A lab-grown diamond may not come from deep within the earth, but it is just as real as its mined counterpart in every visual, physical, and chemical aspect. Only expert gemologists with specialised equipment can tell them apart. Unlike natural diamonds formed over millions of years, lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment using cutting-edge technology. One such method is Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)—a fascinating process that brings diamonds to life in a lab. Let’s explore how the CVD lab-grown diamond process works and what makes these diamonds a game-changer.
Understanding the Creation of CVD Diamonds
What is a CVD diamond? It is a real diamond with the same properties as a natural diamond and is as hard, durable, brilliant, and sparkling. CVD gems are also graded based on carat, colour, cut, and clarity. They are as prone to picking up flaws as their mined counterparts during growth. Flawless CVD diamonds are extremely rare, too. Now, let’s delve into the scientific, sophisticated, and fast CVD lab-grown diamond process:
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A thin diamond slice, around 10x10mm and with a thickness of 300 microns, is chosen carefully and cleaned extensively. Also called a diamond seed is usually obtained from a top-grade diamond created through the high-pressure and high-temperature process or a natural stone. Specialists ensure the seed is clean. Otherwise, trace imperfections might crystallise during growth, leading to inclusions.
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The next step of the CVD diamond-making process involves placing the seed in a plasma chamber that is sealed completely and heated to approximately 800°C. Then, gas rich in carbon is fed into the chamber till it is full.
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The extreme heat inside the chamber causes the carbon-loaded gas to ionise, which means the latter’s molecular bonds break and settle on the diamond seed. In other words, pure molecules of carbon bond with the diamond seed.
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The crystallisation process continues until a rough and fully formed diamond is generated.
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Post-creation, professionals cut a CVD lab-grown diamond to the desired shape. The stone then undergoes careful polishing for beauty and sparkle, followed by grading and certification.
Note that the best CVD diamonds lack nitrogen and are 100% carbon. And though these stones are sometimes referred to as synthetic diamonds, they are in no way artificial or fake. CVD gems are completely genuine since the CVD process mimics the natural diamond formation process to a T. The fact that they grow fast is an added advantage. Often, a 1-carat diamond takes less than a month to form, while smaller ones take only a few weeks.
Identifying CVD Diamonds
It is impossible to tell a CVD lab-grown diamond apart from a natural one without advanced gemological knowledge or access to specialised lab equipment. CVD and natural gems look identical to the naked eye. Under magnification, a CVD stone might reveal different strain patterns when compared to natural stones. However, finding a difference can still be a challenge. Experts with highly specialised equipment might be able to detect trace elements such as silicone, but for that, you need to deposit your gem at a top-notch laboratory.
Hence, leading brands provide the necessary certifications when selling CVD diamond jewellery, so you know how the gems were made and get a clear idea about their key quality parameters.
Why Buy CVD Diamonds?
There are multiple reasons why buying CVD diamond jewellery makes sense. For starters, CVD diamonds are physically, structurally, and chemically real diamonds. They are beautiful, dazzling, and long-lasting. Moreover:
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CVD diamonds usually cost less than natural ones. That is because the formation of natural gems spans billions of years, and mining is highly expensive and time-consuming. On the other hand, the CVD lab-grown diamond process is faster, more efficient, and doesn’t cost as much money. Hence, ornaments made of CVD gems are more affordable.
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Mining natural diamonds is extremely labour-intensive, often ethically problematic, and has environmental repercussions. Growing CVD diamonds requires a smaller (much more skilled and knowledgeable) workforce and is also sustainable from an ecological perspective. Shopping for CVD stones is more ethical as well.
Conclusion
Now that you are familiar with the CVD diamond-making process, you surely do not doubt that these gems are real diamonds created in a way that exactly replicates natural diamond formation. This lab-grown diamond process is also highly sophisticated, efficient, and fast.
Most importantly, as sparkling, gorgeous, durable, and hard as mined diamonds, CVD stones make for a sustainable, ethical, and cost-effective investment. While shopping for CVD diamond jewellery, choose a reputed brand that offers the right certifications so you can rest assured about the authenticity and quality of the gems.
FAQs
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Why are CVD diamonds often called synthetic diamonds?
Since CVD diamonds are manmade in a laboratory and under special conditions, unlike naturally mined diamonds, they are sometimes called synthetic diamonds. However, they are real diamonds; you shouldn’t confuse them with moissanite or cubic zirconia.
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Should I choose a CVD diamond over a natural diamond?
While the choice is personal and a mined diamond is nature’s miracle, CVD diamonds are more ethically made, environmentally sustainable, and cost less. Also, physically, chemically, and structurally, they are the same as natural diamonds.
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How to identify a CVD lab-grown diamond on my own?
It is impossible to differentiate a CVD diamond from a natural one by sight or touch. Even experienced gemmologists need advanced equipment for accurate identification. So, while buying jewellery, ensure you receive proper certifications that clearly state if the diamonds are CVD gems.