Every diamond sold today comes from one of three origins: it formed naturally deep in the earth, it was grown by CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition), or it was grown by HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature). Once cut and polished, all three are diamonds. The differences lie in how they formed, how they are graded and what they cost.

At a glance

  • Natural: formed over one to three billion years under intense heat and pressure, brought to the surface by volcanic activity and mined.
  • HPHT: carbon and a metal catalyst are subjected to about 5–6 GPa of pressure and around 1,400°C, recreating natural conditions in a press. Crystals typically grow in days to weeks.
  • CVD: a diamond seed plate sits in a vacuum chamber of carbon-rich gas. Microwave energy creates a plasma and carbon atoms deposit on the seed, layer by layer, over several weeks.

Do they look different?

No. A well-cut diamond of any origin shows the same brilliance and fire. Appearance depends on the cut, colour and clarity, not on origin. Differences only show up under laboratory instruments:

  • HPHT crystals grow in a cube-octahedral shape and may contain tiny metallic inclusions from the catalyst.
  • CVD crystals grow in flat layers; some stones show subtle growth striations under magnification.
  • Natural diamonds carry mineral inclusions and growth patterns that formed deep in the earth.

None of these are visible to the naked eye in a well-graded stone.

Colour and treatment

Some CVD diamonds receive a post-growth treatment to improve colour, which is a routine and permanent process. A reputable grading report will state it. HPHT stones often come out of the press with good colour, although some can show a faint blue tint from boron. If treatment matters to you, read the "comments" section of the grading report.

Durability

All three score 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. They are equally suited to daily wear in engagement rings and bands.

Price

Laboratory-grown diamonds, CVD or HPHT, cost a fraction of natural diamonds of the same size and grade. Between CVD and HPHT, price depends on the individual stone's 4Cs rather than the method. Our price list shows current wholesale pricing per carat.

Resale and sentiment

Natural diamonds carry the story of geological rarity and have a more established resale market. Laboratory-grown diamonds are best bought for beauty and value on the day, not as an investment.

So which is better, CVD or HPHT?

Neither is better in general. A well-cut CVD stone and a well-cut HPHT stone with the same grades will look the same. Choose the individual diamond: its cut quality, its grading report and how it looks to you.

Our recommendation

  • Want maximum size and sparkle for your budget: choose a well-cut laboratory-grown diamond, CVD or HPHT.
  • Want geological rarity and heritage: choose a natural diamond.

Either way, insist on a grading report and an invoice that names the origin clearly. Questions? Ask our team.