LAB-GROWN Diamonds

What is a lab-grown diamond? Why is ‘CVD’ such a hot topic?

A lab-grown diamond is a diamond that is produced in a laboratory setting using advanced technological processes. These diamonds have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, but are created in a matter of weeks instead of taking billions of years to form deep within the Earth's crust.

CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) is one of the most popular methods used to create lab-grown diamonds. In this process, a tiny diamond seed is placed in a vacuum chamber along with carbon-rich gases such as methane. The gases are ionized to create a plasma, which then causes the carbon atoms to bond to the diamond seed, layer by layer, until a complete diamond is formed.

CVD is a hot topic because it is one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to produce high-quality lab-grown diamonds. It is also a relatively new technology that has only recently been perfected, making it an exciting development in the diamond industry. Additionally, CVD-grown diamonds are highly sought after by consumers who are looking for sustainable and ethical alternatives to mined diamonds, as they have a smaller environmental footprint and do not involve the same human rights concerns as some mined diamonds.

How many lab-grown diamonds are produced?

The production of lab-grown diamonds has been increasing rapidly in recent years due to advancements in technology and growing demand for sustainable and ethical alternatives to mined diamonds. However, I do not have access to real-time data on the exact number of lab-grown diamonds produced. It is also difficult to provide an estimate as production can vary greatly depending on the size and capacity of the companies producing them, as well as fluctuations in demand. However, according to a report by the International Grown Diamond Association, the global production capacity for lab-grown diamonds was expected to reach 6-7 million carats per year by the end of 2020.

How can I recognize a lab-grown diamond?

Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, so it can be difficult to distinguish them from natural diamonds with the naked eye. However, there are some ways to recognize a lab-grown diamond:

1. Inscription: Many lab-grown diamond manufacturers inscribe a small symbol or code on the diamond's girdle (the narrow edge between the top and bottom facets of the diamond) to indicate that it is lab-grown. This inscription can be seen under a jeweler's loupe or microscope.

2. Detect the stones with Diatrue - CVD detector

3. Grading report: If the diamond has been graded by a reputable gemological laboratory like GIA, the grading report will indicate whether the diamond is natural or lab-grown.

4. Price: Lab-grown diamonds are often less expensive than natural diamonds of comparable quality. If a diamond is being sold at a price that seems too good to be true, it may be lab-grown.

5. Color: Lab-grown diamonds can exhibit different coloration patterns than natural diamonds. For example, they may have a uniform color distribution throughout the stone, while natural diamonds often have color concentrated in specific areas.

6. Growth patterns: Lab-grown diamonds can exhibit growth patterns that are different from those found in natural diamonds. For example, they may show evidence of layering or other patterns that are not typically found in natural diamonds.

It's important to note that lab-grown diamonds are not fake or imitation diamonds. They are real diamonds that have simply been produced in a laboratory instead of being mined from the Earth.