LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS
Grown by Technology.
Defined by Diamond.
A diamond with the same crystal structure and essential material properties as a natural diamond, grown in a controlled environment.
CONCEPT
Same Substance.
Different Environment.
The same material, formed in a different environment.
Ice that forms naturally on a lake and ice made in a freezer are both crystallized water (H₂O).
In the same way, natural and lab-grown diamonds are formed in different environments, but both are diamonds in which carbon forms the diamond crystal structure.
WHAT IS LAB-GROWN DIAMOND
What Defines a Diamond?
The essential nature of a diamond.
Lab-grown diamonds are made of carbon, just like natural diamonds, and share the same diamond crystal structure.
Although they grow in different environments, they share the same essential chemical, physical, and optical properties—and are both diamonds.
01
CARBON
Made of Carbon
02
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE
Same Diamond Structure
03
PROPERTIES
Same Essential Properties
04
NOT A SIMULANT
Different from Simulants
MATERIAL
Same Diamond.
Different Origin.
Same material. Different origin.
Natural and lab-grown diamonds are both diamonds.
The key difference lies in the environment in which they are formed.
NATURAL DIAMOND
Formed deep within the Earth under high temperature and pressure over a long period of time.
LAB-GROWN DIAMOND
Grown in a controlled environment by recreating the conditions required for diamond growth through technology.
TECHNOLOGY
Two Technologies.
One Diamond.
Two technologies. One diamond.
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same crystal structure and fundamental properties as natural diamonds, created through advanced technology in a controlled environment.
CVD
Chemical Vapor Deposition
CVD uses carbon-containing gases to deposit carbon atoms onto a diamond seed, allowing the crystal to grow layer by layer.
A thin slice of diamond is used as the seed and placed inside a growth chamber. Multiple diamonds can be grown simultaneously depending on the equipment.
Gas is introduced into the chamber and activated using microwave plasma energy, gradually forming diamond crystal.
HPHT
High Pressure High Temperature
HPHT recreates the high-temperature and high-pressure conditions associated with natural diamond formation, allowing diamond to grow from a carbon source.
A diamond seed, carbon source, and metallic solvent are placed inside the growth cell. Pressure of approximately 55,000 atmospheres and temperatures around 1,400°C are applied to promote crystallization.
Several types of HPHT presses exist, with cubic presses that apply pressure from multiple directions widely used today.
NOT A SIMULANT
NATURAL DIAMOND
Carbon (C)
Mohs Hardness 10
Refractive Index 2.42
Diamond, Not an Imitation.
Diamond and Simulants
Lab-grown diamonds share the same diamond crystal structure and essential material properties as natural diamonds.
Moissanite and cubic zirconia may look similar to diamond, but they are different materials with different chemical compositions and physical properties.
LAB-GROWN DIAMOND
Carbon (C)
Mohs Hardness 10
Refractive Index 2.42
MOISSANITE
Silicon Carbide (SiC)
Mohs Hardness 9.5
Refractive Index 2.65–2.69
CUBIC ZIRCONIA
Zirconium Dioxide (ZrO₂)
Mohs Hardness 8.5
Refractive Index 2.16
GRADING & IDENTIFICATION
Identified by Science.
Graded by Standards.
Scientific Identification. Standardized Grading.
Natural and lab-grown diamonds can be difficult to distinguish by appearance alone. However, specialized gemological instruments and testing methods can identify their growth origin.
Lab-grown diamonds are also evaluated according to the 4Cs—carat, color, clarity, and cut.
At EIGHT ALCHEMY, we generally supply diamonds with IGI grading reports. However, depending on the size or specific requirements of a project, diamonds may also be supplied without a report.
Redirected to the IGI website
APPLICATIONS
Beyond Jewelry.
Into new possibilities.
Lab-grown diamonds are used not only in jewelry, but also in research and industrial applications that take advantage of diamond’s unique properties, including hardness, thermal conductivity, and optical performance.
JEWELRY
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Rings
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Necklaces
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Earrings
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Bridal
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etc.
INDUSTRY
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Diamond Anvils
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Wafers
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X-ray Windows
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Thermal Management
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etc.
PERSPECTIVE
Natural and lab-grown diamonds are not a matter of one being inherently superior to the other. Each has its own background, value, market, and applications.
Because EIGHT ALCHEMY works with both natural and lab-grown diamonds, we understand their respective characteristics and recommend the most suitable materials, products, and applications for each purpose.
Choosing according to purpose and application.