Lab diamonds, also known as lab created diamonds, are created in a laboratory using a process called high pressure high temperature (HPHT) synthesis. This process recreates the conditions deep within the earth where natural diamonds are formed.
To create a lab diamond, a small diamond seed is placed in a chamber and subjected to high pressure and heat. The pressure and heat cause the carbon atoms in the seed to bond together, forming a new diamond.
The growth rate of a lab diamond depends on a number of factors, including the size of the diamond seed, the pressure and heat used, and the type of carbon used. It can take several weeks to months to grow a lab diamond.
Once a lab diamond is grown, it is cut and polished to achieve the desired shape and clarity. Lab diamonds are chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds, and they are often graded by the same gemological laboratories.
Benefits of Lab Diamonds
There are a number of benefits to buying a lab diamond. First, lab diamonds are often much more affordable than natural diamonds. This is because the cost of production is lower and there is no need to mine diamonds from the earth.
Second, lab diamonds are a more ethical choice. The mining of diamonds can have a negative impact on the environment and can involve the use of child labor and conflict diamonds. Lab diamonds do not have these ethical concerns.
Third, lab diamonds are a sustainable choice. The production of lab diamonds does not have a negative impact on the environment.
Conclusion
Lab diamonds are a growing trend in the jewelry industry. They are a more affordable, ethical, and sustainable alternative to natural diamonds. If you are considering buying a diamond, be sure to do your research and compare prices. You should also consider the ethical and environmental implications of your purchase.
Here are some additional details about the process of creating lab diamonds:
- The high pressure and heat used to create lab diamonds are typically between 5 and 6 gigapascals (GPa) and between 1,500 and 2,000 degrees Celsius (3,000 and 3,600 degrees Fahrenheit).
- The type of carbon used to create lab diamonds is typically graphite.
- The growth rate of a lab diamond can be affected by a number of factors, including the size of the diamond seed, the pressure and heat used, and the purity of the carbon.
- Lab diamonds are typically graded by the same gemological laboratories as natural diamonds.
- The cost of lab diamonds varies depending on the size, cut, and clarity of the diamond.
- Lab diamonds are a more affordable, ethical, and sustainable alternative to natural diamonds.