How Are Diamonds Made?

When truly contemplating how diamonds are made, the initial train of thought is that they are not made, they just happen. In reality though, diamonds are made. Essentially, diamonds are made two ways. They are either naturally forming, rough diamonds made by mother earth or they are man-made diamonds. The difference is minute from a scientific standpoint, but the emotional debate from a practical standpoint is a somewhat heated and controversial one.

Diamonds are made naturally deep within the earth as carbon atoms are exposed to high amounts of heat and pressure. When the temperature and pressure is just right, the carbon atoms crystallize and a diamond is formed. This process has been occurring below the earth’s crust since the formation of the earth. Volcanic pressure has forced these diamonds up through cracks in the crust where they have settled below the surface waiting to be mined.


Diamonds are the only gemstones known to man to be comprised of a single element. It is estimated that only one-quarter of mined diamonds are made into jewelry. It is because of this rare gift of Mother Nature that a diamond is one of the most coveted of all precious gems.

As opposed to naturally occurring, some diamonds are made by man. Some people call them artificial diamonds; others call them cultured diamonds. However, diamonds made by man are identical in composition to naturally formed diamonds, not imposters like cubic zirconia or glass. Sometimes referred to as “growing” a diamond, these diamonds are made by recreating the same chemistry of heat and pressure only with a machine. Rather than taking millions of years, as geologists have calculated is the length of the natural process, cultured diamonds can be made in as little as three days.

Upon testing, there is little to distinguish naturally made diamonds from diamonds made artificially, which leaves the industry somewhat in a quandary over how to regulate them. Diamonds made by artificial means sell for much cheaper than a naturally mined diamond and some industry leaders have expressed concern over artificial diamonds hitting the market as natural. However, there are few manufacturers of artificial diamonds and most of them actually engrave microscopic labels onto the diamond’s surface.

As a matter of industry, diamonds made by machine may serve a greater purpose than engagement rings. Currently, experts are attempting to manufacture diamond microchips that would last longer than any other substance due to heat resistance. Diamonds are also used in the composition of different types of saw blades.

Regardless of how the diamonds are made, naturally or artificially, the choices to be made when purchasing a diamond remain a matter of personal preference. Some argue that that the artificial diamond contains none of the mystique associated with the amazing processes that occur in nature, while others argue that the man-made diamond is an identical substance that can be bought for a fraction of the cost. If left to a woman to choose her engagement ring, it could be the difference between a 0.5-carat weight ring and a 2.0-carat weight ring. Ultimately, the choice is yours – or hers as the case may be.

Man Made Diamonds

Diamonds mean different things to different people. For the most part, diamonds are often associated with love or affection. Thus, it is common for persons in a relationship to exchange a piece of diamond jewelry as a symbol of their love. This is evident by the exchange of diamond rings during a wedding ceremony, or giving diamond jewelry as anniversary gifts. Of course, persons not in a relationship also wear diamonds. The price of diamond jewelry varies. There are diamond jewelry pieces that cost around $100. Unfortunately, the stone is typically small. Persons wanting a bigger diamond, but cannot afford the larger price tag, may consider purchasing a man made diamond.

Man made diamonds have been around for many years. Commonly referred to as synthetic or artificial diamonds, man made diamonds include cubic zirconium, moissanite, and so forth. There are different grades of artificial diamonds. In fact, some are replicated so closely, that onlookers will be unable to detect a faux. Manufacturers of artificial diamonds take great pride in replicating the composite and clarity of a real diamond. For this matter, the stone will have the same luster and color.

The same way real diamonds have different grades; there are also different qualities of man made diamonds. Some low quality synthetic diamonds are sold in department stores and smaller retail stores. While inexpensive and opportune for accessorizing an outfit, faux diamonds of this sort are easily identified. On the other hand, some people choose to purchase high quality replicas. Quality faux stones are more durable. Moreover, their brightness and color is comparable to a real stone. Genuine diamonds are hard, which contributes to their durability. On average, a real diamond rates 10 on the hardness scale. A low quality faux diamond may rate a 5 on the hardness scale. Yet, a quality man made diamond has a rating of 8 or 9, making them a better choice. Naturally, if buying quality man made diamond, you can expect to pay more. Nonetheless, the price is considerably less than what you would pay for a real diamond.

Before 1953, man made diamonds were unheard of. It wasn’t until a group of Swedish engineers and designers produced a machine that was capable of creating diamonds. When General Electric was successful with creating the first man made diamond in 1954, this giant step was withheld from the public. Once information of man made diamonds became known, this prompted other engineers to join the cause. Before long, the process of creating laboratory diamonds had spread across the globe.

Producing a faux diamond includes one of two methods. One approach involves using high pressure and high temperature. To create a man made diamond there must be a pressure of five GPA. Moreover, the temperature must be around 1500 degree Celsius. A second method for producing a faux diamond involves using chemical vapors. This method introduced in 1980 uses carbon plasma. By combining carbon plasma and a mixture of other gases, this creates the appropriate environment for developing a diamond.

http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Man-Made-Diamond--How-Is-A-Diamond-Made/51488
http://www.orleansjewels.com/faq.html?CMP=ILC-apex