From their inception by General Electric in 1954 to outpacing natural diamond sales in 2022, lab diamonds are reshaping the gem industry.

Lab grown diamonds are booming! But when did it start? Why? By who? Where? 

Here is a timeline of major events in the history of lab-grown diamonds:

• 1954: General Electric creates the first synthetic diamonds.
  The use of lab-grown diamonds began in the early 1950s when General Electric (GE) created the first synthetic diamonds. GE was interested in developing synthetic diamonds for industrial purposes, such as cutting and polishing.
  
  
• 1970s: The technology advances enough to produce gem-quality lab stones.
  it wasn't until the 1970s that the technology advanced enough to produce gem-quality lab stones.
  
  
• 1980s: The first lab-grown diamonds for jewelry are produced.
  In the 1980s, the first lab-grown diamonds for jewelry were produced. However, they were not commercially successful at the time. This was because they were still more expensive than natural diamonds, and there was a lot of consumer skepticism about their quality.
  
  

2000s: The cost of lab-grown diamonds begins to decline, and they start to become more popular.

2018: Lab-grown diamond sales surpass $1 billion for the first time ever.

• 2022: Lab-grown diamond sales surpass natural diamond sales for the first time ever
  In 2022, lab-grown diamond sales surpassed natural diamond sales for the first time ever. This was a major turning point for the diamond industry, and it showed that lab-grown diamonds were becoming the preferred choice for many consumers..

How lab grown diamonds are being used today?

Here are some examples of how lab diamonds are being used today:

• Jewelry: Lab grown diamonds are increasingly being used in jewelry, such as engagement rings, necklaces, and earrings. They are often used as a more affordable alternative to mined diamonds.
  
  
• Industrial applications: Lab diamonds are also being used in a variety of industrial applications, such as cutting tools, abrasives, and semiconductors. They are often used because they are harder and more durable than mined diamonds.
  
  
• Research: Lab grown diamonds are also being used in research, such as in the development of new medical treatments and in the study of the universe. They are often used because they are pure and have a well-defined structure.

What is the size of the lab grown diamonds market? Which countries took the lead?

The global lab diamond market is expected to reach $55.6 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 9.8% from 2022 to 2031. The market is being driven by the increasing demand for ethical and sustainable diamonds, as well as the decreasing cost of lab-grown diamonds.

In 2021, the global lab-grown diamond market was valued at $22.2 billion. The United States is the largest market for lab-grown diamonds, accounting for 35% of the global market. Other major markets include China, India, and Japan.

The mined diamond market is much larger than the lab-grown diamond market. In 2021, the global mined diamond market was valued at $82.5 billion. However, the lab-grown diamond market is growing rapidly and is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.

There are a number of factors that are driving the growth of the lab-grown diamond market. One factor is the increasing awareness of the ethical and environmental issues associated with mined diamonds. Mining diamonds can have a negative impact on the environment, and it can also contribute to human rights abuses.

Another factor driving the growth of the lab-grown diamond market is the decreasing cost of lab-grown diamonds. The cost of lab-grown diamonds has been decreasing in recent years, making them more affordable for consumers.

Finally, the lab-grown diamond market is also being driven by the increasing availability of lab-grown diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are now available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. They are also available from a variety of retailers, including jewelry stores, online retailers, and direct-to-consumer companies.

The biggest manufacturers of lab grown diamonds are:

• China
• United States
• India
• Israel
• Russia

China is the largest manufacturer of lab grown diamonds, accounting for over 50% of the global market. The United States is the second largest manufacturer, followed by India, Israel, and Russia.

So how exactly do lab diamonds grow? Wear your lab glasses and lets figure it out!

There are two main methods for growing lab-grown diamonds:

• High-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) synthesis: This method uses a press to create the conditions necessary for diamond formation. The diamond seed is placed in a chamber with carbon and subjected to high pressure and high temperature. The carbon atoms are then fused together to form a diamond.
  
  
• Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) synthesis: This method uses a plasma to create the conditions necessary for diamond formation. The diamond seed is placed in a chamber with a carbon-rich gas. The gas is then broken down into carbon atoms, which are then deposited on the diamond seed. The carbon atoms are then fused together to form a diamond.

The process of growing a lab-grown diamond can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. The exact time it takes depends on the size and quality of the diamond.

Once the diamond has been grown, it is then cut and polished to create a finished product. The diamond is then graded for its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight.

So, How do natural diamonds are mined?

Natural diamonds are mined in two primary ways: through open pit mining and underground mining. The method of mining chosen depends on the structure and form of the diamond deposits, as well as technical, economic, and environmentally feasible recoveries.

1. Open Pit Mining:
   Also known as open-cast mining, this method is used when diamond ore appears near the surface or is covered by a relatively thin layer of sand or gravel. A large pit, or hole, is dug into the ground to extract the ore. This method is highly effective but can result in significant environmental disruption, including soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and contamination of groundwater.
   
   
2. Underground Mining:
   If diamond ore is located deep underground, miners might choose to use this method. Tunnels are constructed in two ways: in one method, a tunnel is created from the surface to the deposit; and in the second method, tunnels are created from a shaft, which is a vertical or near-vertical tunnel dug from the surface. The mined diamonds are then brought to the surface through these tunnels.

Where on earth are they mined from?

In terms of where diamonds are mined, they are found in several countries worldwide. The leading diamond producers (as of my knowledge cut-off in September 2021) include:

1. Russia: Russia is the world's largest producer of diamonds by volume, mainly from the Siberian region.
2. Botswana: Botswana is the world's largest producer of diamonds by value. The two most famous mines are Jwaneng and Orapa.
3. Canada: The Diavik and Ekati diamond mines in the Northwest Territories are Canada's most important diamond sources.
4. Democratic Republic of Congo: The DRC is the third-largest diamond-producing country by volume.
5. Australia: The Argyle mine in Western Australia was one of the largest producers of diamonds, particularly known for its production of pink diamonds. However, it ceased operations in 2020.
6. South Africa: South Africa has been a significant diamond producer for over a century with mines in Kimberley, Venetia, and elsewhere.
7. Angola: The Catoca diamond mine is the biggest diamond mine in Angola, the fourth biggest in the world.
8. Namibia: Namibia is known for its high-quality gem diamonds mined from alluvial and marine sources.

These countries have extensive mining operations due to the presence of kimberlite pipes, which are volcanic structures that are the primary source of diamonds on Earth.
Note that diamonds can also be found in alluvial deposits where they have been transported by river systems from the original kimberlite source, but these sources tend to be more scattered and less predictable.

What are the possible costs of mining? Does it worth it?

It is difficult to say exactly how diamond mining is affecting life on earth, However, there is evidence to suggest that diamond mining can have a significant negative impact on both human rights and the environment.

For example, a 2019 report by the Global Witness found that at least 389 people have been killed in diamond mining conflicts since 2000. The report also found that diamond mining has been linked to human rights abuses such as forced labor, child labor, and sexual violence.

In terms of the environment, diamond mining can have a number of negative impacts, including deforestation, water pollution, and soil erosion. 

A 2015 study by the United Nations Environment Programme found that diamond mining is a major contributor to deforestation in Sierra Leone. The study also found that diamond mining can contaminate water supplies and damage soil.

Given the evidence of the negative impacts of diamond mining, it is clear that there is a cost to both human lives and money associated with this industry. If there were no diamond mining, it is likely that these costs would be significantly reduced.

Here are some additional details about the negative impacts of diamond mining:

• Human rights abuses: Diamond mining has been linked to a number of human rights abuses, including forced labor, child labor, and sexual violence. In some cases, diamond mining has even been used to fund armed conflicts.
• Environmental damage: Diamond mining can have a number of negative impacts on the environment, including deforestation, water pollution, and soil erosion. In some cases, diamond mining has even been linked to the extinction of local plant and animal species.
• Economic inequality: Diamond mining can contribute to economic inequality, as it often benefits a small number of people while leaving many others impoverished.

It is important to note that not all diamond mining is associated with negative impacts. There are some companies that are committed to ethical and sustainable diamond mining. However, it is important to do your research before buying a diamond to make sure that it is not coming from a conflict-free source.

Can you ensure lab grown diamonds jewelry?

Yes, there are some differences in insurance for natural diamonds jewelry compared to lab grown jewelry.

• Coverage: Most insurance policies will cover natural diamonds, but not all will cover lab grown diamonds. It is important to check with your insurance company to see if your policy covers lab grown diamonds.
  
  
• Value: Natural diamonds are typically more valuable than lab grown diamonds. This is because natural diamonds are rarer and more difficult to obtain. As a result, insurance companies may be more willing to pay out for a natural diamond than for a lab grown diamond.
  
  
• Depreciation: Natural diamonds tend to depreciate in value over time. This is because they are a luxury item and their value is based on demand. Lab grown diamonds, on the other hand, do not depreciate in value as much as natural diamonds. This is because they are not a luxury item and their value is based on their cost of production.

If you are considering buying lab grown diamonds, it is important to factor in the cost of insurance. You may also want to consider buying a rider to your insurance policy that specifically covers lab grown diamonds.

Can lab grown diamonds get certified? 

Yes, lab grown diamonds can be certified. There are a number of different organizations that offer lab grown diamond certification, including:

• GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
• IGI (International Gemological Institute)
• IGL  (International Gemological Labs)
• HRD (Hoge Raad voor Diamant)
• EGL (European Gemological Laboratory)

Lab grown diamond certification is important for a number of reasons.
First, it provides buyers with peace of mind knowing that the diamond they are purchasing is genuine.
Second, it can help buyers to compare the quality of different lab grown diamonds. Third, it can help buyers to get insurance for their lab grown diamonds.

The market for lab grown diamond certification is growing rapidly. In 2021, the global market for lab grown diamond certification was valued at $1.5 billion, and it is expected to reach $5.5 billion by 2028. The growth of the lab grown diamond certification market is being driven by a number of factors, including:

• The increasing popularity of lab grown diamonds.
• The increasing demand for transparency in the diamond industry.
• The increasing availability of lab grown diamonds.

As the market for lab grown diamond certification continues to grow, it is likely to become more affordable and accessible. This will make it easier for buyers to get their lab grown diamonds certified, which will help to protect them from fraud and ensure that they are getting what they pay for.

Here are some quotes from industry experts about lab grown diamond certification:

• "Lab grown diamond certification is essential for buyers who want to be sure that they are getting a genuine diamond." - Martin Rapaport, founder of the Rapaport Diamond Report
• "Lab grown diamond certification is a growing trend in the diamond industry, and it is expected to continue to grow in the years to come." - Bruce Cleaver, CEO of De Beers
• "Lab grown diamond certification is an important tool for buyers who want to make informed decisions about their purchases." - Paul Zimnisky, managing director of Diamond Analytics

Lab grown diamond certification is a new and exciting development in the diamond industry. It is a way for buyers to get peace of mind knowing that the diamond they are purchasing is genuine.

As the market for lab grown diamond certification continues to grow, it is likely to become more affordable and accessible. This will make it easier for buyers to get their lab grown diamonds certified, which will help to protect them from fraud and ensure that they are getting what they pay for.

To sum it up: A Revolution It Is!

The transformation of the diamond industry, from General Electric's first synthetic diamonds to lab-grown gems surpassing natural ones in sales, signals a new era. Ethical, affordable, and sustainable, lab-grown diamonds are expected to constitute a $55.6 billion market by 2031.

With major players like the U.S., China, India, and Japan on board, this shift addresses both environmental concerns and ethical issues related to mining. As this sector continues to evolve, it's evident that lab-grown diamonds are becoming increasingly integral to our world.