Close-up of a diamond seed on a lab tray

CVD Diamonds: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Chemical Vapor Deposition Diamonds

Although lab-grown diamonds have quickly gained their popularity thanks to their ethical production methods and environmental advantage, their beauty still leaves much to be desired in the eyes of many. Compared to all other approaches for creating such diamonds, CVD is distinguished for being able to manufacture superior grade diamonds.The CVD full form Chemical Vapor Deposition and In a very detailed manual we will describe the process itself, its pros and cons and how CVD diamonds stand against natural ones. 

Read More: A Comprehensive Buying Guide on Lab Grown Diamond?

What are CVD Diamonds?

CVD diamonds are a type of lab-grown diamonds that are made using the method of Chemical Vapor Deposition. Growing nanocrystalline diamond film by this process has its beginning in implanting carbon atoms into a diamond seed crystallite under controlled environment and progresses layer by layer. The outcome is a diamond which is neither chemically, physically nor optically distinguishable from a natural diamond.

Read More: Investing in Lab Grown Diamond is Good

The CVD Process Explained

 The CVD diamond process starts from the creation of a diamond seed. This is usually a slice that is quite thin made by cutting a natural or man-made diamond, beta diamond. The seed goes into a CVD growth chamber filled with gases including one that provides a source of carbon, e.g methane and hydrogen. In this case it contains methane gas as well as hydrogen gas . These gases are then irradiated using microwave radiation or any other form of energy to temperatures from 8000C to 12000C leading to their ionization and dissociation into atomic species. As such a process takes place carbon atom deposition begins on the seed crystal accumulating atom by atom until a diamond is formed. This layer by layer deposition goes on up to the point where the diamond reaches the desired size. After all processes are completed in order design features may be implemented, such as high-pressure and high-temperature annealing to improve color and clarity both.

Benefits of CVD Diamonds

  • Ethical and Sustainable: CVD diamonds are not made through mining implicating significant environmental and social issues. Hence they are more ethical than the other types for those who are concerned about sustainability of resources. 
  • High Quality: CVD diamonds can have less inclusions and impurities than natural ones. The controlled environment provides exact conditions to produce high quality gems.
  • Cost-Effective: As a rule, lab-grown diamonds are cheaper than natural ones, and this fact includes CVD-created ones. Their cost advantage pushes them to a broader consumer market.
  • Customizable: The growth of the diamond through the CVD process gives more control to the desired size and quality of the diamond. This in turn allows customers to state their preferences on the diamonds they are purchasing.

Read More: How Lab Grown Diamonds Redefining the World of Luxury

Comparing CVD Diamonds to Natural Diamonds

Side-by-side comparison of CVD and natural diamonds under a microscope

Comparison of CVD and natural diamonds under a microscope, highlighting their visual similarities

Both CVD diamonds and natural diamonds are similar in their chemical composition since they are all made of pure carbon in a sp3 bonded structure, yet no other impurities in kind nor do they share any other properties chemically or physically except the ones mentioned above (hardness, refractive index, and thermal conductivity). In terms of identity, CVD diamond is impossible to distinguish from a natural one as both display brilliance, fire, and scintillation comparable to none and only under specialized gemological equipment can this fact be identified. 

In overall clarity visuals with respect to defects and impurities , naturally mined diamonds tend to have more situations because of the uncontrollable growing conditions; conversely, CVD diamond is cultured with less defects , hence its beautiful clear face. There is also an ecological and ethical angle when it comes to comparing diamond production; while natural diamond mining can destroy ecosystems and violate human rights, CVD diamonds are manufactured within a lab setting therefore neither habitat destruction nor human right violations occur during their production. Moreover, compared to natural diamonds on the average CVD diamonds are relatively cheap that’s why they become an economic option for customers but there is no difference in quality as these maintain the same characteristics as real diamonds.

Read More: Are Lab Grown Diamonds Worth Buying?

Myths and Misconceptions About CVD Diamonds

  • CVD Diamonds Are Not the Same Thing: This is a misconstrued fact. CVD diamonds are indeed real diamonds, having the same physical and chemical structure of natural diamonds.
  • Contrary to What You Might Think, CVD Diamonds Are Inferior: Contrarily, CVD diamonds can be of superior quality which is attributed to the controlled growth environment. They often have less inclusions and better clarity.
  • Value Difference of CVD Diamonds and Natural Ones: Although natural diamonds may have a history behind them or they may be more valuable in the current market, CVD diamonds are now being recognized in the jewelry sector. The worth of these stones is likely to grow as more shoppers start to value ethical and sustainable alternatives.

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Lab-Grown Diamonds

CVD diamonds is a remarkable progression of diamond technology which fills the gap of an ethical, sustainable and high quality alternative to natural diamonds. The judicious CVD process benefits, and how those diamonds compare with the natural ones can help consumers take into account the information when they are making their choices. With the increasing demand for ethical and sustainable options, as time passes CVD diamonds may be preferred by those who are looking for a modern conscious twist along the beauty line of diamonds.

Read More: How Lab-Grown Diamonds are Redefining the World of Luxury Jewellery

Explore Our Collection Of  Lab Grown Diamond

Lab Grown Diamond Ring
Lab Grown Diamond Earrings
Lab Grown Diamond Nose Pin
Lab Grown Diamond Pendant
Lab Grown Diamond Mangalsutra
Lab Grown Diamond Necklace

Back to blog