These days it is easy to get confused between real diamonds and lab-grown diamonds. Both have the same composition and structure because they are 100% real diamonds composed of pure carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure. They have the same physical, chemical and optical properties and yet they are so vastly different. Why? Because natural diamonds take billions of years to form and lab-grown diamonds are what they claim to be – grown in a lab in 3-6 weeks’ time. This blog explains how they are grown, cut and turned into jewellery. If you are looking for lab grown diamonds, this will help you understand what you are buying.
What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?
A lab grown diamond is grown in a lab in a controlled environment. There is no mining involved and yet it is manufactured to have the same crystal structure. Though grown in a lab, the diamonds will have the same hardness and the same sparkle. Catching the difference between natural and lab-grown is not easy – only an expert with special lab equipment can show the difference.
The Science Behind Diamond Creation
The carbon atoms of diamonds are set in a tight and repeating pattern. Years of pressure while being inside the earth push carbon into that pattern. It is this pattern that the earth copies – complete with the heat and pressure of the earth. That is one way of creating diamonds. There is another way and that is by building crystals from gas.
How the CVD Method Works
CVD or chemical vapour deposition is the process by which lab-grown diamonds work. The seed sits inside a sealed vacuum chamber. The chamber is filled with a carbon-rich gas. This is usually a mix of methane and hydrogen.
The ovens heat the gas until it is a ball of glowing plasma. The gas disintegrates and gives off carbon atoms, which drift down onto the seed and cling in layers. They aren’t very hot (900-1,400C) but the pressure is low.
Once it grows, it can take three to four weeks for the process to complete. The procedure can be stopped a number of times so the surface can be polished and growth is even.
How the HPHT Method Works
HPHT is short for High Pressure, High Temperature. This is an old process that was used in the 1950s. It simulates conditions that are equivalent to several miles below the earth’s surface.
A seed and a carbon source are inserted into the press .The press crushes them together under extremely high pressure – about 5 to 6 gigapascals – and heats them to about 1,300 to 1,600C. A molten metal aids the dissolving and diffusing of the carbon atom to the seed. The coarse crystal will start growing and will continue over the weeks.
How Diamond Crystals Develop in the Laboratory
The crystal will start growing from the seed and copy the structure. One crystal grows from one seed and that way it is possible to have any number of seeds based on the chamber size and the number of seeds. Once the crystal comes out, it will be cut and polished to make it shine and then it will look like a real diamond.
Cutting and Polishing Diamonds
Cutting and polishing the diamonds is an art. The process is almost similar to mined diamonds. Once the rough crystal is ready, it is the time for the diamond cutter to step in and cut the diamond. This is one of the most important steps in diamond making. They will do the best to keep as much weight as possible and to bring out the best sparkle.
How Technology Influences Diamond Quality
Technology plays an important role in bringing out the beauty and quality of the diamonds. The chamber has to be clean and the conditions have to be perfect. When the conditions are not perfect that might cause the diamonds to look colored. So the setup has to be perfectly controlled for the diamonds to be in perfect crystal color. Graders look at the 4Cs: cut, colour, clarity and carat. Labs like IGI and GIA grade lab grown diamonds.
How Lab Grown Diamonds Become Finished Jewellery
The jeweller gets the graded diamonds and uses it for their setting. They use 18k white, yellow or rose gold to set the stone by hand according to customer specifications or a design they have planned. The final piece will then be finished and polished.
The jeweller uses the lab-grown diamonds to set whatever piece they want – rings, earrings and necklaces.
Why Choose Lab Grown Diamonds From Layali Gold & Diamonds?
Layali Gold & Diamonds is based in Sharjah and serves shoppers from Dubai and Sharjah. We deal in the best quality lab grown diamonds in Dubai because our pieces are graded by bodies like IGI or GIA. You can see the cut, colour, clarity and carat on the certificate before you pay. You can buy rings, necklaces and earrings in 18k gold or get customised pieces.
Conclusion
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. There is no mining involved, only careful technology. CVD builds them from gas, and HPHT grows them under heat and pressure (mimicking inside the earth environment). Both real and lab-grown diamonds have to be cut, graded and set in the same manner. Interested in the process. Visit our shop to know more!