CVD vs. HPHT: Decoding the Methods for Savvy Shoppers
0 commentsIn principle, the diamond industry typically talks about 4C’s, i.e., color, clarity, cut and carat weight. These factors define how classy and graceful a diamond is in general. People, particularly consumers, are more interested in spending tons of money on stones with stunning look and feel. They are more inclined towards the carat and the color. When it comes to lab-grown diamonds(LGDs), people are a bit skeptical of what they’re wearing and whether or not it is even of the top-notch quality that a natural diamond possesses. Hence, an awareness of the processes by which a diamond is produced in a laboratory is essential. You can read in detail about the methods of manufacturing LGDs through our other blog. This one mainly focuses on comparing the two.
It’s fascinating that India leads globally in producing CVD lab-grown diamonds, accounting for 25% of the world’s output. CVD, short for Chemical Vapor Deposition, is renowned for matching the quality of naturally mined diamonds, unlike HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature) methods. While the majority of lab-grown diamonds are made using HPHT, there are notable distinctions between the CVD method and its counterpart: –
1. Higher Clarity Grade
CVD-based diamonds are the purest quality diamonds found so far. The quality of Type IIA is one of the rarest types of diamonds found naturally. With high metal impurity content, HPHT diamonds are less rich in quality. In contrast, CVD-based diamonds can easily match the aforementioned rarity type.
2. Lower price point
The chemical vapor deposition process is quite simple, and the conditions can be maintained comfortably and conveniently. A carrier gas(generally methane) is utilized at lower pressure and temperature than the HPHT method.
3. Output Color Grade
This is where the CVD process needs to catch up. The HPHT process involves and produces a higher range of colors for the stones, creating a dichotomy between the two, given that the CVD-based diamonds are majorly colorless.
Conclusion
Although one might argue the importance of the process as a consumer is more interested in the final product, everyone must be aware of the stones they’re buying and how the process of LGD production works. Firefly diamonds as a brand ensures customer trust and manufactures luxurious LGDs utilizing both the methods. This will help the customer differentiate their stones in terms of price, clarity, color and, after all, the most essential thing, grace.