Lab Grown DiamondsWhat are lab-grown diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds (LGDs) are manufactured in laboratories with either of the two methods — chemical vapour deposition (CVD) or high pressure, high temperature (HPHT) using a chemical composition.
LGDs have physical and optical properties similar to that of natural diamonds. A common eye can’t distinguish between a natural diamond and an LGD and it requires a trained gemologist and sophisticated equipment to differentiate the two.
The size, clarity, cut and colour of LGDs make them suitable substitutes to natural diamonds, especially when the availability of natural diamonds becomes scarce due to depleting reserves and escalating costs.
How are the lab-grown diamonds produced?
Unlike natural diamonds that take centuries or several millenia to be formed below the crust of the earth under extreme heat and pressure, the LGDs are made in laboratories using either the CVD or HPHT method. It takes less than a month to make a distinctively-shaped crystal.
The process starts with a seed — a slice of another diamond — on which the LGD is created. The HPHT method mimics the high-pressure, high-temperature conditions that occur under the earth to form a natural diamond. The seed and graphite carbons are exposed to extreme temperatures (1,500 degrees Celsius) and with extremely high pressures to make a LGD.
The CVD method is more popular in India. CVD is a chemical process in which the seed is heated up to 800 degrees in a sealed chamber filled with molecules of carbon-rich gas such as methane. These gas molecules are broken down into carbon and hydrogen atoms, which get deposited on the seed giving it a shape of square, tabular diamond crystal. This process also requires heat or irradiation to give the crystal a colour effect.
Conclusion
Lab-grown diamonds are revolutionizing the jewelry industry, offering a sustainable, ethical, and affordable alternative to mined diamonds. These diamonds possess the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as their natural counterparts, making them virtually indistinguishable to the naked eye. As consumer awareness grows, lab-grown diamonds are gaining popularity for their lower environmental impact and transparency in origin. Whether you’re looking for an engagement ring, statement jewelry, or a timeless gift, lab-grown diamonds provide a stunning and conscientious choice. By choosing lab-grown diamonds, you embrace innovation without compromising on beauty or brilliance—truly a gem for the modern era.