We finally say ‘I do’ to Lab-grown diamonds
In 1952, the first tiny CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) diamond was created, followed by the first HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) diamond in 1953. Initially, these diamonds were produced for industrial purposes.
However, in the 1970s, advancements in technology allowed for the production of the first gem-quality HPHT lab-grown diamonds. These diamonds began to showcase the potential for creating diamonds suitable for jewelry.
In the 1990s, HPHT diamonds were produced on a commercial scale, and experimentation led to the acquisition of near-colorless varieties. This was a significant development in the lab-grown diamond industry.
By 2002, commercial quantities of near-colorless HTHP diamonds were being incorporated into jewelry, and the production of fancy-colored lab-grown diamonds was also underway.
Another notable development came in the form of CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) technology, which re-emerged and started producing near-colorless diamonds.
In 2010, the first colorless lab-grown diamonds, both CVD and HPHT, weighing up to 1ct in the rough, were introduced to the market. Technological advances continued, and by 2015, larger lab-grown diamonds weighing up to 5ct were being successfully produced.
In 2017, HPHT melee gems (small diamonds) entered the jewellery market, further expanding the options available for consumers.
In 2018, the renowned diamond company De Beers launched its line of lab-grown jewelry, including fancy blue and pink lab-grown diamonds. This move also led to a readjustment in the pricing index for lab-grown diamonds.
Today, there is a wide variety of lab-grown diamonds to choose from, including different shapes, colors, and sizes. Noteworthy lab-grown diamonds created include a 5.19ct J VS2 CVD grown diamond, a 10.02ct E VS1 HPHT grown diamond, a 15.32ct H I1 HPHT grown diamond, a 6.21ct D VS2 CVD grown diamond, and a 5.01ct pink CVD grown diamond.
When it comes to buying lab-grown diamonds, there are several benefits to consider. They have a lower carbon footprint and are more environmentally friendly compared to the invasive mining practices associated with natural diamonds. Additionally, lab-grown diamonds tend to be more affordable, making them an attractive choice for many consumers.
