Whether you are shopping for a lab-grown diamond or a natural stone, there are two main methods to grow these gems hpht vs cvd.
Both of these processes produce synthetic diamonds that have the same atomic, physical, and optical properties as real diamonds. These diamonds are also more sustainable and ethical than natural stones because they don’t require the extraction of tonnes of earth to create them.
What is a lab-grown diamond?
A lab-grown diamond is a man-made diamond that mimics the same chemical, optical, and physical properties and crystal structure of natural diamonds. It’s a great choice for those wanting to get the look of a diamond without breaking the bank.
The process is similar to how diamonds are created naturally, by putting carbon under extreme heat and pressure. However, labs use either high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to grow the diamonds.
HPHT is the more common technique, and it recreates a diamond’s natural growing environment deep within the earth. The process involves heating carbon-containing gas to a temperature of 700degC to 1300degC, and then depositing it on a diamond seed.
These lab-grown diamonds can be made in many different colors, including pink. They’re also much more affordable than mined diamonds, making them a popular option for those on a budget.
When it comes to lab-grown diamonds, there are two main types: hpht vs cvd. These two methods produce diamonds that have the same atomic, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds; therefore, they look similar to mined diamonds when skillfully cut.
During the HPHT process, a diamond seed is exposed to high pressures and high temperatures. These conditions mimic those found deep within the Earth, where natural diamonds are formed.
In this process, a small diamond seed is placed in a chamber and subjected to high pressures and temperatures for weeks or months. During this time, the diamond grows larger as pure carbon is added.
When you’re looking for a lab-grown diamond, make sure to choose a certificate that mentions the type of growing method used. Then, you can rest easy knowing that your purchase will be safe and secure.
How do HPHT and CVD diamonds differ?
A diamond is created in the lab through two different methods: chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and high pressure, high temperature (HPHT). While both procedures create synthetic diamonds that are similar to natural ones, they produce different results.
During the HPHT process, a tiny diamond seed is placed into a tiny bit of pure carbon that’s exposed to extreme heat and pressure. It replicates the way diamonds are formed in earth’s crust.
The high temperatures and pressure force the carbon to melt, forming a diamond around the seed. This procedure takes about a million years to form naturally in the earth’s crust, but it can be achieved much faster in the lab.
In the CVD method, a diamond seed is put into a chamber and heated to 800 degrees celsius. Other carbon gases are ionized into plasma to fuse with the diamond seed and grow it layer by layer, creating a cubic shape.
Which type of diamond is right for you?
When it comes to choosing the perfect diamond, it is important to consider a few factors. These factors include cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
While many people think of the ‘four Cs’ when purchasing a diamond, other factors such as shape can also play a big role in determining which diamond is right for you.
If you are looking for a stone with maximum sparkle, opt for a round brilliant. It is a traditional and popular cut that will work for a variety of finger sizes and shapes.
Another option is a princess or cushion cut diamond. These shapes have a more symmetrical design than rounds, making them look more elegant on most fingers.
While these cuts aren’t as sparkly as rounds, they can often be 20-40% cheaper. In addition, they hide inclusions better than step-cut shapes like emerald and asscher.
