Technology advances and this is no different for the diamond sector. We’re not talking about the newest cutting techniques or the most impressive diamond analysis tools; instead we’re exploring the world of cultivated diamonds also known as synthetic diamonds.
There are two popular processes for creating synthetic diamonds: HPHT & CVD diamonds. HPHT is an abbreviation for the diamonds created by the process known as High Pressure – High Temperature synthesis. CVD diamonds are created by Chemical Vapour Deposition.
A more recent technique for creating cultivated diamonds is detonating explosives. This creates a large amount of tiny diamonds invisible to the naked eyes. These fragments are hitting the market of industrial-grade diamonds in bulk quantities.
The flaws of synthetic diamonds for jewellery
Synthetic diamonds are perfect for industrial purposes, but when it comes to the market of gemstones and jewellery, they have many flaws. Most synthetic diamonds aren’t colourless or white, but instead yellow or blue. The colour lies with the way they’re created; using nitrogen is the most common method for creating synthetic diamonds and often causes the yellow colouring due to contamination.
It is however possible to grow diamonds in a lab that look identical to natural diamonds, although the differences can be observed using spectroscopy. This method of cultivating diamonds is still quite expensive and loses all the charm and mystique a diamond has to offer.
Prestige of a diamond
The reason a diamond is so expensive is partly due to their beauty and applications, but for a large part it’s also a matter of prestige. A precious gemstone created over millions of years below the surface of the earth definitely fits the bill, but one grown in a lab does sound less interesting doesn’t it?
This is one of the reasons why diamond mining companies are now adding laser tags and certificates to their diamonds, so that the origin of the diamond can be proven. You can thus be certain of having a quality diamond without having to rely on expensive tools for spectroscopy.