Lab-grown diamonds are taking the fashion world by storm. You might reason it — as they’re kind to the planet and affordable. But it's not only this. They offer the same breathtaking brilliance as the earth-sourced diamonds and are 100% real and identical to the natural diamonds— visually, physically and chemically. 

With growing environmental concerns, consumers have become more conscious about their diamond purchases and are switching to lab-created diamonds. This has given rise to a new debate: CVD vs HPHT diamonds. 

In this blog, we explore the different processes, techniques and differences of these lab-grown diamonds, settling the debate for once and all. 

Let’s get started…

CVD Diamonds 

CVD diamonds are grown through a process called Carbon Vapour Deposition in a vacuum chamber under low-pressure conditions and low temperatures. 

How are CVD diamonds created?

These diamonds grow Inside a high-tech vacuum chamber, gases rich in carbon (like methane) and hydrogen are introduced. Under carefully controlled conditions, these gases break apart and start bonding with a tiny "seed" of a natural diamond, layer by layer. forming a similar crystal structure. The method creates diamonds in a short time, say a few weeks.  And because of the chamber's size and how many seed plates it can hold, multiple diamonds can be grown at once—making the process both scalable and incredibly precise

Did you know? 

Carbon atoms are present abundantly in outer space!

It is believed that space diamonds follow a similar process of formation as CVD diamonds. These diamonds are relatively bigger and grown from a phenomenon that is unique to specific stars and interstellar environments.

HPHT Diamonds 

HPHT diamonds are created through a sophisticated process, known as High Pressure High Temperature. The method involves exposing carbon to intense pressure conditions and temperatures in an apparatus. It mirrors the conditions through which diamonds are created deep within the earth’s mantle.

How are HPHT diamonds created?

These diamonds grow in a capsule in a specifically designed apparatus and are subjected to 1300-1600°C temperatures and extreme pressures. Under these intense conditions, carbon atoms dissolve in a molten flux, creating the ideal growth conditions and temperature for the diamond formation. The carbon precipitates onto the diamond seeds to form a diamond crystal. 

HPHT method recreates the naturally occurring conditions deep within the Earth in a scientific facility. The natural process takes billions of years, while this happens in several weeks/months in a laboratory. It is believed that diamonds came into existence during high heat and pressure at a few hundred km underground.

HPHT is the closest theory for the earth-mined diamonds. However, no two diamonds look alike because of the other processes involved in their creation. 

Point of Difference: CVD vs HPHT Diamonds 

Colour: Both diamonds are available in an array of colours ranging from white, near-colourless and fancy colours. 

Clarity: Clarity is determined by the internal blemishes, flaws or inclusions in a stone. Since produced in a lab, they’re capable of clarity grades even better than mined diamonds. However, CVD diamonds are more clear with fewer inclusions than HPHT diamonds. In certain cases, HPHT might have metallic inclusions, affecting their clarity. 

Cost: Lab-grown is 50-70% more affordable than their mined counterparts. Between the two of them, CVD diamonds are significantly less expensive than HPHT. This is because of the cost involved in the arrangements of the diamond growing environment in the HPTP process. CVD is faster to create and thus, is a preferred option for consumers on a budget. 

Carat: CVD diamonds are available in varied sizes and huge quantities. As they are grown with a highly advanced process, that allows a degree of control over the quality and diamond size that are manufactured. Achieving this is a little difficult in HPHT which needs intense conditions for its growth. This makes the size options available limited. 

CVD vs HPHT diamonds: Which Should You Choose?

Whether you go for CVD or HPHT, don’t forget to consider your style preference, budget and the characteristics you seek in your diamond. People usually prefer CVD because of their affordability, incredible brilliance, versatility in terms of colours and sizes and high clarity. Whereas HPHT is limited in terms of availability and size due to their intense growth process. It also burns a hole in your pocket. 

Wondering where to find the best CVD lab-grown diamond jewellery? 

Angara has got your back! We've got a variety of CVD lab-grown diamond jewellery, from chic earrings to dazzling rings, glamorous necklaces and beyond. All the pieces are crafted to perfection, BIS hallmarked, certified and customisable. 

Still confused about what to pick? Our experts will assist you in making an informed purchase decision that aligns with your style aesthetics.

Get exploring!