Artificial diamonds are here to stay. They are not a novelty. But, a few unanswered questions are remaining. Well, to be honest, we have all the answers. It’s just that you didn’t hear them. So, with a little bit of patience, you can remove at least one stigma focused on man made diamonds. What most laics want to know first is how big can man made diamonds get. This is a good question. Considering that the value of some diamonds increases with the size it is not out of the ordinary for people wanting to know the answer.
Of course, when buying a ring or just a rock of a high value for most people size plays a crucial role. This is why it is good to know that gems made in a laboratory come in various sizes. There’s also the small matter of shape, and it can differ too from stone to stone. Not every laboratory made rock is identical. It is easy to get curious about artificial diamonds. After all, they were a rarity not so long ago. So, let’s talk size for a bit? How big? Large is the answer. If you’re into man made diamonds and you do care about the size you’re in for a treat.
The first thing you must learn is that the size vise they can get really big. But the trick is not all of them will grow to the same size. Yes, it is all about the process behind their growth. Depending on the method used they can grow quite big, or they can remain smaller variants. This is quite an interesting thing to write about, so thank you for asking. Now, let’s dwell on the secrets of massive artificial diamonds.
How Are Synthetic Diamonds Made?
At the moment we have two ways of creating precious synthetic rocks. The first one, and the older way is named the HPHT method. Both rely on simulating the process seen in nature of growing diamonds that are usually products of happenings in the earth’s crust. That’s why you’ll understand why HPHT refers to high pressure/temperature. Both are used in the process of creating laboratory diamonds. In a controlled environment, carbon is exposed to both and that allows for the precious rock to be formed from this element. Just like in nature. This process is seen as the ideal one for making new diamonds. But, the next one is more used.
The second way in question is named CVD. We’re speaking about a more trendy and commercial method of making jewels despite of the fact it pales in comparison with the first one we mentioned. Chemical vapor deposition is touted on exposing pieces of diamonds to carbon gas. So, you’ll need a diamond to get things started. Through a process of ionization of the gas in question, the layers of carbon start piling up on the diamond seed thus creating a new one. The two processes are not too similar but the end product is.
How About The Size?
Yes, we have finally reached the end game. These are not the Infinity Stones, so you don’t have to worry too much. The size of the rock will depend on the method used in creating one. The first one, HPHT, is the older one and has been in use for some time now, much longer than CVD. But, in recent times we have had a spike in usage of the latter and the industry now relies more on it. While this is the case, you will not get a better, or bigger for that matter, product by using CVD. It is a well-known fact that the biggest artificial rocks are created by using the method of HPHT.
You should know that the stones made with the usage of HPHT can easily reach the size of ten carats. On the other hand, we have CVD. This method was behind for some time now, but in recent times scientists have found a way to catch up. While in the past stones made by using this method rarely exceeded 6 carats, things have changed for the better now. Today CVD easily grows rocks that go all the way up to 9 carats. Still behind the first option, but nothing to scoff at.
You should also know that while we’re speaking averages, some scientists in Germany managed to outdo themselves and the whole world by creating the world’s largest artificial diamond. We are talking about a 155-carat mountain that originates from Augsburg University.
Conclusion
There you have it. Lab-made diamonds can grow quite successfully. Yes, the 155-carat behemoth is not the norm, but they have real gems in this industry. It is hard to pinpoint the best method and the average size, but we can get close to it. We are going to say that at the moment the HPHT method is the winner. Their 10 or more-carat diamonds are quite good and you will not make a mistake if opting for one. While we love to praise this method and we love the round size of ten, we cannot pay respects where it’s due. We will do that in the paragraph below. What’s worth noting while we’re on the HPHT method is that it offers the perfect environment for growing rocks that in the future the process will bring us another record on the diamond size for sure.
Moving on to the next method, CVD is making its play noticeable. In recent years real studies have been made and the size of diamonds that grow through this method easily reach the 9-carat size. So, they almost stand on equal grounds. Finding large artificial diamonds was never easier. Piece of cake, am I right? It could be so. When you look at the way technology is advancing soon, you’ll be able to buy even larger lab made diamonds. As of now, they come in these sizes. In the future, you’ll be able to select the size you want even before the growth process starts.
