- Chemical vapour deposition (CVD): This method involves depositing carbon atoms onto a substrate in a vacuum chamber. The carbon atoms are heated to a high temperature, and they bond together to form a diamond crystal.
- High-pressure high-temperature (HPHT): This method involves heating and pressurising carbon in a sealed chamber. The high pressure and heat cause the carbon atoms to bond together to form a diamond crystal.
Both CVD and HPHT are effective methods for growing lab-grown diamonds. However, CVD is the more common method, and it is used to grow smaller diamonds. HPHT is used to grow larger diamonds, but it is a more expensive process.
The growth time for lab-grown diamonds varies depending on the method used and the size of the diamond. However, it typically takes several weeks to grow a lab-grown diamond.
The cost of lab-grown diamonds has been declining in recent years, and they are now a more affordable option for consumers. However, they are still not as affordable as mined diamonds.
Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. The only difference is the point of origin. Mined diamonds are formed inside the earth's surface, while lab-grown diamonds are created in the laboratory.
Lab-grown diamonds are a good option for those who are looking for an ethical and environmentally friendly diamond. They are not mined, so they do not contribute to the environmental damage that is often associated with diamond mining. They are also not conflict diamonds, which means that they do not fund armed conflict.
