Know Lab Made Loose Diamonds in Easy Steps

Diamonds are the most valuable gemstone. They are also considered one of the hardest materials on earth. The hardness of a diamond is 10 times higher than that of steel and its durability makes it a perfect material for cutting tools, such as drill bits, saw blades, etc.

The history of diamonds dates back to more than 4 billion years ago when they were formed deep within the Earth’s mantle. After millions of years, these stones were brought up to the surface by tectonic plate movements. Today, there are two main types of diamonds: natural and synthetic. Natural diamonds can be found in various locations around the world. In contrast, synthetic diamonds are created in laboratories using different processes.

How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made
There are two ways to create lab-grown diamonds. Some methods use lasers or other high-energy devices. The two methods are Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and High-pressure high temperature (HPHT). CVD uses chemicals and heat to grow diamonds from carbon atoms. HPHT method uses pressure and heat to make diamonds. And as we discussed clarity there are VVS diamond, VVS1 Diamond, VVS2, and more which we discuss the letter in this article.

In CVD diamonds, the process begins with a graphite substrate. Then, a mixture of gases is introduced into the chamber where the diamond growth takes place. This gas mixture contains hydrogen and methane. Hydrogen dissolves into the graphite and forms an alloy called “carbide”. Methane reacts with this carbide and produces carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. The carbon monoxide then combines with carbon dioxide to form carbon which will eventually become a diamond crystal. There are many benefits of buying lab-grown diamonds;

Price difference
Lab-grown diamonds are cheaper than natural ones. You can buy them at a lower price with the same quality as natural diamonds. They are cheaper because they don't have a larger supplier of a chain as compared with mined diamonds.

Durability
Natural diamonds are very durable. However, lab-grown diamonds are even stronger than natural ones. The reason behind this is the purity of the diamond. It has fewer impurities like iron, nickel. These impurities cause cracks and flaws in the diamond. If you want to know how strong your diamonds are, just look at their clarity.

Mining Free
If you're thinking about mining a diamond, you should consider whether you need it or not. Mining diamonds requires a lot of energy and resources. While on the other hand, lab-grown diamonds are free from any kind of mining. They are made out of pure carbon so no matter what type of diamond you choose they both come with the same physical, chemical, and optical properties.

Beauty & Quality
Natural diamonds are beautiful but they may lack some qualities. For example, they might contain impurities. These impurities affect the appearance of the stone. On the other hand, lab-grown diamonds are completely free from impurities because they are made in a controlled environment. No matter how much money you spend on purchasing a lab-grown diamond, it will always be better than a natural diamond.

What Are Man-Made Diamonds
Man-made diamonds are also known as synthetics. Synthetic diamonds are manufactured in a laboratory. As mentioned before, there are two main methods used to manufacture synthetic diamonds. One of them is CVD and the other one is HPHT. Both of these methods require expensive equipment and materials. But synthetic diamonds are usually sold for less per carat. However, if you purchase a large amount of them, you can get a good deal.

How Do I Know Which Method Of Making Diamonds Is Best For Me
You can find different types of diamonds that are created using either CVD or HPHT. There are advantages and disadvantages to each method. So, it's important to understand the differences between them.

CVD Diamonds:
The first method of making a diamond is by Chemical Vapor Deposition. In this method, a small amount of hydrocarbon gas is injected into a high-temperature furnace. The gas decomposes and creates carbon atoms. As the carbon atoms grow, they bond together forming a solid layer of diamond. Afterward, the layers of diamond crystals are separated and polished.

HPHT Diamonds:
It is the same process as natural diamonds. But it's created in the lab. This method involves heating up a mixture of gases under pressure. The heat causes the gases to react and form a solid. Once again, the layers of the solidified material are separated and polished.

Which Type Of Diamond Should I Choose
There are many factors that determine which type of diamond is best for you. Some of those factors include its color, cut, carat, and clarity. Let us discuss them briefly below.

Color
Diamonds have two basic colors: white to yellowish. White diamonds are considered more valuable than yellow. Diamond color ranges from D color to Z color in the color scale of diamond 4cs.

Cut
A diamond’s cut determines its brilliance, fire, and reflection. A round brilliant cut is the most popular cut among people who buy diamonds. Other cuts include fancy shapes, pear shapes, emerald shapes, cushion shapes, and radiant shapes, etc.

Clarity
This refers to the presence of imperfections inside the diamond. It affects the overall value of the diamond. Diamonds with higher clarity values are worth more than those with lower clarity values. Clarity ranges from FL to SI2 and the most used is VS1 to VVS2.

Carats
Carat is an old unit of weight. Carats measure the size of the diamond. It is the factor that affects the price of a diamond.

Lab-Created Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds
Both natural and man-made diamonds have their own benefits and drawbacks. If you want to know what makes a diamond unique, then read on.

Natural Diamonds
They are mined from the earth. They come in various sizes, shapes, and colors. They have a wide range of prices. Their quality depends on where they were found.

Man-Made Diamonds
These are grown in a laboratory. They are not mined from the ground. They are produced in a controlled environment.