How Are Lab Diamonds Grown?
High Pressure, High Temperature
HPHT diamond growth occurs within massive pressure cookers. Small diamond seeds are placed into a growth cell and graphite is inserted on top of the diamond seeds. The pressure cooker is heated to 1500°C and pressurized to approximately 70,000 times the pressure at sea level.
At this extreme temperature and pressure, the graphite in the growth cell is melted into liquid carbon and then carefully cooled into the strongest form of carbon: a diamond crystal.
Chemical Vapor Deposition
CVD diamond growth occurs within vacuum plasma reactors. Thin diamond plates are placed in a growth cell and hydrocarbon gas is injected into the reactor. High power microwaves break apart the molecules of the gas, and the carbon atoms precipitate onto the diamond plates, vertically growing the diamond atom by atom.
The resulting CVD diamonds are often subjected to extreme pressure to 'compress' the diamond. This additional step improves the quality of the diamond crystal, giving the diamond better color and light performance.
Understanding Lab Diamond Quality
What you need to know about lab diamond pricing, quality, and how to find the perfect lab diamond.
How are Lab Diamonds Priced?
Lab diamond pricing is based on the same 4C’s as natural diamonds: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. However, two diamonds with identical 4C’s can appear very different in real life.
Factors like color nuance and make are not usually reflected on a grading report but have a meaningful impact on a diamond’s value. This is why all of our diamonds are inspected in person prior to being added to our inventory.
Lab grown diamonds are typically priced 50-80% lower than natural diamonds of the same quality.
How do I Choose a Lab Diamond?
We’re so glad you asked! Our experts are here if you need help getting started!
We recommend starting with a shape and size you like and then finding a diamond that meets your desired specifications.
Here at Ada, we’ve done the hard part for you already by pre-selecting only the most exceptional lab diamonds. Everything you see on our website or at our showroom has already been evaluated across the full spectrum of quality.