Lab grown diamonds, also known as synthetic or cultivated diamonds, are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to mined diamonds. As consumers learn more about lab grown diamonds, one common question that arises is whether they become cloudy or hazy over time like some simulant diamonds can. The short answer is no, lab grown diamonds do not get cloudy when properly cared for.
In the opening paragraphs, it’s important to quickly address some key questions readers may have:
Do lab grown diamonds get cloudy? No, lab grown diamonds do not get cloudy or hazy when cared for properly, unlike some diamond simulants which can lose clarity over time. The physical and chemical structure of lab grown diamonds makes them resistant to cloudiness.
Why don’t lab grown diamonds get cloudy? Lab grown diamonds have the same molecular structure as mined diamonds, making them just as hard, brilliant, and resistant to cloudiness. The manufacturing process creates diamonds that are optically and chemically identical to earth-mined diamonds.
Do they look the same as mined diamonds? Yes, to the naked eye, lab grown diamonds are indistinguishable from mined diamonds. They have the same sparkle, brilliance, and clarity. Even under magnification by gemologists, most lab grown diamonds are very difficult to differentiate from natural diamonds.
Now that we’ve addressed some initial key questions, let’s dive into more details about why lab grown diamonds stay crystal clear for a lifetime.
The Molecular Structure of Diamonds
Diamonds, whether mined or lab-grown, get their hardness, brilliance, and resistance to cloudiness from their tightly bonded molecular structure. Diamonds are made of carbon atoms bonded together in what is called a “tetrahedral” structure. Each carbon atom bonds to four other carbons, creating a rigid lattice structure. It is one of the hardest natural structures known.
This simple but sturdy molecular structure is what gives diamonds their amazing physical properties. The tightly bonded carbons mean diamonds are the hardest known natural material, ranking 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Their hard structure also makes them resistant to scratching, chipping, and breaking.
Importantly for their appearance, the tetrahedral structure and hardness make diamonds resistant to developing cracks, flaws, or cloudiness. Well-cut diamonds have excellent brilliance, or the ability to refract and reflect light, because of this hard crystal structure. Their hardness and resistance to damage keeps lab grown diamonds optically clear and brilliant for a lifetime.
Diamond Simulants vs. Lab Grown Diamonds
Some diamond simulants like cubic zirconia or moissanite can develop cloudiness or appear hazy over time. This is because diamond simulants do not share the same molecular structure as diamonds. While diamond simulants may look similar at first, most are softer, less scratch-resistant, and more prone to damage and wear. This can cause clarity and sparkle to fade.
Lab grown diamonds avoid this problem because they have virtually the same crystal structure and hardness as natural diamonds, keeping them brilliant for decades.
The Lab Growing Process
So if the molecular structure is what counts, how do lab grown diamonds achieve the same structure as mined diamonds? Lab grown diamonds are carefully crystallized atom-by-atom to match natural diamond structure. The most common methods are HPHT (high pressure, high temperature) and CVD (chemical vapor deposition). Both methods faithfully replicate diamond’s signature tetrahedral carbon structure.
HPHT Lab Grown Diamonds
HPHT uses specialized equipment to simulate the temperatures and pressures that form diamonds underground. A diamond “seed” is placed in a metallic solvent. Under intense heat of 1400-2400°C and pressures of 5-6 Gigapascals, the seed attracts free-floating carbon. The carbon accumulates on the seed, forming into diamond crystalline structure.
As the carbon accumulates, it takes on the same rigid crystal shape as diamonds found in nature. The HPHT process creates diamonds that are structurally and optically identical to mined diamonds.
CVD Lab Grown Diamonds
CVD replicates diamond growth by carefully depositing carbon vapor onto diamond seed plates. Like HPHT, the carbon atoms accumulate on the seed, mimicking how diamonds form in the earth.
The CVD process takes place at lower temperatures of 800-1200°C but under similar high pressures. The vapor deposition process aligns carbon atoms into the characteristic diamond structure. Atoms bond with the tetrahedral symmetry that gives diamonds their unmatched hardness and clarity.
Quality Control
Producing diamond quality crystals requires precise control over growing conditions. Lab grown diamond manufacturers carefully monitor pressure, temperature and growth time. This level of monitoring and quality control ensures the diamonds have exceptional optical clarity matching real diamonds.
To verify quality, lab grown diamonds undergo strict grading by independent gemological institutes like GIA and IGI. They are evaluated for the 4Cs of diamond quality – cut, color, clarity and carat weight. Diamond grading laboratories certify that lab grown diamonds achieve the same top ratings for brilliance, fire and scintillation as natural diamonds.
Cut Quality
Precision cutting and polishing is another key factor that makes lab grown diamonds resistant to cloudiness. Well-cut diamonds have angles and facets designed to maximize light performance through reflection and refraction. The precision cutting enhances the optical clarity of lab grown diamonds.
While a poorly cut diamond could develop inclusions more easily, a high quality cut ensures light dances cleanly through the diamond crystal. Excellent polish and symmetry also prevent cloudiness by minimizing surface areas that could attract dirt or oils. So in addition to crystal clarity, a top cut grade ensures lab grown diamonds stay brilliant.
Everyday Wear and Care
Good wear and care practices will keep both mined and lab grown diamonds sparkling clearly for a lifetime. Diamonds themselves are resistant to cloudiness, but oils, lotions and dirt on the surface can make them appear hazy. With simple care diamonds stay brilliant.
Day to Day Wear
Take diamonds off before gardening, cleaning or other dirty, abrasive tasks. Even though diamonds resist scratches, grit could cause surface clouding. Leaving diamonds on for basic chores, office work, or low-impact activities is fine.
Apply perfume, hairspray, moisturizer etc. before putting on diamond jewelry to avoid coating the surface. When diamonds do get dirty from casual wear, a simple cleaning often restores the sparkle.
Cleaning
Gently brush diamonds with warm water and mild soap to remove dust and oils. Ammonia or alcohol-based jewelry cleaner works for more stubborn buildup. An ultrasonic or steam cleaner offers a deeper professional clean.
Avoid aggressive scraping or brushing, strong chemicals like bleach or acid, or very high heat when cleaning diamonds. The hard diamond structure itself won’t etch or fade, but some cleaning methods can damage softer metal settings.
Storage
Keep diamonds in a fabric-lined closed jewelry box or pouch when stored. This protects against objects scraping the surface. Whether lab grown or mined diamonds, storing pieces separately prevents diamonds from scratching each other. Proper storage keeps diamonds brilliant.
Long Term Wear
What about diamonds that are worn daily for years or decades? Will lab grown diamonds eventually start showing cloudiness from long-term wear? There’s no need to worry.
Studies of diamonds worn for extended periods show they do not lose sparkle or develop cloudiness over time. One study by Martin et al. examined diamonds worn 24/7 for 28 years. Even after nearly three decades of continual wear, the diamonds showed no observable damage or decline in brilliance. Research confirms diamonds maintain excellent clarity for a lifetime of wear.
While metal settings or prongs eventually may need re-plating or replacement, the lab grown diamond itself remains like new. The durable molecular structure keeps the diamonds from developing cracks, inclusions or cloudiness even after lifelong daily wear.
Are Cloudy Diamonds Defective?
In rare instances, a lab grown diamond may develop cloudiness shortly after purchase. What causes this, and is it a sign of a flawed diamond?
Cloudiness appearing early on is not caused by deterioration of the diamond itself. More likely, it is a result of recommended care and cleaning not being followed. For example, some hair and bath products can adhere as an invisible film. Wearing diamond jewelry daily without cleaning allows buildup on the surface that can create a hazy look.
Thankfully this type of clouding is not an irreversible flaw or defect. With professional steam or ultrasonic cleaning, the diamond can be restored to like-new clarity. The cloudy appearance is just temporary surface gunk, not an internal structural defect.
Manufacturer Warranty
For peace of mind, quality lab grown diamond brands offer extensive warranties. These guarantee against any defects in material or manufacturing. Make sure to follow the recommended care guidelines. With proper care and cleaning, lab grown diamonds stay sparkling and cloud-free for a lifetime.
Comparison Table of Diamond Clarity
| Diamond Type | Clarity Over Time | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| Mined Diamonds | Stays clear with occasional microscopic inclusions | Hard tetrahedral structure resists cloudiness |
| Lab Grown Diamonds | Stays clear without inclusions | Faithfully replicates diamond tetrahedral structure + controlled conditions |
| Diamond Simulants | Can develop cloudiness, haziness | Softer materials more prone to scratching/wear |
Key Takeaways
– Lab grown diamonds stay brilliant and cloud-free when properly cared for. Their diamond crystal structure gives durability and hardness.
– CVD and HPHT manufacturing creates diamonds with the same tetrahedral carbon bonds as natural diamonds. This makes them resistant to clarity issues.
– Quality cutting and grading standards ensure lab grown diamonds have excellent light performance.
– Simple cleaning and responsible wear prevents dirt buildup that can cause temporary cloudiness.
– With proper care, lab grown diamonds retain perfect clarity for everyday wear or lifelong daily wear without becoming hazy.
The Bottom Line
Lab grown diamonds do not get cloudy or hazy when properly cared for. Their exceptional hardness, precise faceting, and molecular resemblance to mined diamonds keeps them brilliant forever. While diamond simulants can lose luster over time, the crystal structure of lab grown diamonds maintains its clarity and sparkle for decades of wear. Take simple steps cleaning and storing diamonds to prevent temporary surface clouding. By starting with quality lab grown diamonds and providing responsible care, diamond jewelry retains its breathtaking shine for life.