Created pink pink diamond vs lab diamond: which should you choose?

Pink diamonds are a rare and beautiful gemstone that have captivated the attention of jewelry enthusiasts and investors alike. The unique pink color, attributed to various geological processes, makes them a sought-after gemstone. Whether you're looking for a beautiful piece of jewelry or an investment piece, it's important to understand the differences between created (lab-grown) pink diamonds and mined pink diamonds. In this article, we will delve into the characteristics, qualities, and cost considerations of both types of pink diamonds to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Pink Diamonds

Definition and Rarity

Pink diamonds are a type of diamond that have a pink color due to plastic deformation during their formation. The source of their pink color is a topic of debate in the gemological world, but the dominant theory is that their color is caused by plastic deformationstretching and squeezing during the diamond's formation. Pink diamonds belong to the category of color diamonds, which are diamonds that exhibit any sort of color. These diamonds range from flawless to included, similar to colorless diamonds.

History and Notable Pink Diamonds

The earliest known pink diamonds are the Daria-i-noor and the Noor-ul-Ain diamonds, which are part of the Iranian crown jewels. The Pink Star, at 59.60 carats, is the largest vivid pink diamond in the world. In 2014, the Pink Star was auctioned at Sotheby's for $83 million but the buyer defaulted due to financial constraints. The Pink Star was eventually sold to Chow Tai Fook Enterprises in Hong Kong for $71.2 million.

The Color Formation in Pink Diamonds

Plastic Deformation Theory

Pink diamonds are formed due to plastic deformation during their formation. When diamonds undergo intense pressure and deformation, the crystal lattice structure of the diamond is altered. This structural change is believed to create the pink color in diamonds.

Radiation Exposure

Recent studies suggest that radiation exposure might also play a role in creating the pink color in diamonds. Tiny amounts of radiation can cause specific color centers within the diamond to absorb green light, leading to a pink appearance. While this theory is still being validated, it adds to the understanding of the pink color in diamonds.

Graining

Pink diamonds often exhibit a more complex crystal pattern known as "graining." This graining, which may be a result of the deformations, affects how light is refracted through the diamond, giving it a distinctive pink hue.

Properties Determining Value

The value of pink diamonds is determined by four primary characteristics: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Among these, color is the most important factor as it significantly influences the price and appeal of the diamond.

• Color:
• Hue: The primary and secondary colors in the diamond (for example, brownish pink or purple-pink).
• Saturation: The intensity of the color (faint, very light, light, fancy light, fancy, fancy intense, fancy vivid, fancy deep/dark).

• Tone: The darkness of the color. A vivid pink is generally more valuable than a lighter pink.

• Clarity:

  
  
• Most pink diamonds are graded from Flawless to Included, with 7% of pink diamonds being Flawless or Internally Flawless (IF).
• The majority are Slightly Included (SI).
• Since pink diamonds often show deformations, higher clarity grades are rarer, making each high clarity grade more valuable.

Famous Pink Diamonds

• Daria-i-noor: Part of the Iranian crown jewels and the largest pink diamond in the world, estimated to weigh 182 carats.
• Noor-ul-Ain: Another part of the Iranian crown jewels and the oldest known pink diamond.
• Pink Star: The largest vivid pink diamond in the world, weighing 59.60 carats.

Created (Lab-Grown) Pink Diamonds

Creation Process

Laboratory-grown pink diamonds are made through the High-Pressure, High-Temperature (HPHT) method or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). These methods mimic the natural conditions in which diamonds form, producing diamonds that are chemically identical to mined diamonds.

High-Pressure, High-Temperature (HPHT) Method:

• This process involves placing a small seed diamond in a pressurized chamber filled with carbon-rich solutions. The process creates a new diamond by forcing hydrogen and carbon atoms to form a new crystal structure, replicating the effects of plastic deformation to produce a pink color.

Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Method:

• The CVD method vaporizes hydrogen and methane to produce a plasma that creates a diamond layer on a seed diamond, leading to the pink color formation.

Quality Assessment

Created pink diamonds are graded using the four Cs (color, clarity, cut, and carat weight) similar to mined diamonds. They can be just as beautiful and have consistent quality. However, the color can vary based on the extent of post-growth treatment such as irradiation and annealing.

Advantages of Created Pink Diamonds

• Ethical Sourcing:
• Lab-grown diamonds are produced in a controlled environment, ensuring they are not associated with any unethical practices such as conflict diamonds.
• Transparency:
• Buyers can have full transparency into the manufacturing process, making lab-grown diamonds a more reliable and transparent choice.
• Consistency:
• Lab-grown diamonds are consistent in their quality and characteristics, making them more predictable and reliable.

Disadvantages of Created Pink Diamonds

• Perceived Value:
• Some people believe that lab-grown diamonds have less intrinsic value compared to mined diamonds.
• Cost Differences:
• Lab-grown diamonds can sometimes be more expensive due to the lower supply compared to mined diamonds. However, they can still be more affordable due to lower production costs.

Mined Pink Diamonds

Source Mines

Pink diamonds are sourced from various mines around the world, but Australia's Argyle Diamond Mine in Kimberley was a major source before its closure in 2020. Approximately 80% of the world's pink diamonds originated from the Argyle Diamond Mine before its closure. Other mines include Brazil, Russia, South Africa, and Tanzania.

Rarity and Exceptional Qualities

Mined pink diamonds are rare and unique due to their formation process. Only 0.1% of the diamonds extracted from the Argyle Diamond Mine were classified as pink.

Ethical Considerations

• Conflict Diamonds:
• Historically, some mined diamonds have been associated with conflict zones. However, efforts to certify ethical sourcing and traceability have improved the ethical standing of mined diamonds.
• Environmental Impact:
• Mined diamonds can have significant environmental impacts, especially in regions where mining is unregulated. However, certified mines strive to minimize their environmental footprint.

Cost Comparison

Price Factors

• Carat Size: Larger pink diamonds are more valuable, as they are rarer.
• Color Intensity: A vivid pink is more expensive than a lighter pink.
• Clarity: Higher clarity grades are more valuable, especially for pink diamonds, as they are rarer due to deformations.

Example Pricing

• Created (lab-grown) pink diamonds can range from $3,000 to $10,000 per carat.
• Mined pink diamonds, especially those from premium sources like the Argyle Diamond Mine, can range from $5,000 to $30,000 or more per carat, depending on their quality.

Where to Buy Loose Created Pink Diamonds

• Retailers: Known sellers of lab-grown diamonds include Gemstone Bar, Brilliant Earth, and Artemis Diamonds.
• Online Platforms: Lab-grown pink diamonds can be purchased on websites such as Pure Grown Diamonds and the Diamond Foundry.

Choosing the Right Pink Diamond for You

Factors to Consider

• Personal Preferences: Choose based on your aesthetic preferences and desired appearance.
• Budget: Lab-grown diamonds can be more affordable, while mined diamonds may command a higher price.
• Ethical Considerations: If you value ethical sourcing and transparency, lab-grown diamonds are a better choice.

DKJ Jewelry's Offerings

At DKJ Jewelry, we offer both created and mined pink diamonds. Our lab-grown diamonds are made through the HPHT or CVD methods, providing consistent quality and ethical sourcing. Our mined pink diamonds are sourced from reputable mines, ensuring they are conflict-free and of the highest quality.

Created Pink Diamonds:- HPHT/GVD Process: Created diamonds go through a rigorous HPHT or CVD process.
- Ethical Sourcing: Each lab-grown pink diamond is certified ethically sourced.
- Quality: Lab-grown diamonds guarantee consistent quality with natural look and feel.

Mined Pink Diamonds:- Rare and Unique: Mined pink diamonds from premium sources.
- Certified Ethical Sourcing: All mined diamonds are ethically sourced and conflict-free.
- Exquisite Quality: Each diamond is unique, with a natural beauty and rarity.

Conclusion

Choosing between a created (lab-grown) pink diamond and a mined pink diamond depends on your personal preferences, budget, and ethical considerations. Lab-grown diamonds offer consistent quality, transparency, and ethical sourcing. Mined pink diamonds are rarer and unique, with a history and beauty that are hard to replicate.

Whether you're looking to create a stunning piece of jewelry or an investment that will last for generations, DKJ Jewelry offers both created and mined pink diamonds to meet your needs.