Laboratory Grown Diamonds
Laboratory grown diamonds are 100% diamond and are neither simulants or diamond imitations such as Cubic Zirconia. They possess all the fire, sparkle and brilliance of mined diamonds. In fact, it is impossible to tell them apart – even with a gemmologist’s loupe. That is because Laboratory Grown Diamonds are physically, visually and chemically identical to mined diamonds. While mined diamonds are a miracle of nature, created through the earth’s geological processes, laboratory diamonds are testament to manmade brilliance and innovation. The only difference between the two – is the origin of their creation.
How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Made?
Lab-grown diamonds are created through two primary methods: High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).
- HPHT Method
This process involves placing a diamond seed in a carbon-rich environment and subjecting it to high pressure and high temperature, replicating the conditions under which natural diamonds form. - CVD Method
In this method, a thin slice of diamond seed is placed in a sealed chamber. Carbon-rich gases are introduced, and a microwave or another energy source is used to ionize the gases. The carbon atoms are then deposited onto the diamond seed, layer by layer, resulting in the growth of a larger diamond.