How are diamonds created in the laboratory?

Lab-grown diamonds sound almost like science fiction, but they're possible. With cutting-edge technology, it's now possible to grow real diamonds with properties identical to natural diamonds. Two processes make this possible: CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) and HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) .

But how exactly are these gemstones created? And why are they considered a sustainable alternative to traditional mined diamonds?

The problems of traditional diamond mining

Before we take a look at the lab, it is worth considering the challenges of conventional diamond mining:

• Environmental impact : deforestation, blasting, high energy and water consumption
• Costs & Resources : A diamond mine requires investments of over 1 billion USD and decades of payback
• Social problems : Unsafe working conditions, exploitation and the issue of “Blood Diamonds” are putting a strain on the industry
  

The demand for a responsible alternative is therefore greater than ever.

Two processes for laboratory diamonds – CVD & HPHT

HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature)

The HPHT process mimics the extreme conditions in the Earth's mantle under which natural diamonds form over billions of years. A small diamond nucleus is placed in a press under extreme pressure (over 50,000 bar) and very high temperatures (over 1,400–1,600 °C) .

In this controlled environment, carbon atoms crystallize from a metallic solution (usually iron, nickel, or cobalt) and attach themselves to the seed crystal. In this way, the diamond grows layer by layer.

Properties and advantages of HPHT:

• Particularly suitable for large and clear diamonds
• Can also be used to enhance the color of natural diamonds (e.g., converting brownish stones into colorless ones)

CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)

In the CVD process, a small diamond nucleus is placed in a reaction chamber filled with a gas mixture ( methane and hydrogen ). By igniting a plasma , the gas molecules are split: carbon atoms are released and deposited layer by layer on the diamond nucleus.

The growth conditions are precisely controllable; temperature (approx. 800–1,200 °C), gas pressure, and plasma composition are adjusted so that the diamond grows with atomic precision.
The CVD process is like a 3D printer at the atomic level .

Features and benefits of CVD:

• Allows a very high purity , as disturbing nitrogen influences (yellow hue) can be reduced
• Suitable for large surface crystals as well as thin diamond films (e.g. also in industry)
• Diamonds grow in characteristic layer structures that can be seen under a microscope or UV light
• Ideal for colorless diamonds, but also for fancy colors (e.g. through controlled addition of boron or nitrogen)

The CVD process also plays a crucial role in industrial technology .

CVD diamonds are used to make tools and machine components extremely hard and durable. Whether in cutting tools, drill bits, or high-tech machines , the diamond coating ensures longer service life, higher efficiency, and reduced wear.

This makes CVD not only a sustainable alternative for gemstones , but also one of the most important high-tech technologies of our time , from industry to space travel.

Both processes produce genuine diamonds that are chemically, physically, and visually indistinguishable from natural ones. The only difference lies in their origin: While nature takes billions of years to produce, lab-grown diamonds can be produced in just 6–10 weeks .

Advances & Diversity in Lab Diamonds

Thanks to technological innovations, not only colorless diamonds of the highest purity can now be produced, but also colored diamonds, so-called fancy diamonds :

Yellow, blue, pink, green

Even large stones of up to 100 carats are now possible. Every aspect of the growth process is strictly monitored until a perfect rough diamond is created.

Economic & qualitative advantages of laboratory diamonds

In addition to sustainability, laboratory diamonds also impress with their cost-effectiveness and quality:

• Production time : only 6–10 weeks
• Cost : up to 30% cheaper than mined diamonds
• Quality : identical in all 4C's – color, clarity, cut, carat

This makes it a modern and transparent alternative for discerning customers who value luxury with responsibility.

Current highlight: The world's largest lab diamond

The JCK Show 2024 in Las Vegas impressively demonstrated how rapidly technology is developing:

• Ethereal Green Diamond presented the world's largest laboratory diamond , a 75.33 carat square-emerald cut stone , IGI certified as Type IIa with excellent cut and symmetry.
• At the same time, a unique 30.69 carat “Infinity Ring” was presented – a ring-shaped diamond grown from a single CVD crystal.

These milestones make it clear: Laboratory diamonds are now more than just an alternative; they are setting new standards in size, design and technical innovation .

Conclusion

Lab-grown diamonds are not a replacement solution, but rather a new generation of diamonds . Created from carbon.

They combine the best of both worlds: the beauty and hardness of a real diamond and the certainty of wearing a piece of jewelry with a clear conscience.

Maison Gabriel: Every diamond is certified by independent laboratories such as IGI, GIA, or HRD . This guarantees transparency, authenticity, and the highest quality.

Schedule a consultation now and learn more about our lab-grown diamonds.