Set down in the 1950s, the HPHT process was created to ape the mechanism that undergoes in the lithosphere of the earth. The aforementioned process takes billions of years to occur naturally, but can be achieved in laboratories in a matter of weeks.
Small quantity of diamond seed is placed in a source of carbon, like graphite or diamond powder, where it is subjected to intense pressure and extreme temperatures. Melting of the carbon source is an indicator of the fact that a diamond formation around the diamond seed has finally commenced. The newly synthesized diamond is then placed aside for cooling, until it is ready to be cut, polished and set into its final appearance.
A question that still lurks in the minds of many is, whether HPHT Is better than the naturally mined diamonds. While there are numerous benefits of a natural diamond, we cannot deny that even HPHT has some merits of its own.
- Budget Friendly: If the diamond is indeed an HPHT one, the price will decrease drastically. We can have an HPHT diamond within a price that is 50-70% less than that of an actual diamond. This is one of the reasons behind the rise of popularity of HPHT diamonds.
- Forever Quality: Owing to the fact that diamond is the hardest substance on earth, the value remains the same since the day it is bought. It is an ideal legacy to be shared for generations.
- Cruelty Free: A lesser known fact about diamonds is that the industry is infamous for poor working conditions, child labor and violation of Human Rights. Mining also leads to disruption of local landscapes, habitats and wildlife.