How Do Lab Grown Diamonds Compare to Natural Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds are created using conditions that mirror the natural process that creates naturally source diamonds. This means that carbon is subjected to extremely high temperatures and high pressure in a lab controlled environment. The end result of this process is a diamond.
Natural Diamonds
Natural diamonds mined from the earth are theorized to have been formed around 1 to 3 billion years ago. However, scientists believe that they were formed from carbon dioxide being exposed to extreme temperatures and extreme pressure over extended periods of time. These ideal conditions are found approximately 90 miles below the Earth’s surface. Once formed, these diamonds were shifted from the Earth’s core to its crust by volcanic activity. CDI Diamonds and Jewelry is proud to provide you with a large selection of GIA Certified Loose Natural Diamonds in all shapes and sizes.
Lab Grown Diamonds
The process that can now be used to create a diamond in a lab is much more efficient. Laboratories use two different methods to grow diamonds—High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).
HPHT
The HPHT method uses a small diamond seed that is placed into a piece of carbon. Then by using either a belt press, cubic press or a split-sphere (BARS) press, the carbon is pressurized to around 1.5 million pounds per square inch. On top of that, the carbon is exposed to temperatures over 2,700 Fahrenheit. This combination of pressure and heat begin to melt the carbon, forming a diamond around the base diamond seed. The newly formed diamond is then carefully cooled.
CVD
Like HPHT, CVD uses an initial diamond seed (often an HPHT diamond). This diamond seed is then placed inside of a sealed chamber that is then heated to temperatures of over 1,400 Fahrenheit and filled with carbon-rich gases (usually methane and hydrogen). These gases are ionized into plasma using a technology similar to lasers or microwaves. This process essentially breaks down the molecular bond of the gas. Once that molecular bond is broken down, pure carbon begins to adhere itself to the diamond 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 lab grown.
CDI Diamonds & Jewelry carries the largest selection of Certified Loose Lab Grown Diamonds at the absolute lowest prices in the central Ohio area. Stop in or call us today to explore our selection.
Lab Grown Diamonds Vs. Natural Diamonds
Lab grown diamonds feature many benefits that add to their value, such as price, and durability, and are equally as beautiful and durable as natural diamonds found in the earth.
Lab grown diamonds are made in a controlled scientific environment, however
each diamond will still differ in quality exactly like natural mined diamonds.
Every lab grown diamond is graded using the 4Cs cut, color, clarity and carat
weight. This is true for both lab diamonds and natural diamonds. Diamonds
pricing is determined based on how it is graded in these categories. No two
diamonds will be exactly the same, whether lab grown or mined from the earth,
and with lab grown diamonds you can get a larger size in a higher quality for
much less than you can on a natural diamond of equal size and quality.