Artificial or lab-grown diamonds are taking the world by storm for their glittering appearances and weaker blow to the wallet. If you are looking for a new diamond ring for yourself or for a loved one, you might want to know what goes on behind the scenes in making those diamonds for you!
CVD Diamonds
CVD stands for Chemical Vapor Deposition. While this is the newer method of making lab-grown diamonds, developed as early as the 1980s, it is in no way falling behind in proving its excellence. The process involves carbon-rich gases fed into a vacuum chamber, after which, layers of carbon are gradually deposited on the diamond seed, allowing it to grow into a larger diamond. Initially, the diamonds form a cubic shape and grow in one direction.
HPHT diamonds
HPHT stands for High Pressure High Temperature, indicating how the diamonds are made in the machines. The original method for making lab-grown diamonds, HPHT diamonds are still a great seller on the lab-grown diamond market. The process mimics the natural way diamonds grow, a diamond seed is placed in carbon and then subjected to extremely high pressures and temperatures to form the precious gem we know. Diamonds produced by this procedure form a cuboctahedron shape growing from 14 directions.
Pros and Cons
If it comes down to the question of CVD vs HPHT, the answer is simply what you seek. CVD processes are good at forming crisp; clear diamonds as no other gases are involved that may cause colors to show up whereas HPHT processes can produce a wide range of colored diamonds. However, HPHT diamonds undergo extensive treatment, effectively raising their prices. If funky colors are your thing, then HPHT might be the right choice for you, or if you want to stick to the classic white sparkle of diamonds, CVD it is!
To conclude, both procedures have their perks, but it comes down to how you want your diamond and your budget. The market for synthetic diamonds displays tons of fantastic options from both origins, fine quality is what you want to keep an eye out for, so take your pick!
