and gemological laboratories can provide certificates confirming their origin.

Are lab-grown diamonds eco-friendly?

Lab-grown diamonds are often considered more environmentally friendly than mined diamonds because they require fewer natural resources and don’t involve the environmental impact associated with mining.

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