Our lab-grown diamonds are grown using two primary methods used to create diamonds in a laboratory environment: CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) and HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature).

Our lab-grown diamonds involve a combination of both processes. The HPHT method involves the application of high pressures and temperatures to a small seed crystal, while the CVD method “grows” the diamonds from the chemical reaction of carbon gas and a seed crystal.

Rest assured, other than advanced Gemological testing for identification purposes, there is absolutely no reason to differentiate between the two growth processes. One method is not superior to the other in any way. Each process has its purpose whether that’s being best suited for certain sizes, shapes, or colors of diamonds. Neither method can be identified without advanced scientific testing, equipment, and training. Also, there is no price difference between the two methods.

In the High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) diamond growth method, the process occurs within an enormous apparatus called a cubic press (pictured below), capable of exerting in excess of 70 metric tons. In order to start the growth process of a diamond in a cubic press, a small diamond seed is carefully placed into the bottom of a central growth chamber. Then, a layer of additional carbon, in the form of graphite, is delicately placed on top of the diamond seed crystal. Finally, in addition to the graphite, a metallic catalyst covered with a ceramic shell is considered the growth cell, which is fully encapsulated within the core of the central growth chamber. Gradually, the enormous pressure is applied, which subjects the core of the central growth chamber cell to 1,000,000 pound per square inch (PSI) of pressure, which is nearly 70 times the pressure at sea level! Accordingly, scorching temperatures rise to over 2,700 degree fahrenheit. Respectively, the carbon atoms are released from the graphite through the molten metal flux catalyst and then the carbon crystallizes on the seed. This atomic process of crystal growth starts on the diamond seed, then diamond then grows layer by layer and atom by atom in an upward and outward orientation over a period of several weeks to more than a month in order to grow one or a few rough diamond crystals.

No, absolutely not! Not even Soha, who is a 10th Generation Jeweler and GIA trained and experienced Gemologist cannot differentiate between the two even when they’re side-by-side.

It is impossible to differentiate without sending the stones to a third party diamond grading laboratory or scientific laboratory. These highly technical and sophisticated equipment require special attention, care, and training in order to use and report on their findings. After all, lab-grown diamonds are REAL diamonds with the only difference being the place where it was grown.

Well over 60 years ago, on December 16, 1954, the first successful laboratory grown diamond was produced by a man named Tracy Hall at General Electric (GE). This gave rise to the industrial man-made diamond industry we know today. Lab-Grown diamonds were used commercially in a wide array of industries and purposes such as medical, technology like semiconductors, sensors, optics, power transmission, water treatment.

Only in the past two decades has the production of gem-quality diamonds been consistent.

Scientists from all over the world and all diamond grading laboratories have subjected lab-grown diamonds to rigorous testing and undertaken many studies to ascertain that diamonds from above earth (lab-grown) are identical to those from under the earth (mined).

For additional information on the history of Lab-Grown Diamonds, please refer to our blog post here.

Our clients are concerned about ethical issues surrounding mined diamonds (whether human or environmental factors), lab-grown diamonds present an attractive source. Grown in a lab by PhDs, research scientists, and backed by over 60+ years of research and development, they are today’s only source of 100% conflict-free and eco-conscious diamonds.

The growth period of a lab-grown diamonds takes approximately 10-12 weeks to form a rough diamond crystal that is ready for cutting and polishing. The diamonds then must go through the process of planning, cutting, polishing, sorting, and finally certification.

Growing diamonds takes place throughout the world and is very capital intensive. Growth regions include the United States, Singapore, China, India, and Russia.

The price of a grown diamond and the price of an earth-mined diamond are all the result of a price index-Rapaport which is followed universally in the diamond industry.

Due to the efficiency of our pipeline and depending on size and quality of lab-grown diamonds, we save our clients an average of 30% to 40% when compared to their identical mined diamond counterpart.

Soha leads the industry in robust diamond screening practices. We’ve invested strict policies, guidelines, and practices in order to eliminate the risk of contaminating our lab-grown diamonds with mined diamonds. We follow best practices in the separation and identification of mined diamonds in order ensure lab-grown diamond origins. If any jewelry retailer is in a position to guarantee accurate identification, grading, and screening of lab-grown diamonds, it’s Soha Diamond Co.

Our lab-grown diamonds arrive with a third party diamond grading certificate from trusted diamond grading laboratories like IGI (International Gemological Institute), GCAL (Gem Certification and Assurance Lab), or GIA (Gemological Institute of America). All Soha Diamonds feature full disclosure of laboratory origin, including a unique serial number inscription on the girdle of the stone.