Diamond Foundry’s lab-grown diamonds are created in
bespoke plasma apparatuses with unprecedented energy
density that reproduce the earth’s natural conditions.
The company discovered a fourth state of matter by
which atoms can attach to nature’s diamond crystal
lattice and grow to gem size. Utilizing a thin foundation
of diamond ‘seeds’, atom by atom, the unique
crystal structure of diamonds grows atop the lattice to
yield pure, jewelry-grade gemstones. This process is
chemically identical to mined diamonds without as
many steps and procedures as is required for mining.
Earth-grown stones change hands on average 12 times
before they even leave their country of origin. Also, more
than 250 tons of earth are needed to produce a single
carat of mined diamond. Above-ground diamond
producers keep much of the process in-house, including
artisan cutters and polishers. This minimal supply chain
excludes miners, transporters, traders and brokers. As
a result, lab-grown diamonds typically cost around 30%
less than mined diamonds. However, just as it is for
natural gemstones, the price of rough stones is
contingent upon the cut.
Diamond Foundry reports that there is an accelerated
demand for lab-grown diamonds. Because of this, lab dia-
monds are now worth a significant investment; six carats
could cost over $60,000. One of the most
staggering examples is the (RED) Diamond Ring,
designed by Sir Jony Ive and Marc Newson, at Sotheby’s
Miami. This ring is composed entirely from a single
lab-grown stone. The ring concept raised $461,250 for
Bono’s (RED) charity in support of the fight against
AIDS, while the ring itself sold for $256,250. Though it is
not the world’s first all-diamond ring, it is the first
non-mined diamond auctioned by Sotheby’s.