Artificially Created Diamonds

Discover the fascinating world of artificially created diamonds, also known as Lab Grown Diamonds. These diamonds are produced in laboratories and offer an environmentally friendly alternative to natural diamonds. Learn step by step how these unique stones are formed.

Selection of the Diamond Seed:

The process begins with the careful selection of a tiny diamond seed. This seed serves as the starting point for the growth of the artificial diamond.

High Pressure High Temperature Process (HPHT):

In the HPHT process, the diamond seed is placed in a growth cell. Carbon and a metallic liquid are added. Under extremely high pressure (70 Kbar) and high temperature (1,500º C), the diamond forms by mimicking the natural conditions inside the Earth.

Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD):

In the CVD process, thin diamond plates are placed in vacuum plasma reactors. Hydrocarbon gas and methane are introduced. Molecules are broken down by laser or microwaves, and carbon atoms deposit atom by atom onto the diamond plates. This process allows the development of diamonds with improved color and brilliance.

Diamond Cutting and Polishing:

After growth, the artificial diamonds undergo cutting and polishing. An experienced diamond cutter ensures the ideal shape and proportions are achieved to produce a sparkling diamond.

Identification and Quality:

Lab Grown Diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. Qualified gemologists can distinguish between artificial and natural diamonds. Quality is assessed by the 4Cs (Carat, Cut, Color, Clarity).

Advantages of Lab Grown Diamonds

Lab Grown Diamonds offer a variety of advantages:

• Affordability: Lab Grown Diamonds are generally more affordable than natural diamonds. Initially, they were about 20% cheaper; today, they can be found for 40-60% less than natural diamonds.
• Environmental Friendliness: Their production often causes less environmental impact compared to diamond mining. Especially lab diamonds produced with 100% renewable energy show a positive environmental footprint.
• Variety: Modern technologies enable the creation of diamonds in various shapes and sizes. Lab Grown Diamonds offer options that natural diamonds may not have.
• Transparency: Laboratory production allows for more precise traceability and transparency in the supply chain. This is particularly important for ethically minded consumers.
• Quality and Identification: Lab Grown Diamonds can exhibit similar physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. Gemologists often can only detect differences using specialized instruments.
• Future Prospects: The technology for producing Lab Grown Diamonds is constantly evolving. The future promises greater variety, improved quality, and possibly even wider market acceptance. Lab Grown Diamonds could become a sustainable and ethical choice for jewelry lovers.

Disadvantages of Lab Grown Diamonds

Despite their advantages, Lab Grown Diamonds also have some disadvantages:

• Perception and Tradition: Some buyers still prefer natural diamonds due to tradition and perception. The romantic notion of a natural diamond remains unmatched for many.
• Uniqueness and History: Artificially created diamonds lack the natural uniqueness and historical significance of natural diamonds. Natural diamonds often carry a historical or sentimental story.
• Market Acceptance: Although Lab Grown Diamonds are gaining popularity, there is still uncertainty and reservations regarding their market acceptance. Some markets continue to favor the authenticity of natural diamonds.

Quality and Identification

Lab Grown Diamonds can compete in quality and beauty with natural diamonds. They exhibit similar physical, chemical, and optical properties. Gemologists often can only distinguish the difference with specialized instruments.

Future Prospects

The technology for producing Lab Grown Diamonds is continuously advancing. The future promises greater variety, improved quality, and possibly even wider market acceptance. Lab Grown Diamonds could become a sustainable and ethical choice for jewelry lovers.