What are lab-grown diamonds?
Distilled Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds, also known as synthetic diamonds or man-made diamonds, are created in a laboratory rather than being formed through natural geological processes. These diamonds have essentially the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds because they are composed of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure.
Are lab-grown diamonds real?
Yes, lab-grown diamonds are indeed real diamonds. The term “lab-grown” or “synthetic” may sometimes lead to confusion, as it might be interpreted as if these diamonds are not genuine. However, lab-grown diamonds share the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds.
The primary distinction between the two lies in their origin and formation processes. Natural diamonds are created deep within the Earth’s mantle over millions or even billions of years through natural geological processes, while lab-grown diamonds are produced in a controlled environment within a laboratory, typically taking a shorter period of time.
From a molecular and structural perspective, lab-grown diamonds consist of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice, just like natural diamonds. They exhibit the same hardness, brilliance, and other characteristics that make diamonds unique.
In the marketplace, both natural and lab-grown diamonds are available, and they are often distinguished based on their origin. It’s crucial to note that lab-grown diamonds are a valid and authentic alternative to mined diamonds, and they are recognized as such within the jewelry industry.
Lab-grown diamonds are now becoming a popular alternative for many people, since they can have the same beauty and properties as a mined diamond and are often more affordable
Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
How are lab-grown diamonds made?
There are a few methods used to create lab-grown diamonds. Typically, lab-grown diamonds start with a tiny lab diamond, like a seed. The seeds are placed in a chamber called a plasma reactor (in the case of CVD synthesis) or a large mechanical press (if manufactured by HPHT). Then, depending on the technology used, some combination of heat, pressure and a carbon source are used to make the crystals grow, layer by layer.
Lab-grown diamonds are created using one of two main methods: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both methods replicate the conditions under which natural diamonds are formed but in a controlled laboratory setting.
High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT)
Process: Carbon source material (such as graphite) is exposed to high pressure (around 5-6 GPa) and high temperature (about 1,400-1,800 degrees Celsius) in a press.
Formation: Under these extreme conditions, carbon atoms arrange themselves into a crystal lattice structure, forming diamond.
Timeframe: The process typically takes a few weeks to several days, depending on the desired size and quality of the diamond.
Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD):
Process: A hydrocarbon gas (like methane) is heated, and the carbon atoms are extracted from the gas and deposited onto a substrate (a diamond seed or other material) in a vacuum chamber.
Formation: The carbon atoms accumulate on the substrate, gradually building up layers of diamond crystal.
Timeframe: CVD can be a more time-consuming process compared to HPHT, taking several weeks to grow larger and high-quality diamonds.
In both methods, the goal is to create the conditions necessary for diamond crystal growth, allowing carbon atoms to arrange themselves into the characteristic diamond lattice structure. The resulting lab-grown diamonds are then cut, polished, and graded, just like natural diamonds, using the same criteria such as carat, cut, color, and clarity. These processes allow for the precise control of diamond characteristics, and researchers and manufacturers continue to refine techniques to produce high-quality lab-grown diamonds for various applications, including jewelry.
How long does it take to grow a diamond?
In nature, it takes millions of years for diamonds to form. In a lab, we can grow a one carat stone in about two weeks.
How do you make colored lab-grown diamonds?
One of the great advantages of lab-grown diamonds is that they can be made in an array of colors that are very rare when found in nature. This is achieved by making changes in the gas mix added to the CVD reactor combined with treatments to these stones applied at the end of the synthesis process. The process sounds simple, but it has taken our scientists thousands of hours to refine the process and create the perfect shades.
Lab grown vs simulants
While they may look similar, diamond simulants (like cubic zirconia) are chemically not diamonds at all. They’re completely different gems and materials. On the other hand, lab-grown diamonds are chemically the same as natural diamonds, but their creation process is sped up by science.
Lab-grown diamonds vs. Moissanite
- Moissanite is a completely different gem, that tends to be less expensive than a diamond. It started out as a naturally occurring mineral, but natural supply wasn’t enough to make even the smallest pieces of jewelry.
- Scientists then found a way to replicate it in a lab to make it commercially available.
- While it might look like diamond it’s a much lower grade on color and hardness.
Lab-grown diamonds vs. Cubic zirconia
- Cubic zirconia was created to be a less expensive alternative to diamonds. It’s chemically completely different, not as hard and lacks the same sparkle.
- It’s also not considered a gemstone because it can’t be found in nature.
- It’s made from powdered zirconium and zirconium dioxide, melted together and formed into a stone.