The Complete Beginner’s Guide To Lab Grown Diamond Formation

Lab grown diamonds also referred to as CVD diamonds, are man made diamonds formed under a controlled environment. This process replicates the natural formation process from a seed to a sparkling lab grown diamond. Although lab made gems look identical to natural diamonds- but yet most controversial question that many people ask is- Are lab grown diamonds real? 

Yes, lab grown diamond is indeed real, sharing the same crystal structure, physical properties & chemical composition as their natural counterparts. The key difference lies in their formation process. Not only this there are two different ways in which lab grown diamonds are forms such as:

• chemical vapor deposition [CVD] or 
• high pressure-temperature [HPHT]

HPHT Method– A small diamond seed is embedded in carbon & subjected to extreme conditions. Under the pressure of around 1.5 million pounds per square inch and high temperature, it melts down the carbon and gradually forms a diamond around the seed. 

CVD Method– A small diamond seed, often an HPHT diamond, is positioned within a sealed chamber. The chamber is subjected to high temperatures & filled with carbon-rich gases, such as methane and hydrogen. Results in the formation of a new diamond. 

But have you ever thought about- how CVD technology is transforming lab grown diamond formation? To answer this question below in the article we have listed the whole process of how CVD diamonds are made using CVD technology.  

From A Seed To Sparkle: How Lab Grown Diamonds Made With CVD Technology

Step 1: Diamond Seed selection

The process starts with a small piece of diamond seed or crystal. This seed will act as a foundation for the new diamond to grow upon. Serving as the fundamental building block for the new diamond, the seed’s quality & attributes are crucial in shaping the final lab grown diamond.

Step 2: Preparing the growth chamber

After the careful selection of the diamond seed, it is then placed in a reactor chamber, filled with a mixture of gases such as methane and hydrogen. These chambers are designed to replicate the precise conditions required for natural diamond formation, making it essential when considering lab grown diamonds vs natural diamonds. To maintain its ideal condition the chamber is securely sealed, ensuring a meticulously controlled atmosphere. 

Step 3: Cleaning & preparing the seed

The next stage in the process focuses on refining the diamond seed further. This rigorous cleaning ensures the production of a pure & top-quality lab grown diamond. Subsequently, the seed is attentively prepared by eliminating any surface imperfections that might obstruct the development of the new diamond. 

Step 4: Create a plasma environment

The birth of lab grown diamonds begins with the creation of a controlled plasma environment within a specialized growth chamber. Here’s how it works: A blend of carbon-rich gases, including methane, is introduced into the chamber. These gases are subjected to intense heat, causing them to undergo a transformation. This process breaks down their molecular structure, liberating carbon atoms in the process. 

Step 5: Deposition of carbon atoms

These freed carbon atoms settle on the diamond seed & gradually build up its structure layer by layer. This gradual accumulation leads to the formation of a new diamond. The deposition process is conducted with precision & control, ensuring that the carbon atom aligns in the correct configuration.  

Step 6: Growth and diamond formation

As time passes, the lab grown diamond steadily expands layer by layer. The duration of this growth process may span weeks or even months, contingent on the intended size & quality of the diamonds. 

Step 7: Cooling and cleaning

Once the desired Quality and size are achieved, the growth chamber cools down, stabilizing the newly formed lab grown diamond. It is then meticulously extracted & undergoes a thorough cleaning to eliminate any remaining impurities. 

Step 8: Cutting & polishing 

Once the rough lab grown diamond is cultivated, it undergoes the same cutting and polishing process as natural diamonds. Expert skillful people shape its perfection, enhancing its brilliance and sparkle. 

Step 9: Grading & Certification

Before it reaches the market, each diamond is rigorously assessed and graded. It is important as it ensures customers that they are purchasing the best quality lab grown diamonds. These standards are used to determine the diamond’s value and marketability. 

Conclusion

Now that we know the intricate process of creating stunning gems with CVD technology. Make sure to look for certified and graded lab grown diamonds manufacturer USA in order to receive what you are paying for. Find your perfect lab grown diamonds at Bhanderi Lab grown Diamonds. 

FAQs 

1. What exactly is the CVD method for lab grown diamonds? 

It is a sustainable technique that mimics the natural diamond-forming process in a controlled environment. It involves placing a small diamond seed in a sealed chamber filled with carbon gases. These gases are ionized, which breaks down their molecular structure and allows pure carbon to bind to the diamond seed layer by layer.  

• What are the differences between CVD diamonds and lab grown diamonds?

CVD diamonds are a type of lab grown diamond produced through the chemical vapor deposition process. On the other hand, lab grown diamonds is a broader term that encompasses diamonds produced through various techniques such as HPHT. CVD diamonds are formed by the deposition of carbon from gases onto a diamond seed. Other lab grown diamonds, on the other hand, use high-pressure and high-temperature methods. But both result in genuine diamonds with the same chemical composition & physical properties as natural ones.    

• How long does it take for a diamond to develop from CVD? 

The time taken for a diamond to form with CVD is determined by the expected size of the diamond as well as the accuracy of the technique used. However, it typically takes a few weeks for lab grown diamonds to grow. For ex- 1 carat Lab grown diamonds are grown in less than two weeks, while larger diamonds may take up to six weeks to form.

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