Lab-Made Diamonds: 6 Truths Uncovered

Where Lab-made Diamonds Started

People are studying how to reproduce gemstones formed below the earth's surface because they are so fascinating. Today's synthetic diamonds are the result of this curiosity.

We have been tinkering with the original formula and producing more refinedsynthetic diamonds that are now very challenging to distinguish from organically mined ones as high-end technology continues to develop.

How Are They Made? 

Under the earth's crust, extreme pressure and heat help to generate natural diamonds. Even before mining begins, volcanic explosions drive them through the ground. Researchers have been experimenting for a long time to replicate this procedure after being inspired by it. The end product of years of research and experimentation is the lab-made diamonds we see today.

Nowadays, lab-created diamonds are physically, chemically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. There are two processes — HPHT and CVD — for producing lab-created diamonds; both are made possible with cutting-edge technology. 

High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT)

The earliest and unique method for producing lab-grown diamonds since the 1950s is HPHT. It closely resembles the natural process of diamond creation, which involves the crystallization of carbon under extreme heat and pressure. Because of the machinery required to create diamonds, HPHT is an expensive process. This process frequently produces yellowish or brownish yellow products.

The first step in the procedure is how you plant in your garden. This one, though, makes use of a diamond's seed. This seed is inserted in a chamber with pure graphite carbon, heated to 1,500 C, and compressed to roughly 1.5 million pounds per square inch.

With seed as a diamond template, carbon binds to its layer by microscopic layer to create a rough diamond crystal, which may then be cut and polished into its ultimate brilliant form. ContactGold Presidents to get more information on your diamond options.

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Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)

The second method also starts with a thin slice of a diamond seed; however, it is a bit more modern and advanced than High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT). 

The slice of the diamond seed goes into a hot vacuum chamber filled with carbon-rich gas such as methane. Then, the gas molecules broke down with microwaves which causes carbon atoms to accumulate on a substance. Lastly, the gases are ionized to molecularly bond the carbon to the seed, and boom! A diamond is born.

Are They Authentic Diamonds? 

Define real. Let’s take a step back and look at it from this perspective. The ice is both natural and artificial. Naturally, the weather freezes to create snow, and we have recreated that with refrigerators. 

Lab-grown diamonds are still diamonds. We have only mimicked the geological processes that nature naturally does to grow gem-quality diamonds in a lab rather than underground. Pair your diamond with yourcustomized ring. 

Are They Cheaper or More Expensive? 

It is a cost-effective alternative to diamonds mined naturally. Except if you're an expert jeweler, you can't tell the difference. Some people might say it looks cheap. You may now find lab diamonds for 40–50% less than the cost of mined diamonds, which was formerly 20% less. Its price may change over time due to trends and other factors, but it is undeniable that purchasing lab-created diamonds would cost you less money.

Are They Bad for the Environment? 

We have seen it all across news platforms about discussions on ethical mining and how it’s generally bad for the environment. Every mined diamond requires moving tons of earth and fossil fuel. It is already a major red flag for the environment. 

The environmental impact of lab-grown diamonds is lower than that of naturally occurring diamonds. Although lab-grown diamonds consume power, some businesses are now known to produce them with 100% renewable energy, which results in reduced water consumption andlower carbon emissions.

Are They Worth Buying? 

The value oflab-made diamonds has been the subject of differing perspectives. You may have had some misconceptions about "lab-grown diamonds." The last remaining query is when you intend to receive your lab-grown diamond.