Diamonds are the most popular gemstones for jewelry. It is a symbol of love and social status. Natural diamonds are expensive and classy. Through modern science, the replication of its beauty is possible in laboratories. It uses the exact mechanism of diamond formation mined in the earth’s crust. The procedure is delicate and requires attention to detail. If you want to buy diamonds that have high quality, Rarecarat is a reliable source. It contains a selection, unlike any other store. It offers different types of cuts, clarity, carats, and more. You can have them as loose stones or attached to a ring. The lab diamond choices in Rarecarat are impressive. How did they manage to have a comprehensive selection? Check out the secrets of creating lab-grown diamonds.
How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Created?
The basic concept of diamond formation is the application of high pressure and temperature. Its prime material is carbon, which took years to form underneath the earth. Miners dig ninety to one hundred twenty-five miles deep to get these beauties.
Lab-grown diamonds apply this concept in two popular methods. The procedures are called Chemical Vapor Deposition and High-Pressure High Temperature.
1. High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT)
It is a procedure similar to the natural process. Carbon crystallizes with the application of high pressure and temperature. It copies the environment beneath the crust of the earth. HPHT heats the growth chamber between 1300-1600 ?C. The pressure is 870,000 pounds per square inch applied.
The carbon atoms precipitate, and the diamond seed crystal formation happens. It is the beginning of the synthetic diamond growth. This method was first introduced in the 1950s has become a big industry. In the eyes of a diamond expert, HPHT diamonds have a yellowish or brownish-yellow color.
2. Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)
It is a method that uses less energy. The development of this procedure began in the 1970s. The base material for this method is the HPHT seed crystal. Inside a CVD reactor, the seed is in position. A combination of methane and hydrogen gasses comes in. A microwave beam heats the gasses. Due to the high temperature, the gas molecules split. It gets attracted to the colder area of the chamber. That is where the seed lies.
The molecules rain down on the seed, and it grows into a diamond. Once done, the product looks very rough and cube-shaped. Laser cutting removes the excess carbon layers. HPHT application is next. It is called the post-growth treatment. It is necessary to get rid of the yellow-brownish color.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lab-Grown Diamonds:
- How long does it take to make a lab-grown diamond?
The procedure will take about one to two weeks. It’s quicker than natural diamonds that need to grow for years.
- Why are lab-grown diamonds environmentally friendly?
Mining can cause deforestation, dust accumulation, water, and air pollution. It deforms the earth’s surface. The destruction it brings is permanent. Lab-grown diamonds do not require these harsh procedures that ruin the environment.
- Lab-grown diamonds use a lot of energy. Does it mean it has a huge carbon footprint?
Lab-grown diamonds do use a lot of energy. However, the power source does not readily equate with coal or fossil fuel. It can come from renewable energy like solar, hydrothermal, or wind.
- If lab-grown diamonds are as good as natural ones, why is there a huge price difference?
Natural diamonds have higher rarity and uniqueness. They take years to form underneath the earth’s crust. No natural diamond is the same.
- Does lab-grown diamonds require special care?
Lab-grown diamonds are as tough as natural ones. However, to retain their luster, it is best to keep them away from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light. Since the seed formation is by the HTHP method, UV light can make it cloudy.
Final Thoughts:
Observing by the naked eye, it is hard to distinguish natural and lab-grown diamonds. The two use the same method, high pressure, and temperature. They also use the same material, carbon. Cutting and polishing procedures are similar. The only difference is the time it takes to make them. Natural ones require years, while lab-grown ones take only a week. And as the law of supply and demand states, it is why lab-grown diamonds are cheaper. Lab diamonds are pretty and high value for money. It is worth buying diamonds that are lab-grown in Rarecarat. Each item undergoes rigid inspection with the client’s satisfaction in mind.
