A Gem of an Idea

The earliest diamonds, mined from the depths of the earth, were found in India in the 4th century BC and gradually made it across the world, initially via the famed Silk Route. Today, these gems are facing a setback as their mines are fast getting exhausted. Hence, the world has now turned its attention to an alternative - the new-age lab-grown diamonds, produced in a plasma reactor (laboratory) by a process that replicates the natural process of diamond formation that happened billion years ago deep within the Earth's crust. Through this article, we get you the answers to some key questions often raised on their efficacy.

- Prasad Kapre

The Gemological Institute of T America (GIA) and other leading diamond certifying agencies of the world have clearly defined lab-grown diamonds as physically, chemically and optically identical to the natural diamonds mined from the earth. Lab-grown diamonds are grown in a plasma reactor by two different processes: Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) and High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT). With these two processes, the end result is the creation of a diamond that is identical in every respect to a mined diamond. A human eye cannot detect the difference; only a diamond certifying laboratory, well-equipped with the latest machines, can actually identify lab-grown and mined diamonds.

Need for Lab-grown Diamonds

It is said that mined diamonds, being a natural resource, are fast depleting and the mines carrying these diamonds are getting exhausted. In the coming years, these mines will not be in a position to supply enough gems to meet the growing demand for diamonds in the world. In just eight more years, i.e. by year 2030, there will be a huge gap of 159 million carats of rough diamonds as against the total demand for 221 million carats. So, lab-grown diamonds are likely to fill this gap to some extent.

Where in the World are these Diamonds Grown?