To create lab-grown diamonds, there are two primary processes utilized in the laboratory setting:
High-Pressure, High-Temperature (HPHT) Method:In this method, lab-grown diamonds are produced using high-pressure, high-temperature conditions similar to those found in the Earth’s mantle where natural diamonds are formed. HPHT diamond growth occurs at pressures of 5–6 GPa (equivalent to the average pressure exerted by a commercial jet plane touching down) and temperatures ranging from 1300 to 1600°C.
Lab-grown or natural diamonds can undergo the HPHT process to enhance their color. This treatment can not only make diamonds more colorless but also be used to impart colors such as pink, blue, or yellow. The diamond is then referred to as a “processed” diamond. This treatment is detailed in certificates from international gemology laboratories such as IGI, GIA, IDL, and HRD.
Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Method: This technique allows scientists to grow lab-grown diamonds using moderate temperatures (700°C to 1300°C) and lower pressures. Carbon-containing gas is pumped into a vacuum chamber, crystallizing as lab-grown diamonds and accumulating on a diamond seed. The final size of the diamond depends on the time allowed for growth.
Both methods contribute to the production of high-quality lab-grown diamonds, each with its unique characteristics and applications in various industries, including jewelry.
