Learn About Lab Grown & Synthetic Diamonds

Production of a Lab Grown Diamond

High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT)

One of the methods used to create laboratory-grown synthetic diamonds is the High-Temperature High-Pressure (HTHP) technique (GE POL), using a four-anvil ‘tetrahedral press,’ or six-anvil ‘cubic press.’ A diamond seed is placed into a growth chamber and a combination of heat and pressure is applied to the ‘seed’ in a process that attempts to replicate the natural conditions for diamond formation. The HTHP growth process can take 7 to 10 days to complete. High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT): This technique simulates the natural conditions prevalent in the Earth’s mantle where diamonds are formed. By applying high pressure and elevated temperatures, carbon transforms into a diamond crystal.

Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)

The ‘Chemical Vapor Deposition’ method was developed in the 1980s and uses a lower pressure growth-environment than HTHP. A seed or ‘substrate’ is placed in the growth chamber and a combination of heat and pressure is applied while vaporized carbon plasma, combined with hydrogen is applied (deposited) to the substrate in layers. Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): This method involves the ionization of a carbon-rich gas within a vacuum chamber. As a result, carbon atoms are deposited onto a substrate in successive layers, ultimately forming a diamond crystal.

Lab Grown diamonds have grown in popularity in the past few years and will probably continue to do so. They are a viable option for someone who does not necessarily have the budget to buy a natural diamond. While the mining of diamonds works in ebbs and flows, the Lab Grown diamond market will continue to grow as technology advances.

Quality and Grading:

Lab-grown diamonds are evaluated based on the same criteria as natural diamonds, commonly referred to as the 4 Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight. They can be certified by the same gemological institutions that certify natural diamonds, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI).

Advantages:

Ethical Considerations: Lab-grown diamonds are frequently viewed as more ethical compared to mined diamonds, as their production does not involve the environmental and human rights concerns that can be associated with traditional diamond mining.

Environmental Impact: Although the production of lab-grown diamonds involves substantial energy consumption, it typically results in a lower environmental impact compared to conventional diamond mining.

Cost: 

Lab-grown diamonds generally come at a lower price point compared to natural diamonds of similar quality.

Market and Availability:

The market for lab-grown diamonds is expanding, with growing consumer acceptance and increased availability in various jewelry outlets. They are offered in a diverse array of sizes, shapes, and colors, similar to natural diamonds.

Advanced gemological equipment is necessary to differentiate lab-grown diamonds from natural ones. This includes the use of specialized microscopes and spectroscopy. Additionally, some lab-grown diamonds feature a microscopic laser inscription that indicates their status as lab-grown.

Lab-grown diamonds present a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to natural diamonds while retaining the same appeal and elegant

Advanced gemological equipment is necessary to differentiate lab-grown diamonds from natural ones. This includes the use of specialized microscopes and spectroscopy. Additionally, some lab-grown diamonds feature a microscopic laser inscription that indicates their status as lab-grown.

Lab-grown diamonds present a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to natural diamonds while retaining the same appeal and elegance.