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Lab Grown Diamonds (The Ultimate Guide)

Author: Prashant Chembiparambil
by Prashant Chembiparambil
Posted: Apr 22, 2021

Adhering to the title itself, a Lab-grown Diamond is 'grown' in the lab by employing a cutting-edge and innovative technology that replicates diamond growth's natural process. The product is a human-made diamond that is physically, chemically, and visually the same as those found beneath the Earth's surface.

What are lab-created (lab-grown) diamonds?

It is essential to acknowledge the intricacies of that process, but a simple analogy would be test-tube babies. Akin to that process, lab-created diamonds are formed by providing conditions like those found under the Earth. By ensuring the same heat and pressure, an environment is created to make these diamonds.

These diamonds are ecologically friendly as they do not comprise the Earth's well-being. Coupled with that, these diamonds are free of the deplorable and depraved history of blood diamonds. And it doesn't end there as these diamonds are more uniform yet cheaper than their earth-mined counterparts.

How are lab-grown diamonds created?

To adequately perceive lab-created diamond formation, it is essential to know how mined diamonds are formed. Both processes share a host of similarities but are separated by their environment – one happens naturally while the other takes place in a lab.

A much-concurred belief was shared by a plethora of Mines Diamond Geologists that diamond formation took place within the Earth between 1 billion to 3 billion years ago. While it is still up for debate how those diamonds came to form, the consensus is that the process begins with carbon dioxide, which is deeply buried approximately 100 miles underneath the Earth's surface.

The carbon is subjected to heat rising upwards of 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit and exposed to the extreme pressure of approximately 727,000 pounds per square inch. From thereon, these diamonds are then moved to Earth's surface from the core by a series of deep volcanic explosions. These movements are rife with pressure.

There are essentially two laboratory methods to grow man-made diamonds - High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD).

High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) Method:

HPHT diamonds method includes using one of three manufacturing processes: the cubic press, the split sphere (BARS) press, and a belt press. These processes occur in an environment that facilitates a tremendously high temperature and pressure, ideal for diamond growth.

An HPHT diamond starts as a minute diamond seed that is nestled in carbon. By employing one of the manufacturing processes listed above, the seed is subjected to a searing temperature of around 1500 degrees Celsius and subjected to pressure with nearly 1,500,000 PSI.

During this process, the pure carbon begins to melt and forms a diamond around the seed. The diamond is meticulously cooled to become a pure carbon diamond.

Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) Method:

In the case of a CVD diamond, the process begins with the thin slice of a diamond seed, which is often produced through HPHT. The diamond seed is inserted into a sealed chamber and subsequently heated to around 800° C.

The chamber is subsequently filled with gas rich in carbon, like Methane and other such gases. From thereon, the gases go through ionization to become plasma by employing technology similar to that of microwaves or lasers. The ionization process severs the molecular bonds teeming in the gases, and from thereon, the pure carbon adheres to the diamond seed. The process culminates in the slow crystallization of the seed.

How long does it take to grow a diamond in a lab?

The diamonds made in the laboratory are either produced through High pressure High temperature techniques (HPHT) or Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) techniques. In both procedures, it takes 6-10 weeks to form in a laboratory.

Can lab-grown diamonds be labelled the same as natural diamonds?

The answer is no; the labelled diamonds are not like natural diamonds. Though they are even the most intricate, and laboratories certify these as diamonds, the significant difference is the origin of these gems and their rarity. Lab-grown diamonds are not mined from Earth and are instead grown in a controlled lab environment, while natural diamonds are mined and rare.

You can also read: Best Tips on Cushion Cut Diamonds

Why Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Lab-created diamonds are both ethical and environmentally friendly, alongside which they aren't drenched in the misery associated with blood diamonds. Among all other reasons, the most important is its price. Lab-grown diamonds are 70-80% economical than natural diamonds.

Are the lab-created diamonds graded and certified?

Yes, they are graded and certified by employing the same process as diamonds which are mined. Diamonds are sent to a laboratory that is specifically built for this process. Most of these labs grade using the 4c's (color, clarity, cut, and carat). The process is devised to provide each diamond with a disinterested grade. Now, multiple b2b platforms share the trustworthy certificate and review of the diamond. This makes the purchase more legit and valued.

Are lab-grown diamonds GIA certified?

Yes, since 2007, GIA has been grading laboratory-created/man-made diamonds. Since July 1, 2019, GIA Laboratory-Created Diamond Reports and identification reports have stopped using the term 'synthetic'. The process includes the standard clarity, color, and cut grading metric for reference reasons. In October 2020, GIA introduced LGDR— redesigned digital-only laboratory-grown diamond reports that contain 4'Cs specifications. These reports have a QR code that will redirect to a link with educational information about the laboratory-grown diamonds, including how GIA differentiates them from natural diamonds.

Lab-Grown Diamonds Vs. Mined Diamonds

Surmising, lab-created or man-made diamonds share the same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds. Lab-grown is the legitimate diamond that stands the test of time but is an estimated 70-80% less expensive than mined diamonds. Lab diamonds are the ideal option with the gems market and customer-base exhibiting an increased interest towards them. Although there are some severe selection preferences, neither of the diamonds could be undermined. Both lab-grown or natural diamonds have their respective significance.

Where to buy lab-grown diamonds?

Buying Lab-created Diamonds from a B2B platform become wise if done after gaining knowledge about them. In that endeavour, we, Classic Grown Diamonds, are your ideal B2B marketplace for both natural and dazzling lab-grown diamonds. We ensure excellent product and services:

  • We integrate upwards of 400,000 diamonds from manufacturers across the globe without a shred of complacency.
  • A 24x7 Customer support system to dispel all your apprehensions
  • Sublime checking process to ensure impeccable quality.
  • Our partnership with swift logistics, including the esteemed FedEx, UPS, and other logistics, ensures flawless worldwide delivery.

Classic Grown Diamonds expert in the craft when it comes to diamonds. We ensure utmost professionalism on all fronts. The dealers, suppliers, and manufacturers on the platform are verified and trusted.

About the Author

Based in the USA, we are leading manufacturer and supplier of IGI Certified lab created diamonds (lab grown diamonds).

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Author: Prashant Chembiparambil

Prashant Chembiparambil

Member since: Jul 31, 2020
Published articles: 19

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