Green Lab Grown Diamond: A Sustainable Choice

Green Diamond

Natural green diamonds are rare and difficult to obtain, accounting for less than 0.1% of all diamonds mined, green diamonds are exceptionally scarce, making them highly sought-after by collectors, jewelers, and enthusiasts alike, but now lab-grown green diamonds offer a more accessible alternative. Jewelers can provide these synthetic diamonds in specific carats, sizes, and price points to meet customer demands. Green diamond jewelry has become a focal point in various ornaments, enhancing their overall value and appeal. These diamonds are versatile and are used in earrings, rings, pendants, necklaces, watches, and in various settings like signet engagement rings, brooches, and high end jewelry. They’re also popular for vintage-style jewelry.

What Is Green Lab Grown Diamond?

Green lab grown diamonds are synthetic man made diamonds created in controlled laboratory environments that exhibit a green color. Unlike their extremely rare natural counterparts, these lab created gems offer a more accessible and affordable option for those seeking green diamonds in their jewelry. The green color in lab grown diamonds is achieved through careful manipulation of the diamond-growing process called CVD and HPHT. Typically, the presence of certain impurities, such as nitrogen atoms, is introduced during formation. These impurities cause the absorption of light in specific spectra, resulting in the diamond appearing green to the human eye.

What Makes Green Color Diamonds Green?

1. Radiation exposure: This is the most common cause of green color in diamonds. Radiation from radioactive materials can displace carbon atoms in the diamond’s crystal lattice, creating vacancies known as GR1 (General Radiation 1) defects. These defects absorb light in the red part of the spectrum, causing the diamond to appear green.
2. Nitrogen impurities: When nitrogen atoms replace carbon atoms in the diamond’s structure, it can contribute to green coloration, especially when combined with radiation exposure.
3. Structural defects: Specific defects in the diamond’s crystal lattice can cause selective absorption and emission of light, resulting in a green appearance.
4. H3 defects: These are formed when two nitrogen atoms are adjacent to a vacancy in the diamond lattice. H3 defects absorb blue light and emit green fluorescence, contributing to a green color.
5. Hydrogen and nickel impurities: In some cases, the presence of hydrogen or nickel atoms can also play a role in creating green hues in diamonds.

The intensity and uniformity of green color in diamonds, both natural and lab grown, depend on various factors. For natural diamonds, these include the duration of radiation exposure, the presence and concentration of impurities, and the stone’s geological history. Natural green diamonds often exhibit a shallow “skin” of green color on the surface due to radiation exposure, with uniformly green diamonds being extremely rare and highly valued. In contrast, lab-grown green diamonds offer more control over color intensity and distribution. Scientists can manipulate the growth process to achieve desired green hues throughout the stone, rather than just on the surface.

How Much Does Fancy Green Diamond Cost?

Fancy green color diamonds are highly sought after in the jewelry market, with demand spanning from small to large carat sizes. Natural green diamonds are exceptionally rare and command premium prices due to their scarcity. A 1-carat natural green diamond can cost approximately $120,000, reflecting its rarity and desirability.

In contrast, green lab grown diamond offers a more affordable alternative without compromising on color or quality. These green lab diamonds are typically priced around 40% lower than their natural counterparts, making them a more accessible option for consumers. For instance, a lab-grown green diamond of similar size and quality to a $120,000 natural stone might be available for around $72,000.

This significant price difference, combined with consistent availability, has contributed to the increasing popularity of lab-grown green diamonds in the jewelry industry. They provide an attractive option for those who desire the unique beauty of green diamonds without the extreme cost associated with natural specimens. This significant green diamond price difference, combined with consistent availability, has contributed to the increasing popularity of lab-grown green diamonds in the jewelry industry. 

Shades of Green Color Diamonds

Green diamonds come in a variety of captivating shades, each with its own unique appeal and rarity. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) classifies green diamonds into several categories based on their color intensity:

Fancy Light Green Diamond

Fancy Light Green diamonds exhibit a subtle, delicate green hue. These diamonds have a softer, more pastel-like appearance, with the green color being noticeable but not overpowering. They offer a gentle, understated beauty that appeals to those who prefer a more subtle green tone.

Fancy Green Diamond

Diamonds classified as Fancy Green display a more pronounced green color than their Fancy Light counterparts. The green hue is clearly visible and unmistakable, making these diamonds stand out more prominently. Fancy Green diamonds strike a balance between subtlety and vibrancy.

Fancy Intense Green Diamond

Fancy Intense Green diamonds showcase a stronger, more saturated green color. The intensity of the green is significantly more pronounced, creating a bold and eye-catching appearance. These diamonds are rarer than Fancy Light and Fancy Green varieties, making them more valuable and sought-after by collectors.

Fancy Vivid Green Diamond

Diamonds graded as Fancy Vivid Green are among the most prized and rare green diamonds. They display an exceptionally strong, pure green color with high saturation. The vivid green hue is striking and immediately captivating, often resembling the color of fine emeralds. Due to their rarity and beauty, Fancy Vivid Green diamonds command premium prices in the market.

Fancy Deep Green Diamond

Fancy Deep Green diamonds exhibit a rich, dark green color. These diamonds have a mysterious allure, with their deep green hue reminiscent of lush forests. The depth of color in these diamonds is intense and captivating, making them highly prized by collectors and connoisseurs.

Green Diamond Jewelry

As lab diamond manufacturers, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving jewelry market so our clients don’t have to worry about it. Here’s an overview of trending green diamond jewelry designs that are capturing the attention of customers.

Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands

Green diamond rings are becoming increasingly popular for engagement rings, offering a unique alternative to traditional colorless diamonds. Retailers are seeking rings green diamond designs that showcase the stone’s vibrant hue. Green diamond bands are also trending, either as standalone pieces or as part of bridal sets.

Statement Necklaces

The green diamond necklace is emerging as a must-have item for luxury jewelry lines. These pieces often feature a large center diamond green stone surrounded by smaller diamonds or complementary gemstones.

Earring Designs

Green diamond earrings are in high demand, ranging from subtle studs to elaborate chandelier styles. Some designs incorporate blue green diamond accents for a unique color combination that appeals to fashion-forward consumers.

Color Variations

The market is showing interest in various shades of green diamonds. While some prefer the intense hue of a green emerald diamond, others are drawn to softer green colour diamond varieties. The term green color diamond is often used interchangeably, reflecting the diverse preferences in the market.