How Are Lab Diamonds Grown?

A Fascinating Look into the World of Lab Grown Diamonds

In recent years, lab grown diamonds have become increasingly popular as a more sustainable, ethical, and affordable alternative to natural diamonds. As a result, many people are now considering lab grown diamond engagement rings and other fine jewellery adorned with these stunning gemstones. At Ralph Jacobs Jewellers, we are proud to offer an exquisite selection of high-quality lab grown diamonds and believe it's essential to understand how these diamonds are created. In this informative blog post, we will explore the fascinating process behind lab grown diamonds and the advanced technology used to produce these beautiful, eco-friendly gemstones.

Table of Content

Understanding Lab Grown Diamonds
Methods of Growing Lab Diamonds
High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT)
Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)
Comparing Lab Grown Diamonds to Natural Diamonds

Understanding Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds, also known as lab, created diamonds, cultured diamonds, or manmade diamonds, are diamonds produced in a controlled laboratory environment using cutting-edge technology. Despite being created by humans, lab grown diamonds possess the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, which form deep within the Earth's crust over millions of years.

Methods of Growing Lab Diamonds

There are two primary methods used to create lab grown diamonds: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both processes recreate the conditions under which natural diamonds are formed, resulting in diamonds with a similar crystal structure and appearance to their Earth-mined counterparts.

1. High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT)

The HPHT method, developed in the 1950s, is the oldest and most established technique for growing lab diamonds. HPHT involves subjecting carbon to extremely high pressures and temperatures, mimicking the conditions found deep within the Earth's crust where natural diamonds form. There are three main types of HPHT processes:

Belt Press:

In this process, a carbon source, such as graphite or diamond powder, is placed in a growth cell with a metal catalyst. The growth cell is then subjected to extremely high pressures and temperatures (up to 60,000 atmospheres and 1,500°C) using two large anvils. The carbon atoms in the growth cell dissolve into the metal catalyst, and as the temperature and pressure decrease, the carbon atoms crystallize into a diamond.

Cubic Press:

Like the belt press, the cubic press uses six anvils to apply pressure to the growth cell. This allows for the creation of larger diamonds, as the pressure is distributed more evenly.

BARS Press:

In the BARS press method, a cylindrical growth cell is placed inside a large, high-pressure chamber filled with coolant. Pressure is applied to the chamber using a hydraulic press, while an electrical current heat the cell. The BARS press method is known for producing some of the highest-quality lab grown diamonds.

2. Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)

The CVD method, developed in the 1980s, is a more recent technique for growing lab diamonds. CVD involves using a gas mixture containing carbon, typically methane, which is exposed to high temperatures (around 800°C) and low pressures in a vacuum chamber. The carbon atoms in the gas break down and deposit onto a substrate, such as a diamond seed or a silicon wafer, gradually forming a diamond crystal. This method allows for greater control over the diamond's growth process and produces high-quality diamonds with fewer inclusions.

Comparing Lab Grown Diamonds to Natural Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds offer several advantages over natural diamonds, including:

1. Ethical Sourcing:

Unlike natural diamonds, which have a long history of being linked to conflict and human rights abuses in countries such as South Africa, lab grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment, ensuring a conflict-free and ethically sourced product.

2. Environmental Sustainability:

The process of mining natural diamonds can cause significant damage to the environment, including habitat destruction, soil erosion, and water pollution. In contrast, lab grown diamonds have a much smaller environmental footprint and require far fewer resources to produce.

3. Affordability:

Lab grown diamonds are generally more affordable than their natural counterparts, as the cost of production is lower. This allows consumers to purchase a larger, higher-quality lab grown diamond engagement ring for the same price as a smaller, lower-quality natural diamond.

4. Quality and Consistency:

The controlled laboratory conditions under which lab grown diamonds are created allow for greater control over the quality and consistency of the final product. Lab grown diamonds can be produced with fewer inclusions and in a wider range of colours, offering consumers more options when selecting the perfect diamond.

5. Diamond Testers:

Lab grown diamonds are virtually indistinguishable from natural diamonds to the naked eye, and even most diamond testers cannot tell the difference. Only specialized equipment, such as advanced spectroscopy devices or machines that can detect the unique growth patterns of lab grown diamonds, can reliably distinguish between the two.

Conclusion

Understanding how lab grown diamonds are created is essential when considering a lab grown diamond engagement ring or other fine jewellery. The advanced technology used to produce these stunning gemstones ensures that they are not only beautiful and high-quality but also ethically sourced and environmentally friendly.

At Ralph Jacobs Jewellers, we are proud to offer a wide selection of exquisite lab grown diamonds and are dedicated to helping our customers make informed decisions about their jewellery purchases. If you have any questions about lab grown diamonds or would like to explore our collection, please do not hesitate to contact our knowledgeable team. We are always here to help you find the perfect symbol of your love and commitment.

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