LAB GROWN DIAMONDS
The natural process of diamond formation requires deep depths and favorable geological conditions, with maturation times of billions of years. In contrast, synthetic diamonds are produced in a laboratory in a few weeks using methods such as high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). In the HPHT method, carbon powder is exposed to high temperatures and pressures for several weeks, while in the CVD method, carbon is deposited on a crystal seed through a chemical reaction. Both processes require constant attention and have significant production costs.
In the CVD method, the process involves the deposition of carbon inside a vacuum chamber through the high-temperature combustion of a hydrogen and methane mixture. This process allows the carbon to deposit layer by layer over a crystal seed, thus creating a uniform surface. To obtain a rough material suitable for producing a 1.00-carat cut gemstone, approximately 4 weeks are required.