A Guide To Natural And CVD Diamonds
There are so many factors involved in finding the perfect diamond for your jewelry. Beyond the 4C’s i.e., cut, color, carat, and clarity, you also have to consider whether to choose CVD Diamonds or Natural Diamonds.
If you have done a little research, you probably know that lab made gemstones come in two varieties – CVD and HPHT. However, the most popular among them is CVD.
The major difference that exists between natural and CVD gemstones is that the former is naturally extracted out from the earth, and the latter is grown in laboratories using special technologies. While the mined gemstone is considered rare and scarce in nature, the laboratory grown is created in bulk quantities and is thus not so rare.
Let us understand the properties and uses of each of these gemstones in detail.
What Do You Understand By CVD Diamonds?
When compared to a popular method of creating gemstones in laboratories i.e., HPHT, CVD Diamonds uses a newer and more advanced technology.
When gases rich in carbon get deposited on the diamond seed, the resultant product is a square-shaped diamond crystal. The manufacturer of these gemstones then cuts them in various range of shapes such as emerald, princess, square, and others.
HPHT method mimics the conditions in which a naturally mined diamond forms inside the earth’s crust. The ‘diamond seed’ is put inside the carbon and subjected to intense heat and pressure. When the carbon melts due to this heat and pressure, a diamond forms around it. It is then allowed to cool and cut into various shapes.
You must keep in mind that a common man with naked eyes cannot tell the difference between a diamond grown in laboratory and natural stones. Even professional gemologists need special types of equipment to tell them apart.
Also, one of the most important reasons why you should similarly approach both of these gemstones is that they both are made of similar physical, chemical, and optical properties.
Natural Diamonds – What Are They?
A natural diamond, also known as a real or earth-grown stone is the one that forms inside the earth’s crust and was extracted out through the mining process.
When deposits of carbon are put to intense heat and pressure, they start crystallizing. This process of crystallization can take several months to million years. Often it occurs somewhere close to 100 miles below the earth’s surface. In various circumstances, it is believed that volcanic eruptions brought them out to the surface.
Real or natural diamonds are considered the hardest known material on the surface of the earth. They rank 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness which means it is above gemstones such as topaz, quartz, and calcite. Generally, the value and quality of real gemstones are based on factors such as color, size, and clarity. You can say that a heavy diamond without visible inclusions is rare because most of them have inclusions, are small in size, and show color.
Natural diamonds are used in every jewelry and ornament from earrings to bracelets. They are considered a symbol of wealth, luxury, and prosperity. Anyone interested in learning more can also refer to CVD Diamonds The Newest Diamond Trend.
CVD Diamonds Vs. Natural Diamonds
Let us find out how these gemstones differ in overall properties and use.
-
CVD diamonds are cost-effective
There are various reasons why CVD stones are less costly than natural ones. Some people like royalty and like to show off their wealth. That is why they never prefer stones created in a lab.
Another reason is that the process of mining diamonds out from the earth is quite expensive. Whereas, CVD gemstones can be produced in bulk quantities which ultimately lowers their cost.
-
CVD stones are more ecologically sound
In contrast to natural diamonds, CVD stones are considered as more socially conscious. Mining causes a huge amount of damage not only to our environment but also to physical labor. As per research, mining causes injury to every 1 labor out of 3. Thus, real gemstones are often referred to as “blood diamonds.”
But this is not the case with stones grown in laboratories. They are created in an environment that mimics the conditions of the earth’s crust by using advanced technology and machinery. Thus, they do not harm the environment and physical labour and are considered more socially conscious.
-
CVD Diamonds are of superior quality
Stones that are grown in laboratories using advanced technology machinery are of often superior in quality and value. They are free of any inclusions and blemishes and appear completely transparent and white. Thus, they appear more aesthetic and luxurious.
But this is not the case with natural gemstones. Since they form under extraordinary circumstances, they sometimes have inclusions and blemishes in their appearance and do not appear so perfect and aesthetic.
Final Thoughts
Although CVD and natural gemstones might have some differences in their properties, it appears exactly the same to the common man. Even trained gemologists used special machinery to distinguish between both of them. So, if you want to enjoy the luxurious and aesthetic charm of a diamond but want to avoid its astronomical price tag, you should definitely give CVD Diamondsa try!
