How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made? Uncovering the Methods

Lab-grown diamonds are becoming increasingly popular day by day, with celebrities, such as Lady Gaga, Emma Watson, and Meghan Markle, wearing them and benefiting from them. You can purchase quality Lab Grown Diamonds Dallas from Eaton Custom Jewelers. But let us ask, how are these diamonds created? Do you know that? Many know that lab-grown diamonds are created in laboratories, but might not be aware of the complete process that creates these diamonds.

We have compiled a blog that covers the methods used to create lab-grown diamonds. Stay tuned till the end if you want to learn about these processes.

Two Methods of Creating Lab-Grown Diamonds

The two methods for creating lab-grown diamonds are HPHT (high-pressure high-temperature) and CVD (chemical vapor deposition). Keep reading for a better understanding of both methods.

The HPHT Process

In this section, we discuss how the HPHT or high-pressure high-temperature process of creating diamonds inside labs works.

Replicating Natural Conditions

The HPHT replicates the extreme temperature and pressure found only deep within the Earth.

Growth Process

The HPHT process begins by placing a small diamond seed along with a carbon source inside a chamber, where it is exposed to extreme pressure—several hundred thousand PSI—and temperatures reaching around 1500°C.

Crystal Growth

Under these intense conditions, the carbon source melts and integrates with the diamond seed, allowing it to grow gradually, layer by layer, into a complete diamond.

Metal Catalyst

Usually, a metal catalyst is used to facilitate the dissolution and precipitation of the carbon source.

Variations

The process utilizes various presses, including belt, cubic, or split-sphere, to create the necessary conditions for growing a diamond in the laboratory.

The CVD Process

This is the second method, the CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) process of creating lab-grown diamonds.

Chemical Process

The CVD process involves heating hydrocarbon gases, including methane, at high temperatures to break them down and form small carbon atoms.

Plasma Formation

The heating process does not end when gases become atoms; it continues till they become a plasma. At its core, this plasma is a superheated gas comprising charged particles.

Layer-By-Layer Growth

The charged particles of heated gas are then deposited layer by layer onto a diamond seed. Over time, the tiny seed transforms into a full-grown diamond crystal ready to be used in jewelry.

Controlled Environment

The complete CVD process occurs in a low-pressure chamber, with control of gas concentrations and temperature.

Generally, creating a diamond in a lab takes between 8 and 10 weeks, which is much faster compared to natural ones, which require millions of years to create. Lab-grown diamonds are also much more affordable, have fewer imperfections, and are environmentally friendly. If you want to buy lab-grown diamonds for your girl, you can find them in different colors like red, blue, green, and white. Moreover, these diamonds come in various shapes, such as round, pear, and oval.

Do you want to buy lab-grown diamonds in Dallas at affordable prices without compromising the quality? We are Eaton Custom Jewelers, and we can provide you with the same. Call us to book your appointment or visit our store directly.