HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) diamonds are a relatively new category of diamonds that are created in a laboratory. Unlike natural diamonds, which are formed over millions of years under the Earth’s mantle, HPHT diamonds are created in a matter of weeks or months in a controlled laboratory environment. In this article, we will explore what HPHT diamonds are, how they are made, and their unique characteristics.
What are HPHT Diamonds?
HPHT diamonds are diamonds that are created using a process called High Pressure High Temperature. This process involves placing a diamond seed in a chamber that is filled with carbon and then subjecting it to extremely high temperatures (up to 2,200 degrees Celsius) and pressures (up to 60,000 atmospheres). This causes the carbon to crystallize around the diamond seed, creating a larger diamond. The resulting diamond is virtually identical to a natural diamond, both in terms of its chemical composition and physical properties.
How are HPHT Diamonds Made?
The process of creating HPHT diamonds involves several steps. The first step is to obtain a diamond seed, which is a small piece of natural diamond. The diamond seed is placed in a chamber that is filled with carbon, which is then subjected to high temperatures and pressures. The carbon crystallizes around the diamond seed, creating a larger diamond. The diamond is then removed from the chamber and cut and polished like a natural diamond.
What are the Characteristics of HPHT Diamonds?
HPHT diamonds are virtually identical to natural diamonds in terms of their chemical composition and physical properties. They have the same hardness, clarity, and brilliance as natural diamonds, and they are graded using the same standards as natural diamonds. However, there are a few characteristics that set HPHT diamonds apart from natural diamonds:
- Colour: HPHT diamonds are often created in a lab with the intention of achieving a specific colour. This means that HPHT diamonds can be created in a wider range of colours than natural diamonds, including blues, yellows, pinks, and greens.
- Clarity: HPHT diamonds can be created with fewer internal flaws than natural diamonds. This is because the high pressure and temperature used in the HPHT process can cause existing flaws to be dissolved, resulting in a diamond with higher clarity.
- Price: HPHT diamonds are often less expensive than natural diamonds, particularly in larger sizes. This is because the cost of producing HPHT diamonds is lower than the cost of mining and processing natural diamonds.
Should You Buy an HPHT Diamond?
If you are considering purchasing an HPHT diamond, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it is important to ensure that the diamond you are purchasing has been properly graded and certified by a reputable organization such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). This will ensure that the diamond meets the same standards as natural diamonds.
Second, it is important to consider the resale value of an HPHT diamond. While HPHT diamonds are virtually identical to natural diamonds in terms of their chemical composition and physical properties, they may not have the same resale value as natural diamonds. This is because natural diamonds are rare and valuable, while HPHT diamonds are more common and less expensive to produce.
Finally, it is important to consider your own personal preferences when choosing a diamond. Some people prefer natural diamonds because of their rarity and the fact that they have been formed over millions of years. Others may prefer HPHT diamonds because of their unique colours and the fact that they are less expensive.
Conclusion
HPHT diamonds are a new category of diamonds that are created in a laboratory using a process called High Pressure High Temperature. They are virtually identical to natural diamonds in terms of their chemical composition and physical properties, but they have a few unique characteristics such as colour.
