The world of diamonds is evolving, and the rise of lab-grown diamonds has become a game-changer in the jewellery industry. With their increasing popularity, many consumers wonder: What is a lab diamond? How do they compare to natural diamonds? Are they "real" diamonds, and what are their benefits?
In this comprehensive blog, we’ll dive deep into the world of lab diamonds, exploring how they are made, their properties, and why they have become an attractive option for buyers looking for both beauty and ethics in their jewellery.
What Are Lab Diamonds?
Lab diamonds also known as synthetic diamonds, cultured diamonds, or man-made diamonds are diamonds that are created in a laboratory setting, simulating the natural conditions under which mined diamonds are formed. While they are made by human innovation, lab diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to diamonds that are naturally formed deep within the Earth’s mantle.
Despite being grown in a lab, lab diamonds share the same sparkle, durability, and beauty as mined diamonds. The only difference lies in their origin lab diamonds are created through advanced technological processes, while mined diamonds take millions of years to form naturally.
How Are Lab Diamonds Made?
Lab diamonds are created through two main methods, both of which replicate the natural conditions that cause carbon atoms to bond and crystallize into diamond structures:
1. High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT)
The HPHT process mimics the high pressure and heat that occurs deep inside the Earth, where natural diamonds form. This process involves placing a small diamond seed (a tiny fragment of diamond) into a chamber and subjecting it to extreme pressure (around 1.5 million pounds per square inch) and temperatures exceeding 1,500°C (about 2,700°F). These conditions cause carbon atoms to bond to the diamond seed, growing it into a larger diamond over time.
HPHT diamonds are typically more affordable than CVD diamonds. Discover custom jewellery at Guthrie Jewellery. From stunning engagement rings to personalized pieces, we craft designs with high-quality materials because they are more common in the market. However, both methods produce diamonds that are indistinguishable from mined diamonds in terms of their structure and quality.
2. Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD)
In the CVD process, a diamond seed is placed in a vacuum chamber filled with carbon-rich gases, such as methane. The gases are heated, causing the carbon atoms to separate and bind to the diamond seed, layer by layer. This process allows for precise control over the size and quality of the diamond.
CVD diamonds are becoming increasingly popular due to their greater control over colour and clarity, as well as their ability to produce larger diamonds. Many high-quality lab-grown diamonds available today are made using the CVD method.