How Lab Grown Diamonds Are Made

As technology and scientific expertise progresses, humans have found ways to replicate the natural world. Whether it be growing foods that are bigger and more plentiful than in generations past or medicines that supplement deficiencies in our bodies, we have found ways to work past natural limitations. Diamonds are no different. The biggest positive in the differences between lab grown diamonds and mined diamonds are that lab grown diamonds improve on the difficulties faced when mining diamonds. Without having to deal with limited reserves and socioeconomic controversies, lab diamonds are able to provide consumers with the same product they desire with less of a negative impact.

 

From Myth to Mastercraft

So how are they actually made? Lab grown diamonds, also referred to as man made diamonds or engineered diamonds, are formed by simulating the conditions that diamonds experience while naturally forming over billions of years.

 

The idea of conjuring diamonds at will has been a fantasy as old as time but Scientists have been trying to replicate diamonds since the late 18th Century. In 1797, it was discovered that diamonds are a form of pure carbon. Centuries would pass as scientists tried to produce their own diamonds by exposing carbon to high pressure and temperatures. It wouldn’t be until the mid 20th century, when scientists, such as Percy Bridgman and Tracy Hall would establish the methods we use today. In the decades since, laboratory diamond techniques have been mastered to a point where it is now financially viable to produce lab made diamonds for public consumption.

 

There are two methods that are most popular when it comes to creating diamonds in a laboratory. Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and High Pressure High Temperature (HTHP). These practices originated from Bridgman and Hall’s studies and are now commonplace for lab grown diamond companies.

 

Both the CVD and HPHT methods utilize diamond seeds. Diamond seeds are small samples of mined diamonds used to start the diamond growing process. Usually a type IIA diamond seed is used as it provides a high quality starting point. These diamond seeds might be miniscule but they are just what is needed to kick off the chemical reaction necessary to form diamonds.

Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Diamonds

CVD diamonds are formed when a diamond seed reacts to hydrocarbon gasses under low pressure microwaves. In normal circumstances this process would create a carbon byproduct like grafite. In the controlled environment of a CVD growth chamber the gas creates a plasma, whose molecules break apart at a high enough temperature and the carbon bonds with the diamond seed.

Initially, CVD growth chambers could only process one diamond seed at a time but as technology has improved, so has the capabilities of CVD. The best lab grown diamond companies can take on dozens of diamond seeds at a time.

High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT)

HPHT diamonds are formed by providing pressure and high temperatures to a diamond seed and carbon. This strenuous process provides the tension needed to trigger the chemical reaction needed to form diamonds.

 

The HPHT process is a replication of the natural diamond growing process. Instead of having the natural pressures and temperatures beneath the earth form diamonds over billions of years, we are able to recreate that same conditions in a controlled environment; allows us to speed up the process.

 

Another positive of creating diamonds in a controlled environment such as a lab is that the diamonds cannot be contaminated and are as pure as can be. In nature, diamonds often have other chemicals entering the formation process, diluting the purity of the finished product. Laboratory grown diamonds can guarantee that they’ve been watched every step of the way, ensuring we provide the best lab created diamonds available.

 

 

Postformation

Whether using the CVD method or the HPHT method the outcome should be the same; a high quality diamond. Now that the formation process is over, the diamond goes through the same process of cleaning and shaping that a mined diamond would go through. Clearing away any ecess carbon and creating the clean cuts that make a diamond a true object of adoration. To the human eye a manufactured diamond and a mined diamond are identical.

Colors and Other Possibilities

One of the unique and great possibilities available with lab grown diamond is the amount of options for creating a special gem. As stated before, lab diamonds are formed in a controlled environment, adding color or increasing size is only a matter of demand. If you are looking for a fancy pink engagement ring lab grown diamonds are your way to go. Aside from the previously mentioned carbons, adding color pigment is an easy solution to providing new options in designer jewelry. Blue yellow and pink diamonds are popular options that show diamonds in a new light.

 

The other big opportunity in lab diamonds is the ability to provide sizes only imaginable for royalty. Increasing the ratio of the diamond growing process is the key to providing gems that would usually be impossible to afford. Of course there are limits when it comes to lab capabilities and consumer demand but if you’re looking to go big you’d be pressed to find a mined diamond of similar size.

 

Conclusion

At first it might seem strange that diamonds can be made in a lab but once you know how it actually works it's not actually so different. It’s less about finding a new way to acquire diamonds and more about replicating the earth’s natural methods and working from there. By simulating the same pressure and temperature that a natural diamond goes through we aren’t creating a near diamond we’re creating the real thing.

 

This centuries long process of trial and error has taught us that creating diamonds is less like witchcraft and more like growing any other natural produce. Diamond growing is a science that is always evolving. While we are able to create some truly extraordinary jewels at this moment, who knows what we might be capable of providing in the coming years?

 

Whether it be a demand for jewelry or manufacturing needs the popularity of diamonds is here to stay. Regardless of if it’s for practicality or adornment, diamonds are an intrinsic mineral that we covet more than most but like any natural resource it is limited. Lab diamonds solve this issue allowing for more opportunities to be had. Especially when traditional diamond suppliers limit their supply or threaten scarcity through methods of questionable ethics.

 

Lab diamonds serve as an option that provides more opportunities, is less detrimental to the environment, and overall less costly. Getting a quality stone that offers more of what you are looking for with less boundaries restricted by inventory, price, or physical limitations.

 

With all the possibilities available, buying a diamond engagement ring should have a lot more options thanks to lab grown diamonds.