Lab-created diamonds have revolutionized the jewelry market in recent years, offering a more sustainable and often more affordable alternative to natural diamonds. These diamonds, which are chemically identical to their natural counterparts, are grown in laboratories using two primary methods: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Despite being created in controlled environments, inclusions in lab created diamonds can still contain inclusions, just like natural diamonds. Understanding these inclusions is crucial for anyone interested in purchasing a lab-grown diamond.
What Are Inclusions?
Inclusions are internal characteristics or imperfections found within a diamond. They are usually formed during the diamond’s crystallization process and can take various forms, such as tiny minerals, gas bubbles, or structural irregularities. These inclusions can impact the appearance, durability, and value of a diamond. Inclusions are graded based on their size, number, location, and visibility under magnification, which ultimately contributes to the diamond’s clarity grade.
Inclusions in Lab-Created Diamonds
Just like natural diamonds, lab-created diamonds can develop inclusions during their growth process. The creation of a diamond, whether natural or synthetic, is a complex procedure where carbon atoms bond in a crystal structure. During this process, imperfections can occur, leading to the formation of inclusions.
Types of Inclusions in Lab-Grown Diamonds
- Metallic Inclusions: Metallic inclusions are one of the most common types found in lab-created diamonds, especially those grown through the HPHT method. These inclusions are usually minute bits of metal, often from the catalyst used in the growing process. They appear as small, metallic-looking dots or lines and may be visible under magnification. In diamonds grown using the CVD method, metallic inclusions are less common.
- Gaseous Inclusions: These inclusions result from gases trapped inside the diamond during its formation. Gaseous inclusions are often seen in diamonds grown using the CVD method. These can appear as small bubbles or voids and may affect the clarity and appearance of the diamond. However, because they are typically very small, they may not always be visible to the naked eye.
- Crystal Inclusions: Crystal inclusions are small mineral crystals that become trapped inside the diamond as it forms. In lab-grown diamonds, these can be different from those found in natural diamonds, depending on the conditions under which the diamond was created. These inclusions can vary in color, shape, and size, and they may be visible under magnification.
- Feather or Cloud Inclusions: Feather-like inclusions (tiny fractures) and cloud-like inclusions (groups of small inclusions) are another type found in lab-grown diamonds. These can be caused by stress during the growth process or by pressure variations in the lab environment. While these inclusions might not be visible to the naked eye, they can impact the diamond’s clarity grade.
How Do Inclusions Affect Lab-Grown Diamonds?
- Clarity Grade: The presence of inclusions directly affects a diamond’s clarity grade, which is a key factor in determining its value. Inclusions that are visible to the naked eye can lower the clarity grade significantly, making the diamond less valuable. However, most lab-created diamonds feature inclusions that are microscopic and only visible under magnification, meaning they may have higher clarity grades than their natural counterparts.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Inclusions can alter the aesthetic appeal of a diamond, particularly if they affect its transparency or brilliance. Inclusions that are located near the center or on the surface of the diamond may impact its overall visual appeal. However, because lab-created diamonds can be closely monitored during their growth, the occurrence of prominent inclusions is often minimized.
- Durability: Inclusions that form as cracks or fractures can impact a diamond’s durability. If inclusions are large or located near the surface of the diamond, they can create weak points, making the diamond more susceptible to damage. While most inclusions in lab-grown diamonds do not compromise their durability, it’s important to ensure that the inclusions do not form into fractures that could affect the diamond’s long-term integrity.
How Are Inclusions in Lab-Created Diamonds Identified?
Inclusions in lab grown diamonds are identified and graded using the same methods as those used for natural diamonds. A gemologist typically uses a jeweler’s loupe (a magnifying lens) or a microscope to inspect the diamond. The inclusions are then categorized according to the clarity grading scale set by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or other grading institutions. The clarity scale ranges from Flawless (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to Included (inclusions that are obvious to the naked eye).
Are Inclusions in Lab-Grown Diamonds a Concern?
While inclusions in any diamond can affect its visual appeal and value, they are not necessarily a negative aspect of lab-grown diamonds. The occurrence of inclusions does not detract from the fact that lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to natural diamonds. In fact, the controlled conditions of laboratory-grown diamonds often mean they may have fewer, less noticeable inclusions compared to natural diamonds, which are subject to unpredictable environmental conditions during their formation.
Many consumers choose lab-created diamonds for their ethical and environmental advantages, as they do not require mining. The presence of inclusions in lab-grown diamonds is often a minor consideration compared to these broader benefits.
Conclusion
Inclusions in lab-created diamonds are a natural byproduct of the diamond-growing process, just as they are in naturally occurring diamonds. While inclusions can affect the diamond’s appearance and value, their presence does not detract from the beauty and overall quality of the stone. Understanding the types of inclusions and how they are graded can help consumers make informed choices when purchasing a lab-grown diamond. For those seeking a high-quality stone with minimal inclusions, many lab-grown diamonds offer clarity grades comparable to, or even better than, natural diamonds.
