How Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Made
Diamonds are most definitely a girl’s best friend and while it takes literally millions of years to create a stunning diamond, there is an alternative, namely diamonds that are created in a laboratory. How can we recreate the extreme heat and pressure that Mother Nature uses to create such a stunning element? Read on to find out.
There are two methods of growing diamonds in a laboratory environment, one is called Chemical Vapour Disposition (CVD), while the other method goes by the name of High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT). Both methods mimic nature using the same processes, although lab-grown diamonds do not take millions of years to create.
Chemical Vapour Disposition
The CVD method involves taking a small sliver of a diamond and placing it in a special chamber, where it is exposed to gas that is high in carbon, with extremely high temperatures. Over a period of a few weeks, the carbon gas ionises and layers of pure carbon attach to the seed diamond and crystallise.
High Pressure High Temperature
The HPHT process is generally regarded as creating diamonds of superior quality than the CVD method; it involves pressing pure carbon into a metal square with electric pulses causing high pressure within extremely hot temperatures. CVD diamonds are usually brownish in colour and require post-process work to make the diamond look better, whereas HPHT diamonds do not need any extra work once the process is complete. Here is an informative article on lab-grown diamonds.
Custom made diamond rings
If you would like to have your diamond wedding ring designed and made by a leading custom jeweller that includes lab-grown diamonds, start with a Google search to bring up a list of Australian custom jewellers. Browse through sites until you find one that works with lab-grown diamonds and make an enquiry; most custom jewellers are happy to share a Zoom call when you can explain your concept of a perfect diamond engagement or wedding ring. This would be totally free and without obligation, giving you the opportunity to have a chat with the jeweller regarding your needs. As lab-grown stones are cheaper, you can choose a larger diamond for the central stone.
Lab-grown diamonds are graded and certified
Much like naturally found diamonds, lab-created stones are graded and certified by organisations like GIA and IGI and much like mined diamonds, they are considered a sound long-term investment. The diamonds are graded according to the 4Cs; namely colour, clarity, cut and carat (weight), which is no different from mined diamonds. It is a mistake to call a lab-grown diamond a fake because the stone is created using the same processes as when a diamond is created under the ground. The only difference being that in a laboratory, the process is sped up; it takes a couple of months to create a diamond in a lab setting.
If you thought custom-made jewellery is more expensive, think again because prices are similar and why settle for anything less than a 100% unique diamond ring?
