The Science
The state-of-the-art technology behind lab diamonds
How are lab-grown diamonds created?
At the heart of the process lies a tiny ‘seed’, a small fragment of a authentic diamond. Our manufacturers expose this seed to carbon atoms under high pressure and extreme heat, mimicking the natural volcanic forces that created diamonds millions of years ago. Over two to four weeks, carbon atoms delicately crystallise on the seed’s surface, forming a rough, genuine diamond.
The High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) process
Originating in the 1950s for industrial use, HPHT mirrors the Earth’s interior conditions, creating diamonds within 2-4 weeks, as opposed to mined diamonds developing over billions of years. Techniques like the split beer (BARS) press, cubic press, and belt press create the high-pressure, high-temperature environment needed for a seed enveloped in carbon to meld and crystallise into a full-sized diamond.
Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD)
CVD is a process that simulates the forming of diamonds in interstellar gas clouds. Firstly, a diamond seed is heated, then immersed in carbon-rich gases like hydrogen and methane, before cutting-edge plasma technology merges carbon layers onto the seed, growing your diamond with precision.
Developed in the 1980s, CVD stands out for its efficiency, using less energy than HPHT and offering a more cost-effective approach to diamond creation.
At Astrea, we do not believe that one method is better than the other, nor that there is a difference. What matters is the final product and the true quality of the stone.
