Do You Know What Seeds Are Used For Growing Diamonds
So, what are lab-grown diamonds—and where do they come from?
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, grown under controlled laboratory conditions. And their story begins with something surprisingly small: a diamond seed.
What exactly is a diamond seed?
A diamond seed is a small piece of existing diamond that provides the starting structure for new diamond growth. As carbon is added under the right conditions, the diamond crystal grows from that seed.
The result is a rough diamond, which is then cut and polished into a finished gemstone.
Let’s touch on the history and chemistry
In December 1954, chemist H. Tracy Hall, working at General Electric, achieved a reproducible method of making diamonds using intense heat and pressure. It was a milestone in the development of laboratory-grown diamonds.
Today, two main methods are used to grow diamonds for jewellery.
High pressure, high temperature (HPHT) uses conditions similar to those found deep within the Earth. Carbon dissolves in molten metal and crystallises onto a diamond seed under intense heat and pressure.
Chemical vapour deposition (CVD) works differently. A diamond seed is placed inside a chamber containing carbon-rich gas. Energy, often supplied by microwaves, breaks down the gas, allowing carbon to build onto the seed, layer by layer.
By the mid-2010s, colourless, gem-quality lab-grown diamonds were entering the jewellery market in commercial quantities.
Okay, but what about sparkle?
As GIA explains, lab-grown and natural diamonds have essentially the same chemical, physical, and optical properties. A beautifully cut lab-grown diamond can display the same crisp brilliance and colourful flashes of light, known as fire.
Cut quality matters in both. The proportions, arrangement of facets, and finish influence how a diamond interacts with light, so each stone deserves to be considered individually.
Can you see the difference?
You cannot reliably determine whether a polished diamond is natural or lab-grown simply by looking at it, even with a jeweller’s loupe. Reliable identification requires specialised testing equipment.
A report from a reputable gemological laboratory helps you understand the diamond’s origin and assessed characteristics.
Finally, why choose lab-grown?
For many people, the appeal is having more choice within their budget. Lab-grown diamonds typically cost less than comparable natural diamonds, making a larger stone or higher colour and clarity grades more accessible.
That can also leave more room for the setting and the design details that make a piece personal.
The possibilities extend beyond white diamonds, too. If you enjoy colour, you might like our article about blue diamonds.
If you’re thinking about a custom piece featuring a lab-grown diamond, send us a message. We’d be happy to explore diamonds and design ideas that suit your preferences and budget.
— Anna Popovych
