Some frequently asked questions about Laboratory Grown Diamonds

How are Laboratory Grown Diamonds created using the more sophisticated Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) process?

This method is favoured by Chelsea Rocks and all our diamonds are produced using this method; In the CVD process, methane gas is activated using microwave energy to a temperature approximately to 2000-3000 F causing it to break and release carbon atoms, depositing onto a diamond substrate. 

This slowly grows layer by layer, atom by atom. It is a natural process of crystal growth resulting in similar kinds of inclusions and defects that occur in mined diamonds and is beyond human control once the process starts.

How are Laboratory Grown Diamonds created using the HPHT process?

In the HPHT process, a diamond seed (real diamond) is placed along with graphite and a metallic catalyst covered with a ceramic shell in growth chamber. As the pressure and temperature increase to about 55 K Bar and 1500 C, respectively the carbon atoms are released from the graphite through the molten catalyst and the atomic process of crystal growth starts on the diamond seed. The diamond grows layer by layer and atom by atom over a period of 8-10 days.The new diamond is cleaned and ready to be cut and polished, just like any other rough diamond extracted from below earth. 

Why are laboratory Grown Diamonds sometimes incorrectly called synthetic?

The Federal Trade Commission (USA) and Trading Standards (UK) and Chelsea Rocks strongly reject the descriptor of ‘synthetic‘ for Laboratory Grown Diamonds.  

'Synthetic' when used in context of jewellery almost always implies an 'artificial' or a 'fake' – this does NOT apply to Laboratory Grown Diamonds. A Laboratory Grown Diamond exhibits the same exceptional beauty and brilliance as a mined diamond because it is identical in composition to a mined diamond. Not similar. Not a simulation. Not a fake.

The Commission also no longer defines a “diamond” by using the term “natural” because, "it is no longer accurate to define diamonds as “natural” when it is now possible to create products that have essentially the same optical, physical, and chemical properties as mined diamonds."

Are Laboratory Grown Diamonds made of Moissanite?

No. All Laboratory Grown Diamonds are 100% diamond. Moissanite or silicon carbide is a diamond imitation, not diamond. While the appearance of diamond simulants is similar to that of natural diamonds, they are not diamonds. Common diamond simulants include glass and cubic zirconia (CZ), both of which are completely unrelated to diamond at the atomic level.

Are Laboratory Grown Diamonds made of Swarovski crystal?

No. All Laboratory Grown Diamonds are 100% diamond. Swarovski crystal are made from a form of man-made glass, not diamond.