A Brief Introduction To A CVD Diamond
Due to the increased popularity of the alternative choice of mined diamonds. Nowadays, people are more aware of lab grown diamonds in today’s diamond marketplace than ever before because of interest as well as concern for the environment.
When you come across the word CVD diamond, you probably have no idea what it is, and let’s admit that most people are not familiar with the term. You might have questions as to how these diamonds are grown in a laboratory or, more precisely, how it is possible to grow them in a human-controlled environment.
Diamonds with CVD processes are worth looking into if you're interested in the environmental and social impact of diamonds, as well as the cost. One of the processes scientists follow to grow diamond seeds into lab diamonds is CVD.
The following guide will help you learn about CVD diamonds and the CVD diamond process to understand the right option better to fit your requirements.
CVD Diamond: What Does It Mean?
Chemical Vapour Deposition, abbreviated as CVD, is a commonly used name for laboratory-grown diamonds via a procedure called chemical vapour deposition. These diamonds have similar physical properties and are chemically identical to their mined counterparts. Moreover, it is only possible to identify a CVD diamond from the natural one with special equipment.
So far, the CVD diamond process is considered one of the best methods for lab diamond creation, as lab-made diamonds are becoming an increasingly popular choice amongst jewelry buyers. For anyone who is interested to learn more, you can also refer to our Complete guide to CVD diamonds.
Chemical Vapour Deposition Diamond Process
Lab-grown diamonds were first discovered in 1956 using the HPHT method. In the years that followed, scientists and innovators tried to develop new ways of creating diamonds. Later after the 1980s, was it possible that the CVD procedure was fully established for creating diamonds?
The CVD process includes a combination of hydrocarbon gas and hydrogen. Let us understand the complete process stepwise to understand better.
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A thin seed of diamond is placed in a closed growth chamber.
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The growth chamber is heated to extreme temperatures between 900-1200 degrees Celsius, and carbon-rich gas is immersed.
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A microwave beam particle ionizes the gas causing carbon to rush out of the plasma cloud and break down into pure carbon.
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The pure carbon molecule so formed now attaches to the original diamond seed.
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The complete process is repeated until a fully developed diamond is formed.
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The diamond seed is removed frequently to polish the top surface to eliminate non-diamond carbon before being returned to grow.
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The overall growth process of diamonds can take three or four weeks, and every batch may need several stop/start cycles.
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After the non-diamond crystal is removed, they are ready to be polished into the final product.
Read also A Guide To The Grading Of Lab Grown Diamonds
This diamond process requires a high-end specialized scientific approach that has been skilled to perfection over many decades to produce jewelry-quality diamonds relatively quickly.
When we look into the process in more depth, it depicts that CVD diamond growth occurs inside a vacuum-sealed chamber containing hydrogen and carbon-rich gas, specifically methane. An energy source breaks down the gas molecules, and the carbon atom is scattered towards a flat diamond seed plate. Crystallization occurs over several weeks, and several crystals grow simultaneously.
The actual number of crystals depends on the size of the sealed chamber and the total number of diamond seed plates. Just like the HPHT diamond creation process, the CVD methodology continues to grow, improve and allow CVD diamond manufacturers to offer large sizes with better clarity and color.
Diamond enthusiasts are now leaning towards purchasing lab grown diamonds, specifically CVD diamonds, compared to their natural counterparts. Choosing a diamond is totally a personal choice and taste, but by selecting a CVD diamond, you are choosing between a less expensive, surely ethical, and ecologically sustainable alternative.
To get more details or knowledge, you can reach out to our experts, who are deeply trained to help you decide to buy diamonds for your preferences and budget.
