The diamond industry has undergone significant advancements in the 20th century, particularly in the development of new and innovative gemstones.
While natural diamonds have long been associated with jewelry, they are no longer the sole option available. Since the 1950s, lab-created diamonds have emerged and progressed, offering an alternative to natural diamonds. And now, there is a new player in town: CVD diamonds.
But what exactly are CVD diamonds? They fall into a category that is neither natural nor lab-created stones, representing a unique and novel option for jewelry enthusiasts.
If you’re intrigued by this type of diamond, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading until the end of this article to gain a comprehensive understanding of CVD diamonds.
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CVD Diamonds Explained
First and foremost, let’s decipher the name: CVD stands for Chemical Vapor Deposition. But don’t let the name mislead you – these gemstones are not formed through the geological processes that create natural diamonds. CVD diamonds made their appearance in the market just over a decade ago.
Now, let’s delve into the manufacturing process of these gemstones.
According to the GIA (Gemological Institute of America), CVD diamonds are created by introducing a specific gas, such as methane, into a vacuum chamber. The gas is then activated and broken down into molecules. Carbon atoms accumulate on a substrate during this process, eventually leading to the formation of a CVD diamond.
Interestingly, the equipment required for producing CVD diamonds is less expensive compared to the equipment needed for creating high-quality lab-created gemstones. With the emergence of this gemstone, jewelers are still in the experimental phase and have been using different types of gases to assess the overall quality of the final product.
Typically, CVD diamonds exhibit a brownish color. However, scientists have discovered methods to mitigate this common characteristic of lower-quality diamonds. By incorporating higher temperatures during the process, the brown hue can be reduced, although not entirely eliminated.
The GIA has confirmed that CVD diamonds have significantly improved since their initial introduction a decade ago. Various strategies have been employed to minimize the graining patterns present in these diamonds.
It’s important to note that the growth timeline of CVD diamonds can vary, depending on the specific parameters used. Roughly speaking, it takes approximately two weeks to grow a 1-carat CVD diamond. However, it’s crucial not to rush to conclusions about this gemstone and to recognize that there is still room for improvement in the diamond industry.
With ongoing advancements, we can anticipate the emergence of even better and higher-quality versions of this “invention” in the near future.
The 4 C’s Of CVD Diamonds
Now, let’s discuss the characteristics of CVD diamonds in relation to the 4 C’s – cut, clarity, carat, and color – and explore their qualities and drawbacks.
Color:
As previously mentioned, CVD diamonds are rarely colorless and often exhibit a brownish hue. While methods to remove this color exist, it remains a common undertone in these gemstones. Some CVD diamonds may display visible hues even after undergoing HPHT annealing. However, it’s worth noting that certain intact CVD diamonds may exhibit color changes to grayish or blue under strong UV light, which is an improvement over brown and yellow tones. In terms of retail popularity, pink and yellow shades achieved through additional high-temperature treatment are commonly sought after.
Clarity:
Surprisingly, CVD diamonds tend to have high clarity. Unlike natural diamonds that can contain inclusions from elements like iron and nickel, CVD synthetic diamonds have been found to have minimal to no visible inclusions, even to the naked eye. However, tiny black “crystals” and pinpoints may be present in some of these diamonds.
Cut:
In terms of cutting, the process for CVD diamonds is similar to that of lab-grown and natural diamonds. CVD diamonds undergo laser cutting to remove and refine rough edges, followed by polishing. However, due to the crystal structure of CVD diamonds, the cutting process can vary for each stone. Some may be easier to shape, while others may require more time and effort for cutting and polishing. It’s important to note that the cutting options for CVD diamonds are limited to flat or tabular shapes.
Carat:
The carat weight of CVD diamonds is an interesting characteristic. It depends on the growth time of the diamond, with longer growth periods resulting in higher carat weights. However, the tabular form of CVD diamonds imposes limitations on achieving larger carat weights. As of 2019, the heaviest CVD tabular diamond weighed 6 carats.
Overall, CVD diamonds possess unique qualities and considerations compared to natural and lab-grown diamonds. While they may exhibit a brownish color and have certain limitations, advancements in color removal and the potential for high clarity make them an intriguing option in the diamond industry.
What’s The Value Of These Diamonds?
As CVD diamonds are still relatively new in the market, determining their exact cost can be complex. Different retailers rely on various factors to price CVD diamonds, making it challenging to pinpoint a definitive cost. However, it is generally accepted that CVD diamonds are up to 30% cheaper than their counterparts. For instance, a 1.2-carat CVD diamond may cost around $1,600. It’s important to note that this is just one example, and relying solely on it when budgeting for a CVD diamond may not be advisable.
In addition to the standard 4 C’s of diamonds, there are other factors that can influence the price of CVD diamonds. Fluorescence, which refers to how a diamond reacts to UV light, can significantly impact its value. Strong fluorescence may give a diamond a cloudy appearance and reduce its overall appeal.
The shape of the diamond also plays a role in its demand and price. Common cuts like round, princess, and emerald tend to be more popular and therefore often come with a higher price tag.
The presence of a certificate, issued by an accredited association such as the GIA, can also affect the price of a CVD diamond. This document provides essential information about the diamond, including its cut, weight, proportions, and more. Having a certificate can increase the value of the diamond when selling it.
Lastly, symmetry is an important factor in determining the value of a diamond. Diamonds with well-aligned facets and minimal asymmetry are considered more valuable. The impact of symmetry is particularly noticeable after the diamond has been polished.
The Advantages Of CVD Diamonds
Today, we focused on CVD diamonds and explored several reasons why you might consider purchasing one over a natural diamond. Let’s recap some of the advantages:
Purity: CVD diamonds exhibit better purity with fewer surface and internal inclusions. This is possible because they are manufactured, allowing for imperfections to be prevented. In contrast, natural diamonds are influenced by geological forces, making it challenging to achieve the same level of purity.
Technology: The access to technology and ongoing experimentation in the creation of CVD diamonds provide an advantage. Different gases are used in the process, showcasing progress and potential for further advancements in diamond production.
Eco-Friendly: Lab-grown diamonds, including CVD diamonds, are environmentally friendly compared to natural diamonds. The mining of natural diamonds involves the use of large amounts of fossil fuels and machinery that harm the environment. In contrast, lab-grown diamonds are produced exclusively in controlled lab settings.
Affordability: Not everyone has a flexible budget to afford their desired diamond. Synthetic and CVD diamonds have become a status symbol for many middle-class individuals. These conscious consumers prioritize affordability and appreciate the wide selection of lab-grown diamonds available to them.
By considering these advantages, you can make an informed decision about whether CVD diamonds align with your preferences and values.
Tips Before Buying CVD Diamonds
Now that you have familiarized yourself with the background of CVD diamonds, here are some helpful guidelines if you are interested in making a purchase:
Research the Diamond and Company: Since lab-grown and CVD diamonds are primarily sold online, it is essential to conduct thorough research before making a purchase. This includes investigating the origin of the diamond and the reputation of the company selling it. Look for diamonds that come with proper documentation and clear statements about their origin.
Watch Out for Grading: Always pay attention to the paperwork and grading of the diamond. Avoid buying diamonds that are not graded by reputable organizations such as GIA (Gemological Institute of America), IGI (International Gemological Institute), or EGL USA (European Gemological Laboratory). These grading systems provide authenticity and formality to your diamond and are important for insurance purposes.
Work Within Your Budget: While CVD diamonds are generally more affordable, it is still important to set a budget and make a thoughtful purchase. Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, as they may indicate poor quality. It’s better to save a bit more and invest in a higher-quality diamond in the long run.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you make an informed and satisfactory purchase when considering CVD diamonds.
Summing It Up
Let’s recap the essential points about CVD diamonds, the latest innovation in the diamond industry:
CVD diamonds emerged on the market around ten years ago and have since been continuously improved by scientists and jewelers to enhance their appeal to consumers.
The formation process of CVD diamonds involves the use of various gases, with the duration of growth impacting the carat weight and subsequent pricing.
In terms of the 4Cs (cut, clarity, color, and carat), CVD diamonds generally fall in the middle range. The only aspect that may be considered less desirable is their brown color, which is associated with lower quality and clarity.
Despite this, CVD diamonds offer numerous advantages. They are relatively affordable and environmentally friendly compared to their natural counterparts.
Ultimately, the decision to choose CVD diamonds or other types of diamonds rests with you, taking into consideration your preferences and priorities.
