We are accustomed to thinking of diamonds as natural stones, formed deep within the Earth through millennia-long geological processes. However, the advent of lab grown (or synthetic) diamonds has redefined this perspective, introducing a new era in the gemstone market.

The technologies used for artificial diamond production are based on advanced chemical processes that partially replicate what occurs underground, enabling the creation of high-quality minerals in an industrial environment. This brings a series of advantages for the environment and also for consumers, allowing us to meet the growing demand for jewelry worldwide and making the precious stone par excellence finally accessible to many.

But how do lab grown diamond production technologies work? And what differences are there between laboratory-grown diamonds and those created underground? Continue reading and discover with JW24, an e-commerce platform for precious jewelry and synthetic diamonds.

HPHT Method (High Pressure High Temperature)

The first method to be developed in the 1950s is HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature). As the name suggests, this process replicates the temperature and pressure conditions present in the Earth’s mantle where natural diamonds form.

A small diamond “seed” is introduced into special machinery along with graphite or diamond powder. The materials are then subjected to temperatures between 1000 and 1400°C while the pressure exerted ranges from approximately 50,000 to 80,000 atmospheres.

Through the use of catalytic elements such as iron, nickel, and cobalt, the chemical reaction is then accelerated, causing the graphite or diamond powder to “grow” around the initial seed, transforming into diamond.

CVD Method (Chemical Vapor Deposition)

Starting in the 1980s, a second method for lab grown diamond production was developed: the CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) method.

In this process, a thin diamond seed is positioned in a sealed chamber, which is heated to approximately 800 degrees Celsius. Subsequently, the chamber is filled with carbon-rich gases, such as methane. These gases are ionized through the use of microwaves, lasers, or other techniques, transforming them into high-energy plasma. The plasma causes the decomposition of the gases and allows carbon to fuse with the diamond seed, making it grow layer by layer.

Today, the CVD method is the most widely used, especially for producing large diamonds.
This technique presents several advantages including:
• lower energy resource consumption
• greater control of the production process and consequent ability to create diamonds with fewer imperfections or colored diamonds

Synthetic and Natural Diamonds: how to Distinguish Them

To distinguish a natural diamond from a synthetic one, it is necessary to rely on expert gemologists and use advanced analysis instruments. One of the most common ways to identify the difference is through microscopic examination: natural diamonds often show inclusions of minerals, gases, or liquids that formed during the crystallization process in the Earth’s mantle. Synthetic diamonds may present similar inclusions, but often show different characteristics due to the controlled growth conditions in the laboratory.

With a microscope, it is only possible to have some clues about a stone’s origin, but to identify with certainty, it is necessary to use low-frequency UV waves, with a 2% margin of uncertainty. This test allows analysis of the diamond’s fluorescence, which is a visible luminescence when it is exposed to light.In natural diamonds, fluorescence can be caused by traces of nitrogen, which is common in the natural diamond formation process. In synthetic ones, it can be influenced by various factors, such as the presence of impurities other than nitrogen or the controlled growth conditions in the laboratory.

These differences are impossible to notice with the naked eye and this is why, especially in the last ten years, the lab grown diamond production sector has grown significantly. A synthetic diamond is as luminous, resistant, and brilliant as a natural one and can bring elegance to any piece of jewelry.

Advantages of Lab Grown Diamonds

If diamonds can be obtained from nature, why produce diamonds artificially?
As is easy to imagine, artificial diamond production brings a series of economic and logistical advantages and also differences in terms of social and environmental impact:

• the availability of lab grown diamonds in a wide range of colors, including intense and vivid colors, offers buyers a diversified and personalized selection
• synthetic diamond production occurs under controlled conditions, eliminating the need to extract precious stones from the earth through practices that can have a negative environmental impact and cause damage to natural ecosystems
• synthetic diamonds also contribute to reducing the risk of conflicts related to mining trade and exploitation
• lab grown diamonds offer greater transparency and traceability throughout the entire supply chain.

And what about price? What are the differences?

Synthetic diamonds, produced in much shorter timeframes compared to natural processes, offer a significantly more economical alternative to natural diamonds without compromising quality. Currently, a natural diamond of one carat of excellent quality (cut, color, and clarity) can cost between 6,000 and 10,000 euros. On the other hand, a synthetic diamond of one carat with the same specifications can be found between 1,000 and 2,500 euros, depending on the synthesis process and the stone’s characteristics.

Which Diamond to Purchase?

The decision between natural and synthetic diamonds depends on the buyer’s personal preferences and the values they wish to reflect with their purchase. We at JW24, a jewelry e-commerce platform, recommend a more ethical and accessible choice, namely that of synthetic diamonds.

Discover our diamonds and jewelry online, perfect for every occasion, the ideal gift if you want to amaze while respecting the Planet and obtaining a high-quality product.