How Long Does It Take To Make A Lab Grown Diamond?

There are many reasons why diamonds are the most popular of jewelry.

First, they provide outstanding features like resistance, durability, and aesthetics. In addition, it is considered one of the most luxurious and elegant pieces anyone can wear. Therefore, it is not surprising that it is among the top trends regarding engagement and wedding rings. 

With all these features, a high price for this gemstone is not a big surprise. Of course, size and details can affect the price, but you will only find a cheaper diamond at $5,000. Those looking for more details and a bigger size should expect to spend much more. There is another reason why diamonds are so expensive, which is related to the fact that each of these stones is mined in nature and represents a unique piece. 

On the other side, one of the biggest trends in recent years are Lab grown diamonds. The main advantages of this option are greater sustainability and lower price. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the main features related to Lab grown diamonds and the time needed to make one.

Main Features of Lab-Grown Diamond

The most important thing to know is that there are not essential differences between Lab grown diamonds and those found in nature. They are made in an artificial environment that resembles the same conditions and pressure required to make them in nature. 

Therefore, this is not an alternative with similar features and appearance but the same type of material. In addition, different processes are used to create these diamonds, such as chemical vapor deposition and high-pressure, high-temperature model.

Another unique feature of diamonds is that you cannot find two same stones, and the same is for those made in a lab.

The main difference is related to reflection. However, you won’t be able to spot it with bare eyes. Since the patterns are unique for each rock, the sparkle and reflection will be different, and this feature is seen in both cases. 

However, what makes them different is related to the process of how lab-grown diamonds are made, and that process includes molten metal. On the other side, natural diamonds will have imperfections caused by other materials, which makes them so rare and unique in the first place.

When it comes to color, the most common options are yellow, pink, blue, green, and white. However, experts use these colors to get features similar to natural diamonds. As we already mentioned, natural gemstones usually have many imperfections, which are also related to color. Therefore, experts are adding artificial colors to get similar results.

Time Needed To Make Lab-Grown Diamond

It is amazing when we compare the time required to create one in artificial conditions with those gemstones found in nature because most mined diamonds are older than 1 billion years, while some are even older than 3 billion years. Yet, on the other hand, the average time to get one in a lab is between two and three months. Moreover, the time depends on the process that is used. We already mentioned the most popular models, which are CVD and HPHT.

The chemical vapour deposition process is an advanced model where a small particle of a diamond is sealed in special conditions with high pressure and temperature and then treated with gas, in most cases, methane.

It will create conditions similar to those that diamonds need in nature, and small particles will start binding to the core of the diamond after the carbon in the gas is broken down. The main advantage of this process is that the results are nearly the same as natural diamonds. The average time to make one by using this model is around one month.

Another common solution in labs is the high-pressure, high-temperature model. It was the first model that scientists discovered. There are some similarities with the previous one since it also includes the simulation of conditions needed for a diamond to be made. 

However, they are not using the particle of a diamond, but rather carbon materials like graphite, and then combining it with cobalt, nickel, and some other metals. The exposure to high temperature and pressure will eventually lead to forming a diamond.

The first part of the process is to get a couple of crystals, and it will take between a couple of days and weeks, while growing a diamond from that will need at least two more weeks.

What Are the Main Benefits?

The main benefit of lab-grown diamonds is the lower price for most people. They can be up to 100% cheaper when compared to organic ones. Also, buying this option can be a safer solution if you are unfamiliar with jewelry. When you get one from a well-known lab, there will be a certificate and a serial number engraved on the gemstone. 

We also have to mention that many jewelers are unreliable since they need to use accurate models to detect whether the diamond is real.

That can be an issue since there are many alternatives with similar features that people without any experience won’t be able to recognize.

Another reason why it is a better option than natural diamonds is that it is eco-friendly. We all know about the issues related to mines, how people are forced to work there, and the pollution these mines are causing.

Therefore, it is more ethical and better for the environment to choose Lab grown diamonds.  

The Bottom Line

As you can see, the technology has advanced to the point where you can get a diamonds with almost the same features as one found in nature in less than two months. The technical features will be the same, which is related to strength and resistance, while the only difference is related to patters and how it is reflecting the light. 

However, this difference cannot be spotted without visual assistance.

Also, only experts are able to notice the difference. In that matter, buying a lab-grown one is a much better option since it is cheaper and better for the environment while offering the same features. 

https://www.luminescediamonds.com.au/blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-make-lab-grown-diamonds

https://www.diamond-heaven.co.uk/dh/blog/article/how-long-does-a-lab-grown-diamond-take-to-make/384

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