EditorsDec 13, 2021
Out & About: Watching De Beers Grow Diamonds in OregonLab-GrownFeb 02, 2022
GIA Examines Largest Known Diamond Grown Using CVD
It is more than 16 carats and G color/VVS2 clarity as grown, which is unusual in CVD diamonds.
This 16.41-carat princess-cut diamond produced using the CVD process measures 13.97 × 13.87 × 9.56 mm. Recently examined and graded by GIA, it is G color and VVS2 clarity. (Photo credit: Towfiq Ahmed)
Carlsbad, Calif.—Scientists at the Gemological Institute of America recently examined what is believed to be the largest diamond grown using the chemical-vapor deposition process, breaking a record set just last year.
The lab said Tuesday that the diamond is a 16.41-carat princess-cut stone grown by Shanghai Zhengshi Technology Co. Ltd.
The diamond had the “observable characteristics” of diamonds grown using the CVD process, including strong graining throughout—common in CVD stones—that gives the diamond a “wavy” appearance, as visible in the video below.
The lab said Tuesday that the diamond is a 16.41-carat princess-cut stone grown by Shanghai Zhengshi Technology Co. Ltd.
The diamond had the “observable characteristics” of diamonds grown using the CVD process, including strong graining throughout—common in CVD stones—that gives the diamond a “wavy” appearance, as visible in the video below.
The 16.41-carat lab-grown diamond is exceptional for another reason in addition to its size.
The diamond is G color and VVS2 clarity. GIA confirmed through detailed spectroscopic readings it was not treated post-growth to improve its color, which is unusual.
GIA Vice President of Research and Development Dr. Wuyi Wang, who examined the diamond, noted, “We have seen very few CVD diamonds of this quality.”
The 16.41-carat stone breaks the previous record for largest CVD diamond—a 14.60-carat emerald-cut stone produced in India and reported on by the International Gemological Institute in August 2021—by nearly two carats.
And it tops the record-holder before that, a 12.75-carat round brilliant lab-grown diamond, by almost four carats.
In article on the 16.41-carat lab-grown diamond authored by Wang and GIA research associates Stephanie Persaud and Elina Myagkay, the authors noted how the technology behind both CVD and high-pressure, high-temperature growth processes for diamonds has advanced significantly in the last two decades.
Wang noted in a GIA news release that he first examined a CVD diamond back in 2003, and it was less than half a carat, pear shaped and brown.
“This 16.41-carat laboratory-grown diamond demonstrates the advances in CVD growth technology. This achievement has important implications for the many scientific and industrial applications for high-quality laboratory-grown diamonds,” he said.
The article is available on the GIA’s website. It also will be published in an upcoming issue of Gems & Gemology, GIA’s quarterly research journal.
Related stories will be right here …
The diamond is G color and VVS2 clarity. GIA confirmed through detailed spectroscopic readings it was not treated post-growth to improve its color, which is unusual.
GIA Vice President of Research and Development Dr. Wuyi Wang, who examined the diamond, noted, “We have seen very few CVD diamonds of this quality.”
The 16.41-carat stone breaks the previous record for largest CVD diamond—a 14.60-carat emerald-cut stone produced in India and reported on by the International Gemological Institute in August 2021—by nearly two carats.
And it tops the record-holder before that, a 12.75-carat round brilliant lab-grown diamond, by almost four carats.
In article on the 16.41-carat lab-grown diamond authored by Wang and GIA research associates Stephanie Persaud and Elina Myagkay, the authors noted how the technology behind both CVD and high-pressure, high-temperature growth processes for diamonds has advanced significantly in the last two decades.
Wang noted in a GIA news release that he first examined a CVD diamond back in 2003, and it was less than half a carat, pear shaped and brown.
“This 16.41-carat laboratory-grown diamond demonstrates the advances in CVD growth technology. This achievement has important implications for the many scientific and industrial applications for high-quality laboratory-grown diamonds,” he said.
The article is available on the GIA’s website. It also will be published in an upcoming issue of Gems & Gemology, GIA’s quarterly research journal.
Another lab-grown diamond record was set recently, this one for a rough stone that was examined by IGI.
The lab said Jan. 20 that it recently analyzed a 150.42-carat blue diamond grown by biotech company Meylor Global using the HPHT method.
It is the heaviest rough lab-grown diamond on record, breaking the previous benchmark of 115 carats, also set by Meylor Global in September 2020.
The record for a faceted and colorless/near-colorless HPHT-grown diamond is 15.32 carats, tested by GIA in 2018.
The 150-carat diamond is gem-quality, IGI and Meylor confirmed, but Meylor hasn’t decided what it will do with the diamond.
IGI also noted that it recently examined another large lab-grown diamond from Meylor, this one a gray diamond weighing 141.58 carats.
Pictured at right is the 150.42-carat lab-grown rough diamond produced by Meylor Global, while the 141.58-carat stone is pictured at right.
Like GIA, IGI noted that the technology used to grow diamonds continues to improve.
“The acceleration of technology in the lab-grown diamond sector is significant,” said John Pollard, IGI’s recently appointed director of education.
“In addition to record-setting weights, they’re type IIb crystals, a semiconducting category associated with diamond-based electronics. At IGI, we’re seeing new benchmarks from the world’s most advanced producers in jewelry applications and beyond.”
More on Lab-Grown
The Latest
MajorsDec 24, 2024
Nordstrom Family, Partner to Take Retailer Private in $6B DealMembers of the founding family have partnered with Mexican retail company El Puerto de Liverpool to acquire Nordstrom.
MajorsDec 24, 2024
Boucheron Bets on Las VegasThe brand has opened its second U.S. location in the Fontainebleau resort and casino.
EditorsDec 24, 2024
The Spectrum Jewels I Want to Find Under the Tree Associate Editor Lauren McLemore highlights pieces from the AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards she’d be thrilled to unwrap on Christmas.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
SourcingDec 24, 2024
Gemfields to Temporarily Suspend Emerald MiningThe move is one of several cost-cutting measures outlined by the company as it faces a weaker luxury market and other challenges.
Weekly QuizDec 19, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsDec 23, 2024
Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey Stars in The 1916 Company’s New CampaignThe retailer’s “On the Clock” campaign celebrates how time, precision, and purpose come together.
EditorsDec 23, 2024
My Favorite Piece of the Week Jewels of 2024Associate Editor Natalie Francisco chose her 12 favorite Piece of the Week picks from the year gone by.
Brought to you by
De Beers Group Launches Holiday Campaign for Natural Diamonds‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.
GradingDec 23, 2024
GIA Adds Filler Identification to Emerald ReportsLab clients have the option to request this addition on their emerald reports.
Events & AwardsDec 20, 2024
Two Participants Complete Inaugural Ella Klein InternshipJamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho are the first graduates of the program, created by the WJA Foundation and Julius Klein Diamonds.
CollectionsDec 20, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Ring for CharityIn the spirit of giving, Retrouvaí will donate $4,000 from the sale of this ring to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
IndependentsDec 19, 2024
Michigan’s DeVries Jewelers Unveils New Location in Time for the HolidaysCo-owner Dan DeVries shared what it’s like moving into a space triple the size of its old store and how it feels to be a “real jeweler” now.
CollectionsDec 19, 2024
State Property Transforms Spain’s Generalife Gardens into JewelryAlong with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.
CrimeDec 19, 2024
Alleged Jewelry Thieves Attempt Rowboat EscapeThe man and woman are accused of stealing jewelry from a shipping container then trying to flee by paddling a small boat out into a bay.
SourcingDec 19, 2024
The Second-Largest Diamond Ever Found Now Has a Name The 2,488-carat diamond recovered from a mine in Botswana has been dubbed “Motswedi” while its 1,094-carat sibling is “Seriti.”
SourcingDec 19, 2024
Gemfields Reports Record Ruby Auction Results Despite Challenges at SourceThe average price per carat hit a record high for the miner, which said it remains unaffected by the conflict in Mozambique.
AuctionsDec 18, 2024
Alexandrite Ring Sells for Record-Setting $1.9M at Sotheby’sThe nearly 17-carat stone made history for the color-change gem that, according to the auction house, is experiencing a “notable surge” in the market.
WatchesDec 18, 2024
Historic Titanic Pocket Watch Winds Its Way Back to Tiffany & Co. More than a century after survivors gifted a Tiffany timepiece to the captain of the ship that rescued them, the jeweler has reclaimed it.
TechnologyDec 18, 2024
Picchiotti Utilizes AI in ‘Spotlight’ Video CampaignThe videos highlight how pieces from the “Xpandable” and “Reversible Xpandable” collections put the wearer in the spotlight.
IndependentsDec 18, 2024
Industry Veteran Steve Feldman Set to RetireFeldman reflected on 45 years in the jewelry industry and clarified that it’s not a total retirement.
Events & AwardsDec 17, 2024
Chanel to Receive Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceThe luxury brand is being honored for excellence in high jewelry design in its “Haute Joaillerie Sport” collection.
SourcingDec 17, 2024
Frank Circelli, Founder of Gem Shopping Network, Dies at 75Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.
AuctionsDec 17, 2024
Blue Diamond Fetches $8.8M at Christie’sThe nearly 6-carat stone headlined the recent jewelry auction, which also featured Mica Ertegun’s jewelry.
CrimeDec 17, 2024
‘Black Bin Crew’ Robbers Get 14-16 Years in Prison The three men, who got their nickname because they’d toss the jewelry they stole into black plastic bins, were arrested back in August.
TrendsDec 16, 2024
Marion Fasel’s New Book Delves Into the History of Engagement Rings“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book containing more than 165 images.
WatchesDec 16, 2024
Take a Look Inside the New Rolex Boutique on Rodeo DriveGearys opened a 6,200-square-foot Rolex store with a design that pays homage to the brand’s connection to the ocean.
GradingDec 16, 2024
GCAL By Sarine Expands 8X to 2 More Fancy Shapes The diamond cut grade is now available for marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds.
