How long does a Lab Grown Diamond take to make?

Many people will be asking how long does it take to make lab grown diamonds? We guide you through the fascinating process.

Wearing a piece of diamond jewellery can instantly elevate any outfit. You can go from normal to stunning in a matter of seconds with a sparkling set of diamond earrings, pendants or rings. With the gemstone symbolising deep, everlasting love, diamonds are commonly favoured for engagement rings. 

If you’re looking to buy a new piece of diamond jewellery, you may be wondering whether to go for a natural or lab grown diamond. While natural diamonds are created over billions of years from nature, lab grown diamond is a man-made diamond, created by scientists from a mined diamond seed. 

In 2022, you have the choice of buying either natural or man-made diamond jewellery. Lab grown diamonds have grown in popularity over the past few years. The Duchess of Sussex and Emma Watson are a few celebrities that have sported lab grown diamond earrings.

Keep reading to learn how scientists can create a diamond in a laboratory and how long the whole process takes.

How long does it take to make a Lab Grown Diamond?

Unlike natural diamonds that are created with high pressure and heat under the Earth’s surface, lab grown diamonds are made in a lab by scientists. The timeframe for creating the lab grown diamond typically takes between 6 to 10 weeks. 

When comparing the production of both types of diamonds, lab grown gems are more sustainable than mined diamonds. While natural diamonds take a considerable amount of land to mine, diamonds made in a lab take less space to produce. It means that lab grown diamonds can be produced without needing too much land.

Is a Cubic Zirconia a Lab Grown Diamond?

A cubic zirconia is similar to a lab grown diamond in terms of its sparkle, however it’s chemical composition is completely different to that of a diamond. Cubic Zirconia (or CZ) was created in 1976 in a lab setting and whilst they feature some shine and sparkle, they show scratches easily and do not last anywhere near as long as a natural or man made diamond.

Creating a lab grown diamond using the CVD method 

There are two methods of creating a lab grown diamond, Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) and High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT). Both methods can be used to create high quality diamonds that look exactly the same as the natural mined versions of the gem.

Before going into how the diamond can be created using this method, it's worth explaining what a CVD diamond is. Chemical Vapour Deposition (also known as CVD) is a name that’s used for diamonds that are created in a lab.

When it comes to how a CVD diamond is made, it all starts with a diamond seed. The seed is placed in a sealed chamber where it’s generally heated to around 800 degrees. Gas is then added into the chamber, where the gas’ carbon atoms are broken down. The gas’ atoms fasten to the diamond seed to generate more crystals, leading to the diamond being created.

Making a Lab Grown Diamond using the hpht method

CVD is not the only method used to create lab grown diamonds as there’s a different way of creating the diamond in a lab. The method is called High Pressure High Temperature (also known as HPHT). HPHT has been used by scientists since the 1950’s to create lab grown diamonds.

Making a HPHT diamond is completely different to a CVD diamond. At the start of the diamond growing process, the diamond seed is placed on a carbon material. The seed is then exposed to high temperatures and pressure, replicating how the gem is grown naturally underneath the earth.

Placing the diamond seed under that high pressure and temperature leads to the creation of diamond crystals. The stone is then cooled, leading to the formation of the diamond. The HPHT method of creating diamonds in a lab continues to evolve as production becomes larger and more efficient to keep up with the demand for lab grown diamonds.

Which method is the quickest for creating Lab Grown Diamonds?

In terms of which method is the fastest for creating lab grown diamonds, there’s very little difference between CVD and HPHT diamonds. With a CVD diamond, it can vary from a few days to weeks, depending on the size and technology used to create the diamond itself. Producing a 1 carat diamond using the CVD method generally takes a month or more to make.

Growing a lab grown diamond with the HPHT method can take between a few days to a few weeks. For a 1 carat diamond, it can take around two weeks to grow. Both methods that are used to grow diamonds in a lab take far less time to produce the stone than naturally mined diamonds.

Conclusion

Lab grown diamonds are a fantastic alternative to naturally mined diamonds. Not only are diamonds created in a lab sustainable and more environmentally friendly, but are more affordable than natural diamond jewellery. Our engagement ring builder will allow you to create the engagement or wedding ring that you’ve dreamed of having.

If you are looking to buy a lab grown engagement or diamond ring, Diamond Heaven can help find a ring that’s right for you. You can book an appointment at one of our stores, where our team of experts will be on hand to assist you with finding the perfect lab created diamond or engagement ring.