Pure Carbon Lab-Created Diamonds
Diamond Nexus produces a range of pure-carbon lab-created diamonds. These synthetic stones duplicate the chemical properties of earth-mined diamonds as well as the optical and the physical properties. (Diamond Nexus simulants replicate the optical and physical properties of mined diamonds, i.e., how it looks and wears, but not the chemical properties.) Our pure carbon series replicates all three.
Pure carbon synthetic diamonds are not available in white (clear) color. We currently offer them in yellow only. Our pure carbon synthetic diamonds are significantly more expensive than our simulants, and are still distinguishable from an earth-mined diamond with scientific testing, but they offer those with an interest in gemstone chemistry an added dimension.
Our pure carbon lab-created diamonds begin with a tiny seed of natural diamond. In a crystal growth chamber, each seed is bathed in a solution of graphite and a metal-based catalyst at very high temperatures and pressures. Under highly controlled conditions, the small diamond seed begins to grow, molecule by molecule, layer by layer, emulating nature's process. Over the course of several weeks, a pure carbon crystal up to 10 carats can be grown. The crystal, however, has a tinge of color to it at this point and cannot be used as a colorless stone. Natural coloring agents are added in a controlled fashion to produce a brighter, fancier color. Currently, no technology exists to consistently produce white lab-created diamonds at a commercially viable price. We are able to produce them, but it is difficult and the cost is prohibitive.
