RING GUIDES
Everything You Need To Know About CVD Diamonds
Lab diamonds are on the rise, and we are loving it! These shimmery stones have their own secrets, but we are here to reveal all!
Not all lab grown diamonds are the same, there are actually many flavours of synthetic diamonds. Our focus is on CVD, which means chemical vapour deposition! You know we love our tech, so of course we needed to know everything about one of the newest methods in gemstone manufacturing. If you'd like to read more about lab grown diamonds then take a look at our lab diamond guide to find out more!
What is a CVD diamond? Let's find out!
What is a CVD Diamond?
CVD stands for chemical vapour deposition and it is one of the leading processes used to create lab grown diamonds! It’s a chemical gas reaction, depositing carbon crystals onto a diamond seed. Over time, this will grow to become a beautiful rough diamond!
The CVD diamond process is not the only way to create lab grown diamonds, but it is one of the most efficient methods, and accounts for over 50% of the lab grown diamonds on the market!
Are CVD Diamonds Real Diamonds?
Yes! Like all lab grown diamonds, CVD diamonds are real diamonds.
They are chemically and structurally identical to earth grown diamonds. This gives CVD diamonds all the stunning benefits that you would get from an earth grown diamond, including their ethereal sparkle!
The only difference is that while earth-grown diamonds have formed over millions of years underground, it only takes three or four weeks to grow a lab diamond from CVD
CVD Diamond Properties
CVD diamond properties are the same as the properties of a natural diamond! But what are those? Why is the makeup of these fabulous gemstones so important?
The structure of a gemstone is what decides its durability, and how it naturally reflects light! The cut your gemstone has will amplify these effects, but diamonds have their own inbuilt disco just waiting to shimmer! Our guide on the 4 Cs goes into detail about how aspects such as cut, colour, clarity and carat weight affect the appearance of a gemstone.
This optical delight is not the only benefit of CVD diamonds. With a Mohs score of 10, CVD diamonds are one of the hardest gems around. They’ll last a lifetime and beyond, so they’re the perfect choice for a forever ring!
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CVD Diamond Making Process
The CVD diamond process is a little like giving your diamond seed a steam treatment!
You take your seed ( a tiny sliver of natural diamond), place it in a specialist chamber and fill it with carbon gas! The chamber is then heated to a super-sunny 800º C, and the carbon in the gas settles on the natural diamond seed.
It takes three to four weeks to grow a diamond from CVD, and then your diamond is ready to start its journey to stardom! Find out more about how lab grown diamonds are made in our comprehensive guide!
CVD vs HPHT
CVD and HPHT diamond processes are very similar, but there are some highs and lows to each method!
CVD diamonds are quicker to produce ( you can grow multiple diamonds at the same time), but they can show their growing pains in the final stone. A bit like their own stunning stretch marks!
They may also fluoresce slightly, but this and any growth marks are very rare and not visible to the naked eye! Some CVD diamonds are also heat treated to improve their colour, so they come out looking perfect!
HPHT takes much longer, which makes the final stones pricier! But the HPHT diamond process is closer to the way natural diamonds form, and some are happy to pay extra for what they believe is a more authentic stone!
Are CVD Diamonds Expensive?
CVD diamonds are still diamonds, so you should expect them to come at a bit of a premium. But, CVD diamond prices are the lowest available if you want a genuine diamond!
HPHT diamonds are slightly more expensive than CVD, and natural diamonds can be triple the price for an identical stone! Check out our lab grown diamond price guide to find out what your dream diamond could cost.
This lower cost doesn't make these diamonds any less valuable though! CVD diamonds are just as valuable, and, like natural diamonds, are a safe investment. As they become more and more common in luxury jewellery, this will only cement their value!
Should I Buy A HPHT or CVD Diamond?
At first it looks like CVD has way more issues for diamond lovers than the HPHT alternative! But it is important to remember that these will never be noticeable to the naked eye, especially not once these fabulous gems are set into a ring!
You’ll get the same gorgeous aesthetic with both CVD and HPHT. Plus, the lower price of CVD diamonds mean most consumers choose CVD vs HPHT as the better option!
There is so much to learn about lab grown diamonds, so why not take a peek at our lab grown diamond guide!
Find Your Dream Lab Diamond With Jessica Flinn
CVD or HPHT, we can find your perfect diamond! It might even be in one of our ready to ship engagement rings already!
Want something extra special? Don't settle for something off the shelf, contact us about our custom or bespoke ring design services! Whether you’d like to start from scratch, or personalise an existing ring design with a CVD diamond, we are here to help!
If you're ready to take that leap, book an appointment with the team, or if you’d like to know more, check out our lab grown diamond guide.
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