Lab Grown Diamonds vs Natural Grown Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds have the exact same chemical, physical, and optical components of a natural diamond. The only difference is that it is grown in a machine rather than being naturally grown and mined. The growing process for a lab grown diamond consist of using the conditions that imitate the natural process that makes a diamond. Carbon is subjected to high temperatures and high pressure in a controlled environment over a period of time to create the diamond. There are two methods of growing a diamond in a lab, HPHT and CVD. For the HPHT method a small diamond seed is placed into a piece of carbon. Then using either a belt press, cubic press or a split-sphere (BARS) press, the carbon is pressurized to approximately 1.5 million pounds per square inch. Additionally, the carbon is also exposed to temperatures over 2,700 Fahrenheit. This pressure and heat begin to melt the carbon, forming a diamond around the initial diamond seed. The newly formed diamond is then carefully cooled. CVD uses a small diamond seed (often an HPHT diamond). This seed is placed inside a sealed chamber that is heated to over 1,400 Fahrenheit and filled with carbon-rich gases (typically methane and hydrogen). These gases are then ionized into plasma using a technology similar to lasers or microwaves. This technology essentially breaks down the molecular bond of the gas. Once the molecular bond is broken down, pure carbon begins to stick to the seed and a new diamond forms. Additional treatments may be used (heat or irradiation) to enhance or change the diamond’s color after it is grown.

When to consider buying a lab grown diamond?

Lab grown diamonds are more efficient because it uses less energy and has a smaller environment impact than mining diamonds. Both lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds are made out of carbon, so the lab grown will pass the test of a real diamond. Lab grown diamonds are also graded on the same level as real diamonds while being significantly cheaper than a real diamond. Lab grown diamonds can run about 1/3 to 1/4 the cost of a real diamond.