While a majority of people think that CVD diamonds are diamond simulants, it isn’t true. An earth grown diamond and a CVD diamond are the same. They possess the same physical and optical attributes. So then what is the distinguishing factor? Well, while earth-mined or earth grown diamonds are found deep below the surface of the earth, CVD diamonds are created above the surface inside a laboratory. Hence, the formation process of these diamonds distinguishes them from one another. And although you might be obliged to think that it might affect the quality of the diamond, that’s not true. CVD diamonds or lab created diamonds are just as real as natural ones.
What is CVD Diamond?
CVD diamonds are grown in a lab and are made from the element carbon, just as an Earth-formed diamond is. This is important to point out because some newcomers believe that lab grown diamonds are “synthetic”, like cubic zirconium or moissanite loose stones. But that’s not true. CVD diamonds have an edge when it comes to cutting and polishing.
CVD or Chemical Vapor Distillation is the superior process for growing loose stones and it is more environment-friendly thanks to the significantly lower amount of energy that it requires. According to GIA, “CVD synthetic diamonds began appearing in the gem diamond market about a decade ago. The process involves introducing a gas, such as methane, into a vacuum chamber, then activating and breaking down the molecules of the gas with microwaves. This causes the carbon atoms to accumulate on a substrate (a small platform containing a flat diamond seed crystal, usually an HPHT synthetic), similar to the way snowflakes accumulate in a snowfall. The CVD method is much less costly because it works at moderate temperatures and low pressure, which requires smaller and less expensive equipment. Because the vacuum chamber contains only carbon and some hydrogen, colorless crystals can be grown.”
CVD diamonds jewelry like bracelets, necklaces, and ear studs are also quite in trend today as they are eco-friendly.
What is Earth Grown Diamond?
Earth-grown diamonds are those found in the earth’s crust. They are subject to high pressure and high temperature and bear extreme conditions. This results in the formation of rough diamonds. These diamonds are then mined in various countries across the globe using intensive labor and machinery. Once acquired, these diamonds go through processes like cutting and polishing to yield the final piece.
The process of acquiring earth grown diamonds is arduous and also often leads to the exploitation of workers and harm to the environment.
Are All Lab-Grown Diamonds Created Equally?
Just as there are several variances in Earth-formed differences, there are also many variances in diamonds that are grown in the lab. One of the most obvious differences is the pricing — and at New World Diamonds, we are proud to offer the most affordable diamonds in the industry. We’re able to keep our prices low because we own our own lab and therefore cut out the middleman costs. But that’s not the only difference. There are other variances that, as a consumer, you should be aware of. In this blog, we’ll break down some of the common differences among lab-created diamonds.
The main deviation begins when it comes to creating diamonds. Although there are several methods for growing diamonds in the lab, there are two main processes that dominate production: High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT), and Chemical Vapor Distillation (CVD) which we talked about earlier.HPHT essentially mimics the formation of diamonds in the Earth by crystallizing carbon via extreme heat and pressure.
Besides, when it comes to lab-grown diamonds, some are certified, and some are not but at New World Diamonds, we take certification very seriously and ensure that every diamond we sell is accompanied by a third-party lab certificate. However, some of our competitors don’t take the same quality measures. Lightbox, a De Beers-owned company, for example, does not have any of its diamonds certified. This is why certification is so important.
These were some of the most distinguishing factors between CVD diamonds and earth grown diamonds. Once you know everything about them, you can be well-versed about which type you want to invest in.
