How are Lab Grown Diamonds Made?

January 02, 2025By Eiosys Pvt Ltd

Curious about how lab-grown diamonds are made? Prabir Chatterjee, this blog's author, has expertly crafted this blog to explain it to you.

Let's get started!

Diamonds have been revered in cultures around the world for their brilliance and rarity for centuries. Mined from the Earth’s crust, they are regarded as emblems of luxury and eternity.

As technology has progressed, humans have developed methods to create diamonds artificially. Lab-grown diamonds, introduced less than two decades ago, have gained immense popularity.

The global market for lab grown diamonds is projected to reach $59.2 billion by 2032, according to a source.

Lab-created diamonds offer the same qualities and benefits as mined diamonds, with the added advantages of affordability and sustainability.

In this blog, we will first understand the concept of lab-grown diamonds and delve into the fascinating process of how these diamonds are formed.

What are Lab Grown Diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds, also known as lab-created diamonds, are produced in laboratories that replicate the conditions under which diamonds naturally form beneath the Earth’s crust. Using sophisticated chemical formulations and advanced technology, these diamonds are identical to natural diamonds in physical and chemical properties.

How are Lab Grown Diamonds Formed?

There are two key methods to produce artificial diamonds - Lab-grown diamonds are High-Pressure-High-Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Diamonds created using both these methods are physically and chemically identical to natural diamonds.

High Pressure High Temperature Process (HPHT)

Since its introduction in the 1950s, the HPHT process has been a popular technique for producing lab-grown diamonds, as well as enhancing the color and clarity of natural diamonds.

The HPHT method mimics the extreme pressure and temperature conditions that exist deep within the Earth’s crust. Here’s how this process works -

A diamond seed is placed in a cubical chamber.
Conditions (temperature and high pressure) similar to earth’s crust are created inside the chamber. The temperature in the chamber can be as high as 2000 degrees Fahrenheit and the pressure can be 1.5 million PSI (pounds per square inch).
The chamber is heated through electrical pulses causing the diamond seed to crystallise.
Unlike natural diamonds that roughly take billion years to develop, diamonds formed through the HPHT technique only take a few weeks.
Gradually, the carbon melts and the diamond is formed around it.
HPHT diamonds may be yellow because they are highly exposed to nitrogen while forming.
Some HPHT diamonds also have a blue tint, namely blue nuance which is a side effect of the HPHT process.

If you wish to produce diamonds that are large in shape, the HPHT process is beneficial.

Chemical Vapour Deposition Method

First utilized in the 1980s, CVD creates diamonds from a mixture of hydrocarbon gases and is a more cost-effective, energy-efficient alternative to HPHT.

A small slice of diamond seed is placed in a chamber.
The chamber is heated to high temperature - from 500 to 900 degree celsius.
The chamber is filled with carbon-rich gases like methane
Lasers and microwaves are used to ionize the gases and create plasma.
Nitrogen can also be added to speed up the process.
The gases react by breaking down.
This breakdown of gases allows the carbon to merge with the diamond seed and grow the diamond layer by layer.
This process lasts 2-3 weeks, where gases keep breaking down and coating the diamond slice.
The rough diamond produced by this process looks like a square cube.
With laser precision and proper polishing, it can be converted to the desired shape.

Once the CVD diamond is produced, it undergoes certification. Graders like GIA assess the 4Cs of the diamond.

Benefits of Lab Grown Diamonds

Affordable

Lab grown diamonds are 30-40% more affordable than real diamonds. Their manufacturing cost is low since these diamonds do not undergo the process of mining. If you wish to buy a diamond without breaking the bank, lab made diamonds should be your preferred choice.

Ethical Sourcing

Mining comes with its own set of environmental challenges. It does some damage to the ecology and also the labourers are vulnerable to injuries. Since lab-grown diamonds do not undergo the process of mining, they are hassle-free, ethically sourced and safe.

No Defects

Lab made diamonds are thoughtfully created in the laboratories, hence, there are minimal to no chances of defects or impurities.

Conclusion

Lab grown diamonds have a proven track record of success. These diamonds are identical to natural diamonds in appearance and composition. Discover our exquisite collections of lab-grown diamond rings, earrings, and pendants to add a touch of elegance to your look.

FAQs

Can the lab-grown diamonds be resold?

Yes, there’s a good resale market for lab grown diamonds so you can resell them similar to how you would resell a natural diamond.

Should you buy lab-grown diamonds?

Yes. Lab-grown diamonds offer the same brilliance and shine as natural diamonds, they are slightly affordable and also come with certifications from top institutes, offering you peace of mind.

Can I get variety for lab grown diamonds?

Yes, lab grown diamonds offer an array of colours, clarity and cut to cater to the diverse needs of customers.