One aspect that might still be puzzling to many is how exactly these real diamonds are “grown” in laboratories. How is it possible to cultivate real diamonds in a controlled environment?
Naturally Mined Versus Lab Grown Diamonds
First, it’s crucial to distinguish between lab-grown diamonds and those extracted from natural sources like diamond mines. As previously mentioned, lots of people wrongly assume that “lab-grown” equates to fake diamonds, which is incorrect. Additionally, referring to lab diamonds as “synthetic diamonds” is a misnomer.
While there are noteworthy differences between lab-made and naturally mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are as genuine as those found in nature. In essence, these diamonds are identical in physical, chemical, and visual (optical) properties.
The primary difference between naturally mined and lab-created diamonds is that the latter is produced in a controlled environment where the formation process is expedited and closely supervised by experts. One of the methods used by these scientists to grow diamond seeds into artificial diamonds is known as CVD.
For those curious about what CVD stands for, keep reading. Answers are just around the corner.
What Exactly IS the CVD Process?
So, what does CVD stand for? In the context of lab-grown diamonds, CVD refers to the “chemical vapor deposition” system.
The CVD system starts with a diamond “seed,” a small, high-grade natural diamond fragment capable of withstanding extreme temperature and pressure conditions. Selecting a strong and high-quality natural diamond piece is essential for lab diamond creation.
During the CVD process, the vacuum chamber housing the diamond “seed” is filled with carbon-heavy gases and heated to temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees. This intense heat converts the gases into plasma, which aids in building the diamond layers, transforming them into the exquisite gemstones we cherish.
Do these create better quality diamonds?
As with any diamond, the quality can vary. Even the most beautiful, naturally occurring diamond can potentially be exposed to materials or gases that may affect its quality or any of the four C’s (clarity, carat, color, and cut).
However, typically, diamonds resulting from a successful CVD process are often of higher quality than those formed naturally. They are frequently nearly “perfect” diamonds.
How do the experts perform this diamond creating process?
This process requires specialized CVD equipment such as microwave technology and reactors, along with specific applications unique to developing CVD lab diamonds. It also necessitates a significant amount of time and careful environmental control during diamond formation. Ultimately, the effort is well worth it!
Are There Any Other Diamond Growing Processes?
Indeed, there are multiple methods for creating lab-grown diamonds. Another technique is known as high pressure, high temperature (HPHT). In this process, pure carbon is subjected to high pressure and extreme temperatures, which results in the carbon crystallizing into a new diamond.
How to Know if a Lab Grown Diamond is CVD
Determining whether your lab-grown diamond was made via CVD or another method can be challenging with the naked eye since both processes yield the same end product. Moreover, CVD and HPHT diamonds are just as real as their naturally mined counterparts.
However, CVD-grown diamonds are often more flawless due to the plasma layer formation. Even so, if a CVD diamond’s color needs enhancement, it can still be treated using the HPHT process.
Is the CVD Process Better?
The answer is subjective as both diamond creation methods have their advantages depending on the end goal. Diamond experts seeking to reduce costs or improve the color of lab-grown or naturally mined diamonds might prefer the HPHT method. On the other hand, if cost is not a concern and the focus is on the proportions and clarity of the stone, CVD lab-grown diamonds are likely favored.
If you’re uncertain whether the CVD process or the HPHT process is better for your engagement ring, consult our gemologists.
FAQs
What is the CVD process for growing Lab Diamonds?
The CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) process involves synthesizing diamond films by introducing gases like methane and hydrogen into a chamber and heating them to high temperatures (typically between 600-900°C). The gases decompose, resulting in carbon atoms depositing onto a substrate, forming a diamond film. This process can produce lab-grown diamonds on a smaller scale, generally for industrial or research purposes.
What is a CVD diamond?
A CVD diamond is created using the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) process. This entails introducing gases like methane and hydrogen into a chamber and heating them to high temperatures (600-900°C). The gases decompose, depositing carbon atoms onto a substrate and forming a diamond film. Typically smaller and less expensive than naturally mined diamonds, CVD diamonds are frequently used in industrial and scientific applications such as cutting tools, thermal management, and optics. They are also used in jewelry but tend to be less valuable than natural diamonds.
Is there any other method to grow diamonds in a lab other than CVD?
Another lab-grown diamond method is the High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) process. This method replicates the natural diamond formation process in the Earth’s mantle by applying high pressure and temperature to a small diamond seed crystal and a carbon source (usually graphite). The carbon atoms in the graphite rearrange into a diamond lattice around the seed, layer by layer. The HPHT method can cultivate large, high-quality diamonds similar in appearance and physical properties to natural diamonds. Both CVD and HPHT methods produce lab-grown diamonds as alternatives to natural ones.
Are CVD diamonds real?
Absolutely! CVD diamonds possess the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as earth-mined diamonds.
