What Is A CVD Diamond?

While they are identical to natural diamonds, CVD diamonds are lab-grown diamonds. With similar physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, these diamonds have become popular over the years. They make durable, stunning, and romantic jewelry just as their natural counterparts.

CVD stands for Chemical Vapor Deposition - a process of creating lab-grown diamonds. CVD processes involve breaking down natural gas such as methane into carbon atoms, creating a brand-new diamond. The second method of producing lab-grown diamonds is HPHT, meaning High-Pressure High Temperature.

Properties of A CVD Diamond

  • They share similar physical, chemical, and optical properties to natural diamonds.
  • On the Mohs scale of hardness, CVD diamonds have an excellent durability of 10.
  • Expert labs grade these diamonds using the 4Cs properties - clarity, carat, color, and cut.
  • Same as natural diamonds, CVD diamonds contain flaws, and rarely do they exist without inclusions.
  • Their origin is noted on certification.

History of CVD Diamonds are Made

In 1954, the first patent for CVD diamonds was issued. Then, General Electric made the first lab-grown diamond a year later. People criticized its quality and reports remain unverified until after several years. General Electric sold the HPHT technology to DeBeers, forming the basis for the creation of real CVD diamonds in the 1980s.

How Are CVD Diamonds Made?

  1. A thin diamond seed is selected and sealed off in a chamber.
  2. The lab professionals then heat the chamber to about 800 °C as they flood it with carbon-rich gas.
  3. The gas ionizes to produce pure carbon.
  4. The resulting carbon attaches to the diamond seed.
  5. The process further continues until it produces a whole diamond.
  6. Depending on the type of diamond, this process varies from 5-10 days or even 6-8 weeks.

How To Identify a CVD Diamond

So, if you want to know how to identify CVD diamonds, here are some tools you would require:

Microscope - to examine the chemical structure and patterns of the gem.

Diamond View machine - when observing the lab-grown diamond, it turns dark red while using its heavy ultraviolet light.

Diamond tester - to test the electrical conductivity of the diamond.

Ultraviolet lamp - identifies a CVD diamond with a blue color.

Grading and Certification of CVD Diamonds

Similar to natural diamonds, certified labs, such as GIA and IGI, grade CVD diamonds using the 4Cs. The grading determines the diamond's quality; therefore, it affects its price. After grading the gem, they engrave a special code on the diamond's girdle. To view the code, you will need a high-magnification microscope. The code contains information about the stone's grading and origin and corresponds to the digital/physical certificate of the diamond.

Pros and Cons of CVD Diamond

Pros

  • Cost-effective, compared to natural diamonds.
  • Eco-friendly, since they are lab-grown.
  • Conflict-free, from human rights violations and child labor.
  • Available in all shapes, sizes, and colors.
  • They have brilliant sparkles like natural diamonds.
  • Grown in 6-8 weeks, a shorter time than large-scale mining periods.

Cons

  • Less durable compared to natural diamonds.
  • Not widely available.
  • Very few brands sell them.

Where to Buy a CVD Diamond

Are you seeking a CVD diamond for an engagement ring, promise ring, wedding band, earring, or bracelet? Perry's Diamond And Estate Jewelers has your back. We offer lab-grown diamonds, graded and certified by expert labs. Contact us, for more information.


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