Lab-grown diamonds can be processed through two technologies; High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapour Disposition (CVD).

The HPHT process uses a diamond powder mixed with a molten metal flux that slowly crystalises on the diamond seed, and under severe temperature and pressure conditions forms a diamond.  The end product includes metal impurities and cannot produce the purest form of a diamond.

The CVD process exactly replicates the process that occurs below the surface of the earth.  A thin layer of a minded diamond is placed as a seed in a plasma reactor. An intense temperature and pressure environment is created, gases are infused and the carbon from the cases disintegrates to develop into rough diamonds. The rough diamonds are then cut and polished in the same manner as a mined diamond.

The CVD process produces the purest form of a diamond – classified as type IIa by international diamond grading and certifying labs.  It has the same optical, physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds.  Only 2% of the world diamonds are considered Type IIa, making lab grown diamonds a high-quality alternative to minded diamonds. The shine and luster of Type IIA diamonds are significantly better than other types of diamonds.

Ninety-eight percent of the world’s natural diamonds have nitrogen impurities.  Only 2% are nitrogen free – type IIa, making lab grown diamonds an excellent choice for those where purity and quality is important.