Lab-grown gems are rewriting the story of brilliance in the ever-evolving world of diamonds.
And there comes CVD diamonds having uncanny resemblance to the natural diamonds but they are created in a laboratories by Chemical Vapor Deposition.
Lab grown diamonds are eco-friendly diamonds, very identical to their natural counterparts in every aspect. These synthetic diamonds are cultivated through two different methods High Pressure High Temperature (HTPT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Diamonds produced through these methods are named CVD and HTPT diamonds.
What are CVD Diamonds?
CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) diamond is a laboratory-created diamond produced under controlled conditions. Physically, chemically, and optically, this diamond is similar to mined diamonds. These durable diamonds are comparatively less expensive than natural diamonds. Considering the growing scarcity of mined diamonds, synthetic diamond technologies have given rise to CVD diamonds.
Science Involved in CVD Diamonds
The natural diamond formation process is replicated at the molecular level in a laboratory to produce CVD diamonds. Process involves conversion of carbon-heavy gasses into plasma through vacuum chambers.
Step by Step CVD Process:
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This step involves placing a high-quality diamond seed crystal in a vacuum chamber to initiate the process.
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Carbon rich gas mixture is pumped into chamber, at high temperatures.
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Carbon gas breaks down to carbon atoms and accumulates on the top of diamond seed.
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For several weeks the process continues and a rough square shape diamond is formed.
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Then these rough diamonds are cut in shapes and polished using high end technology to make them beautiful gems for jewelry.
CVD Diamonds are Not Fake Diamonds
CVD diamonds or man made diamonds are fascinating products of advanced technology, that have revolutionized diamond industry. These diamonds carry same chemical composition, so are equally hard and durable like their mined partners.
They are identical in their physical and optical traits, so we get same brilliance and appeal too. CVD diamonds are real diamonds that are eco-friendly and affordable too.
CVD Diamonds and Other Diamonds
A number of similarities and differences can be noticed between CVD and Natural diamonds or CVD diamonds or HTPT diamonds. Although all these forms of diamonds are similar in appearance and chemical composition, but their formation process is very different.
CVD Diamonds and Mined Diamonds
Mined diamonds and CVD diamonds are similar in appearance and even a gemologist with a naked eye, can not differentiate them. They both dazzle with intense sparkle and exhibit exceptional durability too. A few things like their origin and price differentiates them.
Besides that natural diamonds take million of years to reach market, while CVD are produced in just weeks or months. CVD diamonds are mostly flawless, as they are produced under the supervision of experts. While natural diamonds can carry few flaws. Traditional diamonds carry a premium price tag, while CVD are a less expensive, eco-friendly and sustainable option.
CVD Diamonds and HTPT Diamonds
HPHT (High Pressure and High Temperature) Diamonds are synthetic diamonds like CVD, but differ in their formation process. Extreme conditions like natural diamonds are required for the cultivation of High temperature and high pressure diamonds making them more expensive than CVD diamonds.
Most of the CVD diamonds grow in a cubic shape, while the HTPT method results in a complex cuboctahedral shape. This occurs because carbon attaches to the diamond in 14 different directions during the HTPT process.
How CVD Diamonds are Changing the Jewelry Industry?
If you love treasuring diamonds or wearing diamond rings or necklaces, then you have a number of reasons to choose CVD diamonds.
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Price: CVD diamonds offering the same appeal as real diamonds are less expensive than mined diamonds. You can get high quality bigger stones at less prices.
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Environment Friendly Diamonds: CVD Diamond’s formation process involves no harmful environmental impacts. No digging of earth’s crust, no wastage of resources, produced under labs, so are not at all harmful.
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Conflict free diamonds: Lab grown CVD diamonds do not involve any unethical practices and are conflict free. Socially and politically conscious buyers would find them as better option.
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Future generation Diamonds: Looking to the scarcity of natural diamonds, it is quite clear that their presence in the future is doubtful. On the other side consistent availability of lab grown diamonds makes them better choice.
FAQ’s
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Is there any change in color of CVD diamonds over time?
No, CVD diamonds maintain same luster and color for years. Similar to their natural counterparts in every aspect, they are equivalent here too.
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What is the duration required to produce a diamond using the CVD method?
This entirely depends on the size of a diamond, generally it takes 3-12 weeks, most of the times it completes in 3-4 weeks.