In recent years, lab diamonds have been gaining a lot of traction.  Lab diamonds, which have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds, are slightly more affordable than natural diamonds of comparable size and quality.  Plus, recent technological advances have made lab created diamonds more beautiful than ever.  Their exceptional quality and value, coupled with the fact that they do not require any mining, make manmade diamonds a beautiful and eco-friendly choice.

But how exactly are lab diamonds made?  We checked in with Brilliant Earth, the leader in ethically sourced bridal and fine jewelry to get some more information on lab diamonds.  To help breakdown the process for us, they created some fun GIFs which explain the Chemical Vapor Deposition process (CVD) used to create high quality, wearable gems.

making of a lab diamond
Start with methane gas (CH4), and form a plasma with hydrogen (H).
making of a lab diamond
Add a disc made up of 15-30 diamond seeds and place into the microwave reactor.
making of a lab diamond
For an exceptional gemstone, adjust the temperature in the chamber to between 900 and 1200°C.
making of a lab diamond
The activated carbon-hydrogen species attaches itself to the seed atom. This process repeats itself endlessly for 21-28 days to replicate the crystal structure of the diamond seed crystal in three dimensions.
making of a lab diamond
iPad alerts notify technicians that the grown diamonds are ready for removal. The 15-30 rectangular shaped gems are removed from the reactor and sent to a gemologist for cutting.
making of a lab diamond
A gemologist cuts the stone to perfection and the diamond is added to a ring setting.