How are diamonds made in a lab?
Laboratory made diamonds are created in an artificial setting that mimics how diamonds are made naturally below the Earth’s mantle. There are two methods used to create lab diamonds: CVD (chemical vapour deposition) and HPHT (high pressure high temperature). Both methods are effective in creating high-quality, authentic diamonds, identical to those found in nature.
During CVD Diamonds creation, a minuscule slice of diamond is placed into a chamber where it is exposed to carbon-rich gas and amped up to extremely high temperatures. Over a matter of just weeks, the carbon gas ionises and the particles stick to the original diamond slice, before eventually crystallising into a fully formed diamond.
During HPHT, pure carbon is pressed within a metal cube and exposed to immense heat and pressure through electric pulses. Eventually, the carbon breaks down and crystallises into a diamond. Any metal traces within a HPHT diamond will be minuscule and usually not visible to the naked eye.
Most experts agree that HPHT diamonds are better quality than CVD diamonds. CVD diamonds are fast growing, which can cause spotty internal marks and graining. CVD diamonds are also known to have brown-ish undertones when produced, meaning they must undergo post-growth treatment to enhance their beauty. HPHT diamonds are typically produced at a higher standard, without the requirement for post-growth treatment.
In the same way as natural diamonds, lab diamonds go through strict grading assessment during certification, by grading laboratories like GIA and IGI. This means you can filter your diamond search by the usual cut, colour and clarity standards - so you can find a lab diamond equally beautiful as a top quality natural diamond. Top tip - look a lab diamonds with the grades Excellent cut, D to F colour and VS2 to SI1 clarity for a beautiful stone at the best price.
