How are Diamonds Grown in Lab?

The Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) process is a method of growing lab grown diamonds in a controlled environment.

CVD Diamonds

In this process, a small diamond seed or substrate is placed in a sealed chamber, which is then filled with a gas mixture of hydrogen and methane, along with other gases depending on the desired diamond characteristics.

The chamber is heated to a very high temperature (around 900 to 1200 degrees Celsius), causing the gases to break down and release carbon atoms. The carbon atoms then settle on the diamond seed or substrate and begin to form a diamond layer. The process takes several days, depending on the desired thickness and quality of the diamond layer.

The pressure and gas mixture in the chamber are carefully controlled to control the growth of the diamond layer. Once the diamond layer has reached the desired thickness, the substrate is removed from the chamber and the diamond layer is cut and polished into the desired shape. The resulting lab-grown diamond is then graded and certified, just like a mined diamond.

Overall, the CVD process can produce high-quality diamonds that are virtually identical to mined diamonds in terms of their chemical and physical properties. Even though it is a complex and highly controlled process that requires specialised equipment and expertise, it allows for the creation of high-quality lab-grown diamonds that are sustainable, ethical, and more affordable than mined diamonds.