Before deciding whether or not you want a Lab grown diamonds cvd, there are some essential things to consider. One of those is how to tell the difference between one from a lab-grown mined diamond!
When growing diamonds in a laboratory, two main processes are HPHT and CVD. Each has its advantages and drawbacks, so it’s essential to know what qualities to evaluate when making an informed decision.
Colour
Lab-grown diamonds cvd vs hpht come in a range of colours, from light icy white to warm yellowish brown. Although these differences may be difficult for some people to discern, they do not reflect on the diamond’s quality.
HPHT and CVD are two popular processes for growing diamonds in a laboratory setting. Each has its advantages as well as drawbacks.
CVD (chemical vapour deposition) – This process utilizes a chemical vapour deposition system to grow diamonds. It begins with a diamond seed which then undergoes intense pressure and temperature conditions to form an initial rough diamond.
However, this process may not always be successful and the diamond may end up with low-grade colour or poor clarity. In such cases, laboratories will use post-growth treatment to enhance its appearance.
In addition to colour, HPHT and CVD lab-grown diamonds differ in other aspects such as graining patterns, phosphorescence, and inclusions. Jewellery professionals must understand these distinctions so they can correctly identify them when selecting a diamond for their clientele.
Clarity
Lab-Grown Diamonds are created in a laboratory through chemical vaper deposition (CVD).
This method involves placing the seed of a natural diamond into a vacuum chamber and heating it to over 1000 degrees Celsius. The carbon-rich gas then turns into plasma, allowing layers to form and the diamond to grow.
Generally, lab-created diamonds are colourless and free from metallic inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye. However, some lower clarity graded lab-created diamonds may have minor imperfections which can only be observed under a magnifying glass or microscope.
The two primary lab-grown diamond processes are High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD). Both processes produce diamonds that are physically, chemically, and optically identical to natural diamonds; their only distinction lies in the growth process.
Carat
Two popular methods for producing lab-grown diamonds are chemical vaper deposition (CVD) and high pressure, high temperature (HPHT). CVD involves depositing carbon-rich gases onto a diamond seed in order to form crystals. HPHT utilizes high pressure and high temperature conditions during the formation process of creating the diamond crystal.
Diamond seeds are then exposed to temperatures of about 1500 degrees Celsius and pressures of 1.5 million pounds per square inch, conditions similar to what natural diamonds experience deep beneath the Earth’s crust.
Similar to mined diamonds, lab-grown stones are graded by certified laboratories such as GIA or IGI on the 4Cs of diamond quality: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. These grades are printed onto a laser imprint on the girdle of the diamond which can only be seen under magnification.
Although they contain certain differences, lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical to natural diamonds and possess almost uncanny optical similarities. Without the assistance of a trained jeweller, it’s difficult to tell the difference between them without an expert eye.
Cut
Lab-Grown Diamonds are naturally formed diamonds grown in a laboratory setting. Their chemical makeup and optical properties are identical to natural diamonds, though their size and shape may differ slightly.
Natural diamonds take billions of years to form, while lab created diamonds are created through a controlled laboratory process. This means they do not undergo the same conditions and environmental stress that naturally formed diamonds undergo as they develop deep within the earth.
Laboratory-grown diamonds can be created through two methods: high pressure, high temperature (HPHT) and chemical vapour deposition (CVD). While these processes produce diamonds that look physically and chemically identical to naturally formed gems, they may not be as clear or flawless.
Conclusion
One major advantage of lab-grown diamonds is their cost effectiveness compared to mined ones. This is because natural diamond mining requires extensive energy inputs, heavy machinery and environmental pollution for extensive production.
