What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds represent a remarkable departure from traditional mining practices. These diamonds are meticulously cultivated within a controlled laboratory setting, rather than being extracted from the earth.
They share a common structure with natural diamonds, composed of carbon atoms arranged in the classic diamond crystal lattice. In terms of optical, chemical, and physical properties, they are indistinguishable from their natural counterparts.
These lab-grown gems are nurtured in environments that mimic the precise conditions under which diamonds naturally crystallize beneath the earth's crust.
How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Made?
The journey of lab-grown diamonds unfolds in meticulously controlled laboratory environments, replicating the natural conditions essential for diamond formation. Two primary methods are employed: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). HPHT involves subjecting a small diamond seed to high pressure and high temperature in a press, while CVD utilizes a gas mixture to deposit carbon atoms onto a substrate, forming diamond crystals.
PASCAL employs the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) method, which is considered superior to HPHT, in crafting lab-grown diamonds.
The intricate CVD process begins by subjecting carbon atoms to high heat and pressure, resulting in a crystalline structure similar to natural diamonds. The diamonds are then cut and polished to reveal their maximum brilliance, resembling the allure of mined diamonds.
Why Choose Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Opting for lab-grown diamonds presents a compelling alternative to mined diamonds, offering all the desirable attributes without the adverse consequences of mining.
How Much Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds typically cost approximately 40% less than mined diamonds. This affordability makes them an attractive option for customers seeking a natural diamond alternative. The process of creating lab-grown diamonds spans about one month and carries an average cost of around $10,000. In essence, lab-grown diamonds offer the allure of natural diamonds with reduced environmental impact and cost, serving as a compelling choice for those who seek ethical alternatives to mined diamonds.